Prospectus

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Seminar Greek: The Greek Anthology: Form, Function and Followings of an Important Collection of Greek Poetry

Course
2014-2015

Admission requirements

This course is open to MA and research MA students in Classics and Ancient Civilizations (specialization Classics). Admission requirements for other students: a BA degree in Classics obtained from a university in the Netherlands, or a comparable qualification obtained from a university outside the Netherlands. Moreover, students with an international degree have to contact the coordinator of studies to check admissibility.

Description

The Greek Anthology is an important collection of Greek epigrams. Originating around the so-called Garland of Meleager, the collection continued to expand throughout later Antiquity until it found its most extensive form in the redaction by Constantine Cephalas, preserved in the 10th century Heidelberg manuscript (Palatine library).

In this class, we will discuss the form and functions of a selection of poems from the most important sections of the Anthology. Following that, we will study a number of emulations of the poems in Renaissance and Early Modern France. Finally, we will study the Greek Anthology as a source of inspiration for literary hoaxes or forgeries, most notably the Chansons de Bilitis by Pierre Louÿs.

Course objectives

Knowledge: – Knowledge of the poems of the Greek Anthology and its impact on modern western (French) poetry.

Skills: – Training in the analysis of short Greek and modern poetical texts. – Training in academic research – Training in the oral and written presentation of the results of academic research.

Timetable

Please consult the timetable on the Classics and Ancient Civilizations website. [http://www.hum.leiden.edu/classics-and-ancient-civilizations/timetables-classics-and-ancient-civilizations/time-schedules.html]

Mode of instruction

Seminar

Course Load

Total course load: 280 hours (10 ec):

  • Classes: 28 hours – Reading primary texts in preparation for classes and exam: 84 hours – Preparation of oral presentation: 84 hours – Paper: 84 hours

Assessment method

  • Attendance of classes and participation in discussions: 10%

  • Written examination with short questions: 20%

  • Oral presentation: 30%

  • Paper: 40%

The final grade for the course is established by determining the weighted average.

If the overall mark is unsatisfactory, either the written examination or the paper can be repeated (depending on the marks for the individual parts) after consultation with the teacher. The two other partial marks (presentation and participation) will still count.

Blackboard

Yes, Blackboard will be used for the distribution of some of the primary texts as well as handouts etcetera.

Reading list

The primary texts will be made accessible in Blackboard and/or on a reading shelf in the university library; the most important scholarly literature will also be made available on this reading shelf.

Registration

Students are required to register for this course via uSis, the course registration system of Leiden University. General information about uSis is available in English and Dutch.

Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs

Registration Studeren à la carte
Registration Contractonderwijs

Contact

Dr. A.M. Rademaker

Remarks

The course will be taught in Dutch or English, depending on the first language of participating students.