The overarching aim of the Department of Classics and Archaeology 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. 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.
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.
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.
Honours courses can be undertaken without pre-arrangement in archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean and after consultation with the head 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 head.
Area coordinator: C A Hope
Archaeology is defined in its broadest sense as the reconstruction of past societies in every aspect based upon the study of all surviving data. Consequently, material culture is considered in conjunction with social structure, religious beliefs and cultural philosophy. Where present, documentary evidence is stressed.
The cultures examined include those of Egypt from earliest times to its annexation by Rome, the Hittites, Minoan Crete, Bronze Age and Classical Greece, Etruscan Italy and Rome. Within this broad range there is a focus upon the pre-Classical periods, and the cultures of Egypt, Minoan Crete and Mycenean Greece. Archaeological theory and practice are studied through an analysis of the work of leading archaeologists, excavation reports and the evolution of dating techniques.
Archaeology and anthropology are an ideal combination, and since archaeology plays a major role in the reconstruction of all but the most recent past, it can be a valuable adjunct to a variety of historical and cultural studies.
A first-year sequence in archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean comprises the compulsory subject ARY1010 (Origins of Western civilisation 1: the Bronze Age) and either ARY1020 (Origins of Western civilisation 2: the Mediterranean world from 1000 BCE - 14 CE), or a first-year CHC subject.
A minor sequence comprises a first-year sequence followed by second-year level subjects to the value of sixteen points.
A major sequence comprises a minor sequence which must include both ARY1010 and ARY1020, followed by third-year level subjects to the value of sixteen points, plus eight points of work chosen from either second or third-year level subjects (for students commencing prior to 1996); or followed by third-year level subjects to the value of twenty-four points (for students commencing from 1996 and beyond). Inclusion of ARY3760 in major sequences is compulsory.
Second-year level subjects available for inclusion in minor and major sequences are the following:
Third-year level subjects available for inclusion in major sequences are:
For details of the fourth-year honours course, see below.
The department will be able to provide or contribute supervision in certain areas. Interested students must consult one of the coordinators.
Coordinators: E A Carvalho and C A Hope
Coordinators: E A Carvalho and C A Hope
A first-year sequence in archaeology is a prerequisite for second-year archaeology subjects
Coordinators: E A Carvalho and C A Hope
A minor sequence in archaeology which also includes ARY1020 is a prerequisite for third-year archaeology subjects.
Prerequisites for ARY3930 and ARY3950 are ARY2970 and ARY2990.
Coordinators: E A Carvalho and C A Hope
All fourth-year students are required to complete a dissertation of about 10,000 words (ARY4720) and three other subjects which must include ARY4740 (The methodology of archaeological interpretation).
The attention of prospective honours students is drawn to the fact that much significant work in archaeology is published in languages other than English and that full access to the ancient past requires knowledge of the languages of evidential documents and texts. Before or in the honours year, therefore, it is desirable that students consider elementary study of a modern foreign (German and French are natural choices) or ancient language, preferably Middle Egyptian or Ancient Greek. ARY4810 offers an introduction to Middle Egyptian language. A non-credited reading subject in Ancient Greek can be organised for interested fourth-year students.
Departments may grant an extension of time for submission of the honours thesis or for final coursework up to the last day of the examination period of the semester in which the work is due. Applications for extensions beyond this date must be made to the Committee for Undergraduate Studies.
Area coordinator: S J Bastomsky
How did we come to be what we are? One approach to this profound question is to interrogate the past. Looking backwards we are confronted inevitably and conspicuously with the key formative role of the classical civilisations of Greece and Rome. In them above all we are able to recognise the origins of our political system (democracy is a Greek invention and word), our code of law (Rome's legions alone did not bring order to an empire), our principal literary genres, mathematics, astronomy, physics, philosophy (that is a Greek word too and all western thought has been diagnosed as footnotes to Plato!), and much, much more.
