CL3MT-Modern Tragedy

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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Barbara Goff
Email: b.e.goff@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

From the middle of the twentieth century, writers and practitioners have turned to Greek tragedy both to reinterpret the ancient texts and to use them as springboards for investigations into contemporary society’s pressing issues.  In this module we shall read modern rewritings that deploy ancient tragedy to discuss war, colonialism, feminism, and queer identities.  The module will also provide an introduction to ‘classical reception’ as a whole.

Aims:

• To read critically modern texts that work with ancient tragedies


• To develop a grasp of scholarship on classical reception


• To write on selected texts both in an academic context and for varied audiences


• To develop skills of discussion, including of challenging topics

Assessable learning outcomes:

• To read critically and comment on modern rewritings on ancient tragedy


• To research and use appropriately pertinent secondary literature 


• To communicate some significant elements of the modern rewritings to varied audiences

Additional outcomes:

• Students will develop skills in respectful and considerate discussion


• Students will develop skills in reflection

Outline content:

After an introduction to the topic, class sessions will be devoted to discussion of, and occasional lectures on, relevant plays.  Students may be required to give unassessed group presentations.

Global context:

The module may include plays from a variety of cultures including Ireland, Spain, USA, Nigeria and South Africa. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures; seminar discussion; presentations; skills sessions on writing.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	3
Seminars	15
Practicals classes and workshops	2
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	50
Wider reading (directed)	50
Preparation for seminars	60
Essay preparation	15
Reflection	5
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:

• One comparative commentary, on two texts, with appropriate secondary literature, 50%; due in week 7 of autumn term.  1000-1500 words


• One choice of EITHER creative response to one or more texts, OR discussion of one or more texts for a general or school audience.  Students may write or create in other ways, e.g. videos, podcasts.  50%; due in week 4 of spring term.  Guidance of 2000 words for the discussion.  Either assignment will be accompanied by a short reflective paragraph on the process.

Formative assessment methods:

Class discussion will include informal feedback on students’ contributions.  Students will have the opportunity of a one-to-one meeting about their coursework.

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:

Coursework will be resubmitted in August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: £30

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023