Introduction to Classics

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None

Content of Course

This course introduces students to the history and literature of classical Greece and Rome. Using a wide variety of primary sources (in translation), written and physical, the course explores the key features of political, social and cultural landscape in these influential classical civilisations. 

 The course begins by introducing students to more accessible texts, such as the work of Ovid, to establish an understanding of key themes before moving on to more complex texts and ideas, for example the work of Sophocles. This progression through sources allows students to develop their own analytical understanding, drawing comparisons and contrasts between texts.  

Students will explore physical evidence such as historic building remains, to give deeper context to written sources, to assess the cultural and historical context of ancient Greece and Rome, and to consider the enduring legacy of these ancient civilisations.

The course will introduce Classics and the idea of ancient worlds, along with discussing their relevance to our present-day culture and society. Students will explore classical texts, beginning with more accessible works as a lens for important classical themes: for example, Ovid’s Metamorphoses introduces the idea of ‘myth’, and Sophocles Oedipus the King is a Greek tragedy, with an enduring influence, as well as psychological and political significance. The course considers the intersection between classical works, such as Aristotle’s and others’ responses to Sophocles and tragedy. Alongside these mythical works, the course considers the development in classical writing of a rational understanding of the past: historical and ethnographic work, such as Herodotus. Students will also explore the epic tradition, with the work of Virgil, and the Greek comedy of Aristophanes.

Teaching method(s)

Students will be introduced to well-known classical works from Greece and Rome, focusing on extracts to develop close-text analysis. Textual analysis will be supported by informal lectures, illustrated with examples of the cultural legacy of buildings and objects from Greece and Rome. Students will receive formative verbal feedback in class on their individual contributions and class discussions. 

Learning outcomes

Sources

Core Readings

Web Sources

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.