CL2GRE-Greek Religions

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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Ian Rutherford
Email: i.c.rutherford@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module explores the religious practices and beliefs of the ancient Greeks, with particular focus on modes of ritual behaviour.

Aims:

Religion was an integral part of everyday life in the Greek world, permeating all levels of private and public. Religious duties and experience varied depending on one’s social position in the Greek city; factors such as gender, citizenship, class, and wealth determined your role in core Greek rituals such as sacrifice and festivals, and your eligibility for priesthood. This module aims to equip students with an understanding of the role of religion in Greek society by examining a number of areas in which the two areas intersected and how.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
' show knowledge and understanding of important cult sites and types
' examine the ancient evidence available and evaluate its limitations
' think critically about modern theories concerning Greek religion
' marshal relevant materials and articulate arguments effectively in writing

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Topics covered may include:

• religion in the Greek city


• priests and religious authority


• sacrifice


• festivals


• oracles and divination


• sanctuaries and sacred space


• religion at home


• mystery cults

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures and seminars

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	8
Seminars	4
Guided independent study:	88
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One essay of 3,000 words to be submitted by 12 noon on the Friday of the first week of the term that follows the term in which the module is taught.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be encouraged to submit an essay plan in week 5, and to discuss it with the convenor in week 6, to help marshal their ideas in good time and obtain advice and guidance.

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:
Resubmission by 22nd 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