Admission requirements
None
Description
This course is a general introduction to classical mythology and philosophy, to the Bible and (the history of) Christianity, and the various ways in which these have influenced or have been used by English-language writers in literary history from the Early Modern period up to the present day. Students are required to study a course book, and read selections from Ovid, Homer, Virgil and the Bible, as well as later literary texts used to exemplify the Nachleben of the classical and Christian legacies in literatures in English
Course objectives
The aim of this course is to provide students with a working knowledge of key elements of the classical and Judaeo-Christian traditions, so that they are able to understand and analyze more fully literary texts and cultural backgrounds which will be dealt with throughout the entire study programme of English Language and Culture.
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Lecture
- Independent reading/study of primary and secondary literature
Course Load
The course load of this course is 140 hours.
hours spent on attending lectures and seminars: 13
time for studying the compulsory literature: 68
time to prepare for the exam: 45
test: 2
Tutoring/opportunity to inspect exam: 2 hours.
Assessment method
There will be a written test (100%) at the end of the course, consisting of:
15 short open questions (40% of final mark)
45 closed questions (multiple choice) (45% of final mark)
2 longer (essay) questions (15% of final mark)
If the final grade is 5 or less students may resit the exam.
Attendance is compulsory. Unauthorized absence will mean that you cannot take part in the relevant exam(s).
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used to provide students with an overview of current affairs, as well as specific information about (components of) the course.
Blackboard will be used in this course to offer sample questions, and to make available the material used during the general lectures
Reading list
Ovid. Metamorphoses (Penguin)
Rivers, Isabel. Classical and Christian Ideas in English Renaissance Poetry (Allen & Unwin)
The Authorized Version of the Bible (The “King James” version of 1611; Oxford World’s Classics)
Reader (print on demand)
Registration
Students cannot register through uSis, but must see the coordinator of studies and register with her. If you have any questions, please contact the departmental office, tel. 071 5272144 or mail: english@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Registration Studeren à la carte
Registration Contractonderwijs
Contact details
English Language and Culture student administration, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 102C. Tel. 071 5272144; english@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Coordinator of studies: Ms T.D. Obbens, MA, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 103C.