MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS

Arts Undergraduate Handbook 1996

Published by Monash University
Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia

Caution Copyright © Monash University 1996
ISBN 1320-6222

Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996

Greek, Roman and Egyptian studies

Objectives

Knowledge

The overarching aim of the Department of Greek, Roman and Egyptian Studies is to expand students' awareness and knowledge of the history, culture, languages and legacy of key civilisations of the ancient Mediterranean, especially Egypt, Greece and Rome. We have sought to highlight areas which do not feature prominently, if at all, in the curriculum of other Victorian tertiary institutions and are immensely proud of, and committed to, our wide range of Egyptological subjects.

Given the determining influence of the ancient Mediterranean world on Western culture at many levels, all participants in our courses are encouraged and urged to relate their studies within the department to those, historical, literary and philosophical in particular, that they undertake elsewhere in the faculty. The intellectual climate of the present decade features narrow specialism that in combination with the tyranny of distance promotes ignorance of, and alienation from, deep cultural connections and roots. Studies of the ancient world and its riches contribute like few others to broader, more holistic perspectives. Our courses in modern Greek language and culture fall into place in our program overall by exploring their linkage also with the ancient, and intermediate, past.

The department believes that effective teaching involves drawing students into a dialogue about the nature and purpose of their learning and into critical debate about the knowledge they are expected to gain. Through studying the past students are calculated to develop the sense that problems can be examined dispassionately and that the transitory can be distinguished from the permanent. Such realisation will enable them to assess the present more critically and more wisely.

Empowerment

The department aims to furnish students with the investigative, analytic and interpretational methods and techniques appropriate to their area of study. In non-language subjects, students are encouraged to question texts and other evidential material and consider the methods by which 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 that are necessary to complete their undergraduate work requirements. Students are expected to develop skills, all important in the job marketplace, of clear expression, discrimination and accuracy in their written and oral presentations.

Attitude

The department believes and seeks to convey to its students that major advances in academic work are more likely to stem from collaboration rather than competition.

Subjects

There are five primary areas of study: the archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean; classical history and culture; Latin; ancient Greek; and modern Greek. The interchangeability of some subjects between areas is calculated to assist pursuit of a variety of special interests; archaeological, historical, literary, philosophical and linguistic.

Individually and collectively, departmental subjects explore a wide range of analytical approaches and methodologies. Given the applicability of many of these beyond the confines of the department's curriculum and the contribution of the ancient world to European culture at all levels, students working in other areas of the faculty are invited to consider completing sequences, or individual subjects, within one or more of the areas of study listed above. The department is actively and keenly concerned to encourage and promote links with other departments and centres.

Language studies feature 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 these areas, the department would like students to consider including 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 can be undertaken without pre-arrangement in archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean and after consultation with the co-heads of the department in the case of the other four study areas. There is no obstacle to combined honours work in association with other departments.

All intending postgraduate students must discuss their proposed research programs with the departmental co-heads.

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