Objectives
Knowledge
The Department of Greek, Roman and Egyptian Studies seeks to provide a spectrum of undergraduate courses in the languages, history, culture and cultural influence of the principal civilisations of the ancient Mediterranean world. It concentrates upon areas which do not feature prominently, or at all, in the curriculum of other Victorian tertiary institutions. Egyptology is one example of such an area. Given the determining influence of the ancient world on European/Western culture as a whole, the department endeavours to engage students in interdisciplinary modes of thinking, especially those concerned with historical studies, literature and critical theory.
The department aims to expand students' knowledge of significant ancient civilisations. The three broad curricular areas (archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean world; ancient history; and classical civilisation) are complemented by the department's language courses in Ancient Greek and Latin. Each of the three curricula areas and the two languages can be studied or in different combinations.
The department acknowledges that teaching involves engaging students in a dialogue about the nature and purpose of their learning and in critical debate about the knowledge they are expected to gain. Through studying the past, students are expected to develop the sense that problems can be examined dispassionately and that the transitory can be distinguished from the permanent. This knowledge should enable them to examine the present more critically.
Capability
The department aims to furnish students with the investigative, analytic and interpretational methods and techniques appropriate to their area of study. In non-language units, students are encouraged to question texts and other evidential material and demonstrate the methods by answers may be sought. Particular attention is paid to different methodologies, and why their assumptions, approaches and preoccupations have changed over time.
In seeking to equip students with a sound methodological perspective, the department aims to ensure that they acquire the practical skills (for example using library resources on CD-ROM and elsewhere) that are necessary to complete their undergraduate work requirements. Students are expected to develop skills of clear expression, discrimination and accuracy in their written and oral presentations.
Attitude
The department believes that major advances in academic work are more likely to stem from collaboration rather than competition.
Courses
The Department of Greek, Roman and Egyptian Studies is concerned with the society and culture of the major ancient Mediterranean civilisations, in particular Egypt, Greece and Rome. It also deals with modern Greek culture and explores its linkage at all levels with the ancient and intermediate past.
Six broad, primary areas of study are represented: the archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean, ancient history, classical civilisation, Latin, ancient Greek, and modern Greek. The breadth of content within each area and interchangeability of some units between areas are calculated to assist pursuit of a wide variety of special interests: archaeological, historical, artistic, literary, philosophical, political, religious, and linguistic.
To increase further the range of student choice the department offers sequences in Greek studies, which permit the combination of appropriate units from four of the primary areas.
Various courses in the department explore a range of analytical approaches and methodologies, making them particularly useful for students working in other parts of the faculty. English, history, Romance languages, philosophy, sociology, visual arts, comparative literature and cultural studies, women's studies and European studies are areas to which the department's courses have particular relationships. The department is actively concerned to encourage and promote links with other departments and centres.
Language studies feature conspicuously in their own right within the department's curriculum. They also have an important functional role. Advanced work in archaeology, ancient history and classical civilisation becomes increasingly difficult in the absence of a realistic reading knowledge of the languages in which ancient texts are written. While there are no compulsory language requirements for a minor or major sequence in either area, the department invites students to include at least one semester of language studies in their course. Prospective honours students should pay close attention to the remarks concerning language acquisition in subject entries below.
It cannot be emphasised too strongly that honours and postgraduate studies are key features of the department's activities. Honours courses and research programs can be undertaken in any of the six primary areas or in a combination of two or more. There is no obstacle to combined honours and postgraduate work in association with other departments.