CL3SEN-Seneca:The Consul, The Philosopher, The Tragedian

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Mr Oliver Baldwin
Email: o.a.baldwin@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module explores one of the most intriguing, rich and contradictory figures in ancient Rome: the philosopher, public figure, dramatist and tutor and consul to Nero, Lucius Annaeus Seneca. A broad perspective on Seneca, his works and times will be offered through a set of lectures on his role in the imperial court, his Stoic philosophy, his tragic plays and later reception, with specific and critical attention paid in focused seminars. Through the catalyst of Seneca, students will also be able to explore broader questions regarding Julio-Claudian Rome, ancient philosophy, ancient drama and our own present conception of these issues. 

Aims:

To offer students a critical perspective on Lucius Annaeus Seneca and his works and times, as well as an understanding of broader themes regarding ancient Greco-Roman culture, literature and thought, and their subsequent reception. Students will also be able to closely read and assess works by and on Seneca in Roman antiquity and since.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

• use and assess a variety of evidence and texts in order to better understand the figure and works of Lucius Annaeus Seneca;


• relate the figure and works of Seneca to their broader socio-cultural and political context as well as to subsequent socio-cultural and political debates;


• understand the procedures, complications, perspectives and biases in the study of ancient figures, t exts and cultures.


• relate the evidence and arguments presented in the lectures and seminars to additional information assembled by their own research;


• articulate their arguments effectively and illustrate them with relevant evidence.

Additional outcomes:

The module aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills, through student participation in and presentation of seminars. It also aims to encourage critical and reflexive thinking, through the assessment of ancient and modern texts, and to develop skills in presenting ideas and arguments logically and persuasively.

Outline content:

In order to explore the figure, works and times of Lucius Annaeus Seneca, this module will be divided into four principal blocks, after an introductory lecture: 1. Seneca and Julio-Claudian Rome (4 lectures and 2 seminars); 2. Seneca the thinker (3 lectures and 2 seminars); 3. Seneca the dramatist (3 lectures and 2 seminars) and 4. The intellectual and dramatic reception of Seneca (2 lectures and 2 seminars).  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching will proceed via lectures (12) and seminars (8), taking place in two one-hour sessions per week. Preparatory reading will be mandatory for every session. Focus will move from broader contexts to close reading of texts. Students will be encouraged to actively participate in both lectures and seminars.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	12
Seminars	8
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	50
Wider reading (directed)	50
Advance preparation for classes	30
Essay preparation	40
Reflection	10
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module will be assessed by: (1) One critical commentary on a passage by or on Seneca, chosen by the student.  This assignment will be 2000 words, and is due in by 12 noon on Monday of week 7 of the teaching term (30%); (2) One essay of 3000-3500 words on a topic chosen by the student, due in by 12 noon on the first day of Spring term (70%).

Formative assessment methods:

Regular seminars will provide an opportunity for students to test out and receive feedback upon their ideas and interpretations. Students will also be offered a one to one meeting about their coursework plans in the second half of term.

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:

An overall mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of coursework over the summer.   An individual piece of coursework will be carried forward if it has a grade of 40% or more.

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