Module Catalogue 2024/25

CAC2063 : Approaches to Greek Mythology (Inactive)

CAC2063 : Approaches to Greek Mythology (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Chiara Blanco
  • Teaching Assistant: Miss Elly Polignano
  • 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 1 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 at introducing the students to the study of Greek mythology. The primary focus will be on myths preserved in literature, but we will also look at visual representations related to the stories we will be examining. In our discussions we will incorporate modern theoretical approaches to the study of myth, and we will also consider Greek myth in its Near Eastern and Indo-European context.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module may address topics such as the following:
(i) Cosmogony and Theogony;
(ii) the Olympian Gods;
(iii) Heroes and Monsters;
(iv) Myth interpretation in antiquity and modern times;
(v) Reception/Impact of Greek myth in Rome and beyond.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students who complete this module should have acquired knowledge of:
1. A detailed knowledge of several important Greek myths.
2. The interpretation of Myth.
3. The importance of myth in Greek religion and society.
4. Possible parallels between Near Eastern and Greek myths.
5. The plasticity of myth, esp. as it is adapted by different authors, in different periods, or different media.
6. The impact of Greek myth in modern culture and society.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students who complete this module should have enhanced:
1. their skills in analysing texts with regard to a) details of the text, b) overall issues
of interpretation and c) the relationship between a and b
2. their adaptability in applying these skills to issues other than those discussed in class
3. their skills in offering a clear presentation of their views and analyses in written form
4. their skills in offering a clear presentation and views in oral form
5. their capacity for independent study

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture231:0023:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion801:0080:00N/A
Structured Guided LearningStructured research and reading activities231:0023:00Engagement with additional readings (from module reading list)
Structured Guided LearningStructured research and reading activities181:0018:002hrs preparation/seminar
Structured Guided LearningStructured research and reading activities461:0046:002hrs preparation/lecture
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching91:009:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery11:001:00N/A
Total200:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
CAC3063Approaches to Greek Mythology
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures impart core knowledge and an outline of knowledge that students are expected to acquire and they stimulate development of listening and note-taking skills.

Specifically, a basic lecture format is the most efficient method of expounding this material, which is both quite considerable and (often) quite difficult and/or alien to modern perspectives and sensibilities. All lectures allow time for questions and (some) discussion.

Seminars provide students with an opportunity to participate in discussion and thus to improve their oral communication skills. Seminar topics will be keyed to the first assessment component (Research Project).

The drop-in session at the end of the semester will give students an additional opportunity to ask questions on the material discussed throughout the module as they prepare towards the final assessment.

All sessions will be held in-person, unless covid-related guidance prevents us from doing so. In that case, class meetings will be held as synchronous on-line sessions via zoom.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination1201A60Inspera digital exam
Exam Pairings
Module Code Module Title Semester Comment
Approaches to Greek Mythology1N/A
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay1M40Research Project: 2,000 words
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Written exercise1MReflective writing on a piece of secondary literature or project outline; 250-300 words.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam tests:
(i) the acquisition of a clear general knowledge of the subject that can be deployed without recourse to handbooks or other printed or on-line resources;
(ii) the ability to think and analyse a problem quickly, to select from and to apply both the general knowledge and detailed knowledge of aspects of the subject to new questions;
(iii) students' problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to work unaided and to write effectively and concisely.

In addition to the exam, there is one written assignment (essay/research project) in this module. Topics may include the discussion of early modern or modern allusions to Greek myth or the discussion of a theoretical question related to Greek mythology. Through this essay, students will demonstrate their knowledge of primary and secondary literature as well as of theoretical approaches in exploring myth and their written communication skills.

The formative assessment is intended to hone students' skills in engaging with secondary literature and/or provide feedback on their research project plan ahead of the first component of the assessment (research project).

All Erasmus students at Newcastle University are expected to do the same assessment as students registered for a degree unless they have compelling reasons not to do so. If this is the case, they are offered the alternative of writing one 3,000 word essay to be handed in by 12.00 p.m. of the Friday of the first week of the assessment period. This will replace all assessment work required of other students on the module.

In order to take up this option, students need to discuss it with the Study Abroad Co-ordinator and their module leader, having checked with their home university that the new assessment will be accepted by them. The Study Abroad Co-ordinator will have the final say on such issues.

Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students spending semester 1 only are required to finish their assessment while in Newcastle. This will require the provision of an alternative assessment before the end of teaching week 12. The alternative form of assessment for all semester 1 non-EU study abroad students will be two 1,500 word essays in addition to the other coursework assessment. The essays should be set so as to assure full coverage of the course content.

Study-abroad, exchange proper and Loyola students spending the whole academic year or semester 2 are required to complete the standard assessment as set out in the MOF under all circumstances.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.