ARA3121 : Sex, bodies and identities in Classical Greece
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to School approval at module registration
- Module Leader(s): Dr Sally Waite
- Owning School: History, Classics and Archaeology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module aims to acquaint students with current discussions concerning issues of identity and its embodiment in Greek antiquity through analysis of written, visual and material evidence. It will look at the human body to understand its central role in the construction of different aspects of identity such as gender, sexuality and ethnicity engaging critically with approaches drawn from gender and feminist theory. The focus is on sex, bodies and identities throughout the extended life course, from infancy to the construction of identity after death.
Students have the opportunity to work closely with some objects from the Shefton Collection whilst exploring the module themes. The module will offer students a detailed introduction to major categories of Greek art-historical and archaeological material, demonstrating the ways in which the study of artefacts illuminates broader patterns within Greek society.
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics may include:
The material culture of children
Rites of passage
Dress and the body
The construction of femininity
Masculinity and the body politic
Pornography
Prostitution
Homosexuality
Death and disembodiment
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 21 | 1:00 | 21:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 50 | 1:00 | 50:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 49 | 1:00 | 49:00 | N/A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | workshop - peer review of assignment formative plans |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | GNM |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | GNM handling |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 50 | 1:00 | 50:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ARA8129 | Sex, bodies and identities in Classical Greece |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lecture and seminars introduce topics, material and approaches and encourage questioning of the material.
Lectures impart core knowledge and an outline of knowledge that students are expected to acquire and they facilitate development of listening and note-taking skills.
The small group seminars encourage oral discussion and debate.
The workshops introduce the students to the Greek collections in the GNM and draw attention
to items of special relevance for the module.
The assessment workshops allow for students to seek guidance about the assignments and for peer review.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 50 | 1500 words excluding bibliography |
| Design/Creative proj | 2 | A | 50 | 1500 word exhibition |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Submitted work (essay and creative project) develops key skills in research, reading and writing and assesses intended knowledge and skills outcomes including independent thinking and the ability to critically evaluate the concepts and sources introduced in the module. The project includes a reflective element ensuring students demonstrate their planning process and rationale for their choices.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ARA3121's Timetable