Epic poetry
A S McDevitt
8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
Objectives This subject aims, through a study of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, to enable students to develop an appreciation of Greek epic poetry as a vehicle for the exploration of human and moral issues of universal and timeless importance, and to develop also an understanding of the special qualities of epic poetry as a genre, whereby it differs from shorter forms, and in particular those qualities which distinguish oral epic from written epic.
Synopsis This subject consists of a literary study of Greek and Roman epic poetry by means of texts in translation.
Assessment second year Seminar paper (1500 words): 25%
*
Essay (2000 words): 35%
* Examination (3 hours): 40%
Assessment third year Seminar paper (1500 words): 25%
* Essay
(2000 words): 35%
* Examination: (3 hours) 40%
* Third-year level
students will be expected to show a higher level of sophistication in their
approach to the works studied, as well as a greater understanding of the
ancient cultural context of these works, and a wider reading in modern
criticism.
Prescribed texts
Homer Iliad tr. R Lattimore, U Chicago P
Homer Odyssey tr. R Lattimore, U Chicago P
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