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Module

ARA3121 : Sex, bodies and identities in Classical Greece

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Sally Waite
  • Lecturer: Dr Stacy Gillis, Dr Olivia Turner
  • 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

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 StudyAssessment preparation and completion501:0050:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture211:0021:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading491:0049:00N/A
Structured Guided LearningStructured research and reading activities181:0018:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching61:006:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops12:002:00GNM
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops21:002:00GNM handling
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery21:002:00surgery
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study501:0050:00N/A
Total200:00
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 online surgeries allow for students to seek guidance especially about the assignments.

Assessment Methods

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

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay1M501500 words excluding bibliography
Design/Creative proj1A501500 word exhibition
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
Design/Creative proj1Mproposal 500 words
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.

Reading Lists

Timetable