ARA8129 : Sex, bodies and identities in Classical Greece
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- 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 | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 55 | 1:00 | 55:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 21 | 1:00 | 21:00 | attendance encouraged but not required for all lectures shared with ARA3121 |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 42 | 1:00 | 42:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | in person |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | in person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | in person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | taught jointly with ARA3121 |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | workshop - assessment guidance and peer review |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 46 | 1:00 | 46:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ARA3121 | Sex, bodies and identities in Classical Greece |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures and seminars introduce topics, material and approaches and encourage questioning of the material.
Attendance is required for a minimum of 10 lectures.
The small group seminars encourage oral discussion and debate as well the development of presentation skills. The workshops introduce the students to the Greek collections in the GNM and draw attention
to items of special relevance for the module.
The workshops allow for students to seek guidance for the assignment and peer review assessment plans.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design/Creative proj | 2 | A | 70 | 2500 words excluding bibliography |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 30 | Museum Note - 1000 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Submitted work 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 museum note will develop and assess professional skills with a view to preparing an artefact for publication (1000 words) and the project (2500 words) will enable candidates to display mastery of a complex and specialised area of knowledge and skills and to employ advanced skills to conduct research in an area of their choice connected to Sex, Bodies and Identities in Ancient Greece. 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/
- ARA8129's Timetable