CL2SI-My Mother's Sin and other Stories

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: Dr Dimitra Tzanidaki-Kreps
Email: d.tzanidaki-kreps@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To introduce some major authors and works as well as trends in Modern Greek Poetry and Fiction from the late 19th century to the late 20th century 

To analyse selected poems and novels in connection with both the history, sociocultural context and wider literary developments of their period 

To illustrate attitudes to the ancient past in the work of some selected poets and novelists. 

Aims:

• To introduce some major authors and works as well as trends in Modern Greek Poetry and Fiction from the late 19th century to the late 20th century 


• To analyse selected poems and novels in connection with both the history, sociocultural context and wider literary developments of their period 


• To illustrate attitudes to the ancient past in the work of some selected poets and novelists. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, students are expected to:

• Relate the interpretation of specific poems/novels to the original historical and literary contexts in which these were produced 


• Complement the analysis presented in the lectures with additional information assembled by their own research 


• Analyse in detail selected poems/ passages through written commentaries 


• Discuss the structure and literary artistry of the works studied. 

Additional outcomes:

Students will improve their skills in: 

a) giving oral presentations and taking part in discussion groups b) researching secondary literature.

Outline content:

Since its emergence in 1821 the Modern Greek State has had a dramatic history with rapid political, economic and social change but also an unprecedented output of creative literature of all kinds. This course introduces the work of some of the most important Greek writers since the late 19th century. Greek novelists and poets exploiting Greek language and culture in all their age-long richness as well as being often influenced by other European literary movements have, in these last two centuries, created a national literature which has, through translation, gained its distinct place in a European and global context. The course begins with the collected stories of Vizyinos. A survey of Cavafy's collected poems follows as well as some selected poems from the 1930s generation (Seferis' Mythistorima, Ritsos' Moonlight Sonata, some poems from the large oeuvre of Elytis). 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be taught through a series of 10 2 hour lectures in the autumn term. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Guided independent study:	180
Total hours by term	200
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:

Students are required to write one essay of 3000 words to be submitted on Monday noon of week 1 of the spring term.

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%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission by 1st September. 

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: 4 April 2023