CL2GSC-Greek Sculpture

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Amy Smith
Email: a.c.smith@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module provides an overview of ancient sculpture in the Greek world from its beginnings to the end of the Hellenistic period (around 1000-31 BC), considering how, why, where and when these media developed during this period.

Aims:

• To introduce students to the range of Greek sculpture including its uses


• To give students the experience of identifying, analysing and interpreting Greek sculpture, whether or not fragmentary.


• To develop students’ confidence in developing their own perspectives and viewpoints.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students will be expected to:

• recognize, describe and date a range of Greek sculpture


• analyse the social and historical context of objects


• distinguish particular problems encountered with fragmentary, lost, or unprovenanced works, and understand and evaluate the methods used to overcome them


• interpret and analyse primary and secondary sources critically


• develop art histori cal interpretive skills of observation and analysis


• express their own perspectives and opinions based upon a solid understanding of any problems and arguments

Additional outcomes:
This module also encourages the development of oral communication skills and students£ effectiveness working in groups, through presentations, and participation in class meetings. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources including bibliographies.

Outline content:
The sculptures that decorated private and public spaces in the ancient world are among the most enduring legacies of ancient civilizations. This course will treat the range of sculpture produced in the Greek world from the Dark Ages to the end of the Hellenistic period. It will follow a chronological format, beginning with the earliest sculpture and its precedents and trace its ongoing development. It will examine sculpture in the round as well as relief. Primary attention will be given to the v ariety of purposes this sculpture served in ancient cities. These art works will be examined from the viewpoints of the ancient craftsmen as well as consumers. How does their form material and iconography reflect their function? How did ancient viewers regard this sculpture, and what was its importance in their daily lives? Where and when did certain images have prominence and why? Technique and style is also assessed, with attention given to the "development" of sculptural style through distinc t historical periods, and the ways in which modern scholars and connoisseurs have established stylistic criteria. Attention will also be given to ancient literary sources and their value for interpreting these images.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will be taught primarily by lectures, in all of which there will be ample opportunity for discussion, and a museum visit.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	8
External visits	2
Guided independent study:	90
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Report	30
Oral assessment and presentation	10
Practical skills assessment	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. An essay proposal (no more than 1,000 words) due in at 12 noon on Friday week 3 of term (10%).


2. A brief oral report on a museum object, to be given on the day of the visit to the museum (10%).


3. A written report (no more than 1,000 words) on the same object as for the oral report, due in at 12 noon on Friday week 8 of term (30%).


4. One essay of about 3,000 words on the topic proposed in (1) above and approved by the convenor, due in by 12 noon on the first Tuesday of the term subsequent to the teaching term (50%)

Formative assessment methods:
Feedback given on the oral report will help students revise ideas for the written report and feedback given on the essay proposal will help in the preparation of the final essay.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission in August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 29 July 2021