Conscious that there are as many reasons for studying Greek and Roman history and culture as there are potential students, the department has made its classical history and culture subjects as wide-ranging and encompassing as it is able, given the expertise and interests of staff members. Collectively, we believe, they provide an effective introduction to major historical and social developments, literary works, styles and ideas of the classical world, all of which are central in one way or another to the evolution of western culture. Each individual subject is designed to tie in with and complement other areas of study (history, European literatures and philosophy, for example) within the faculty, whose subject matter is permeated by the classical tradition.
A first-year sequence in classical history and culture comprises either CHC1030 and CHC1040, or one of these subjects plus either ARY1010 or ARY1020. If ARY1010 or ARY1020 are included as part of a sequence in classical history and culture, they cannot, naturally, also form part of a sequence in archaeology.
A All mainstream classical history and culture subjects offered by the department at second- and third-year level. These are:
B The following archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean subjects offered by the department:
C The following subjects offered by departments outside the Department of Classics and Archaeology:For details of the fourth-year honours courses, see below. Combined honours courses in classical history and culture and either Ancient Greek, Latin, the archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean or other courses in the faculty are available. Interested students should in the first instance consult the department's honours coordinators.
Coordinator: S J Bastomsky
Coordinator: A C Romano
For other subjects offered inside and outside the Department of Classics and Archaeology which may be taken in a second-year classical culture and history course, see the overview at the head of this entry.
A first-year sequence in classical history and culture or archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean is normally a prerequisite for second-year classical history and culture subjects with the exception of CHC 2830 and CHC2870. CHC2810 is an additional prerequisite for CHC2830. CHC2850 is an additional prerequisite for CHC2870.
Coordinator: A S McDevitt
Many third-year options are also offered at second-year level. In all such cases the third-year subjects have the same basic teaching hours and core syllabus as their second-year counterparts. In the assessment of written work of third-year level subjects, a higher level of sophistication will be required. In particular third-year students will be (i) expected to demonstrate a wider reading, not only of analytical works but also of relevant primary sources closely related to the text or period being studied; (ii) expected to show a higher level of sophistication in their approach to, and their analysis of, the texts and documents studied and (iii) expected to display a greater knowledge and understanding of the ancient world, so as to relate the works studied more closely to their cultural and historical contexts.
For other subjects offered inside and outside the Department of Classics and Archaeology which may be taken in a third-year classical culture and history course, see the overview at the head of this entry.
A minor sequence in classical history and culture as defined in the overview above is a prerequisite for third-year classical history and culture subjects with the exception of CHC 3830 and CHC3870. CHC3810 is an additional prerequisite for CHC3830. CHC3850 is an additional prerequisite for CHC3870.
Coordinator: S J Bastomsky
All fourth-year students are required to complete a dissertation of about 10,000 words (CHC4720) and three other subjects which must include CHC4740 (methodology).
The attention of prospective honours students is drawn to the fact that full access to the classical past requires knowledge of the languages of documents and texts. Before or in honours year, therefore, it is desirable that students should consider elementary study of Ancient Greek or Latin.
It is essential that all intending honours students in classical history and culture discuss their course with the coordinators well in advance of enrolment. Mid-year entry into the course is possible.
Area coordinator: S J Bastomsky
Latin is the gateway to some of the world's greatest and most influential literature and an indispensable tool for students of the history and culture of the classical world, late antiquity, and medieval Europe. All original texts are inevitably diminished and distorted by translation. There is no substitute, ultimately, for direct confrontation.
The department offers sequential first-year beginners subjects in Latin upon which minor and major sequences may be built.
In some circumstances it may be possible to accommodate non-beginners within the department's program. Students with VCE Latin should consult with the departmental head prior to enrolment.
Intending honours and postgraduate students must again consult with the departmental head prior to enrolment.
A first-year sequence in Latin consists of LAT1010 and LAT1020.
For a conspectus of the fourth-year subjects, see below.
