CL2CGH-Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Timothy Duff
Email: t.e.duff@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Greek History 479-323 BC, from the end of the Persian Wars, through the Peloponnesian War and the fall of Sparta, to the rise of Macedon and the meteoric career of Alexander the Great.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with a knowledge of the main themes in Greek history between the end of the Persian Wars to the death of Alexander the Great. Students will also be equipped to evaluate and use the different kinds of source material from which the history of the Greek world can be studied.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to: - describe the chronological framework of the Greek world in this period; - discuss the main political and military changes which took place in the Greek world in this period; - discuss literary texts, inscriptions and archaeological evidence for the period, and assess the limitations of the different sources of evidence; - utilise and evaluate modern theories and approaches relevant to the history of the Greek world in the period of the module.

Additional outcomes:

The module develops students’ skills in oral communication and team-work, through discussions and presentations in seminars. It also encourages critical thinking in the assessment of ancient and modern texts, and the logical and persuasive construction of arguments. It provides training in key research skills such as locating ancient evidence and modern scholarly works. Students will also develop skills related to examinations.

Outline content:

This module examines the history of Greece in the Classical period (479-323 BC), including the Athenian Empire, Sparta, the development of Athenian democracy, the Peloponnesian War, the ascendancy of Thebes, the rise of Macedonia and the conquests of Alexander. It will also introduce students to the study of ancient sources, especially the works of the historians and inscriptions.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	6
Guided independent study:	174
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One two-hour paper

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students are required to produce ONE piece of assessed coursework for this module: A 2,000 word essay, to be submitted by 12 noon on the first day of the term after which the module is taught (50% of module marks).

Formative assessment methods:

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:

Re-examination in August. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed grade of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted 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: 20 September 2023