units

ATS1265

Faculty of Arts

Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2012 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Arts
OfferedClayton First semester 2012 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Dr Evangelina Anagnostou Laoutides

Notes

Previously coded CLA1010

Synopsis

This unit examines the nature of myth through the myths of Greece and Rome. It explores the way in which myths are adapted to reflect particular societies, ages and cultural forms. We will investigate myths of creation, gods, heroes and monsters in Greek and Roman epic and lyric poetry, drama, historical texts, art and even modern cinema. Students will be introduced to a number of Classical literary forms and the major scholarly approaches to the subject of myth. All texts will be studied in translation.

Outcomes

On completion of this subject students will have read all of the prescribed selection of authentic texts in translation and selected secondary texts/readings provided at the end of each seminar. Students will have gained and be able to demonstrate:

  1. A knowledge of the historical and cultural background to the prescribed texts, and a context-based understanding of them.
  2. A general knowledge and understanding of the themes and issues that are generated in the myths studied.
  3. A detailed knowledge and understanding of the evolution of myths in different social and cultural contexts.
  4. An ability to interpret and evaluate the primary sources.
  5. A critical understanding of the nature of myth.
  6. The ability to discriminate between evidence, interpretation, opinion and fact in evaluating secondary sources.

Assessment

Tutorial paper (500 words): 10%
Essay (2000 words): 50%
Exam (2 hours): 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Evangelina Anagnostou-Laoutides

Contact hours

3 hours (2 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Classical studies