Coordinator: S J Bastomsky
Coordinator: A C Romano
Coordinator: A C Romano
Area coordinator: A S McDevitt
Those who can read Ancient Greek have access to a vast wealth of formative literary works in a variety of genres. In addition the language is an indispensable tool for students of the history and culture of the classical world, early Christianity, late antiquity, and the Byzantine empire. All original texts are inevitably diminished and distorted by translation. There is no substitute, ultimately, for direct confrontation.
The department offers sequential first-year beginners subjects in Greek upon which minor and major sequences may be built.
In some circumstances it may be possible to accommodate non-beginners within the department's program. Students with VCE Greek should consult with the departmental head prior to enrolment.
Intending honours and postgraduate students must again consult with the departmental head prior to enrolment.
A first-year sequence in Ancient Greek consists of AGR1010 and AGR1020.
For a conspectus of the fourth-year subjects, see below.
Coordinators: A S McDevitt
Coordinator: A S McDevitt
Coordinator: A S McDevitt
Modern Greek is taught within the Department of Classics and Archaeology by the Modern Greek Section. The section offers a major and minor sequence of subjects for students who have passed VCE Modern Greek or whose knowledge of Greek is at that level. These involve the study of the language in all years and, in first year, the study of modern Greek culture, history and society using original and authentic sources.
A minor sequence in modern Greek comprises MGR1070 and MGR1080 (Modern Greek language and culture A and B) followed by MGR2210 and MGR2220 (Modern Greek language IIA and IIB), and MGR2310 (Twentieth-century Greek literature) or MGR2350 (Nineteenth-century Greek literature).
Students who complete a minor sequence in modern Greek should develop, through regular language work over a period of two years, a mastery of more formal levels of Greek, and become sensitive to the ways in which context influences language usage. They should also develop an understanding of the way in which the Greek language has changed over the last two centuries as a result of the concerted attempt to cleanse the language of `vulgar' elements, and will consequently be better equipped to deal with the multiplicity of linguistic forms that exists in contemporary Greek.
Apart from the study of the language, students will study key issues in modern Greek history and culture (eg the Great Idea, the Asia Minor Castastrophe, the Cyprus Problem, the question of Greek national identity) and a selection of literary texts, which have been chosen not just for their quality but also for the insights they provide into the modern Greek experience.
A major sequence in modern Greek comprises the above minor sequence plus (for students commencing from 1996 and beyond) third-year level subjects to the value of twenty-four points, including MGR3230 (Modern Greek language: katharevousa), MGR3240 (Modern Greek language: translation), and MGR3310 (Twentieth-century Greek literature) or MGR3350 (Nineteenth-century Greek literature); or (for students commencing prior to 1996) third-year level subjects to the value of sixteen points and the second-year level subject MGR2710 (Greek-Australian writing). The additional subjects available to students wishing to major in modern Greek build on the minor sequence by offering advanced language work in the areas of katharevousa and translation, and further literary studies that deepen students' knowledge of the Greek past, both linguistic and cultural. In addition, the study of contemporary Greek and other southern European films dealing with the Second World War and its aftermath is offered, giving students the opportunity to see the recent Greek past in the context of Europe generally and southern Europe in particular. Finally the course on Greek- Australian writing is invaluable for the understanding it gives students of their own particular cultural space.
Students with a major sequence in modern Greek and appropriate grades (see the BA regulations in this handbook) may proceed to single honours in modern Greek or combined honours in modern Greek and another discipline. Interested students should consult with the head of the Modern Greek Section, Pavlos Andronikos. At postgraduate level, an MA by thesis or a PhD in modern Greek are available.
Students wishing to do honours in modern Greek must have completed a major sequence in modern Greek.
Single honours in modern Greek consists of a selection of fourth-year subjects to the value of forty-eight points. The selection must include MGR4380 (Dissertation), and MGR4360 (Ancient Greek).
Students wishing to do combined honours in modern Greek and another discipline should, in consultation with the head of the Modern Greek Section, enrol for a selection of fourth-year subjects to the value of twenty-four points.