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GRC20230

Academic Year 2020/2021

Heracles the Hero (GRC20230)

Subject:
Greek & Roman Civilization
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Classics
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Helen Dixon
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The Greek hero Heracles (or Hercules, as the Romans called him) was one of the oldest and most powerful semi-divine figures in ancient myth. This module explores how his childhood, twelve labours, madness, deification, and relationships with family and women are represented in ancient texts and art. We will also examine Heracles' place in ancient Greek and Roman life by examining his hero-cult, places of worship, and the development of his roles as a Stoic hero, a patron of Roman emperors, and hero of virtue in the Christian world.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module students should be able to:
* demonstrate knowledge of the different representations of Heracles in the ancient sources;
* evaluate critically the sources for Heracles within relevant literary, historical and cultural contexts;
* analyse responses to the portrayal of Heracles in ancient texts, art, and places of worship;
* recognise specific aspects of the sources for Heracles;
* explain ideas clearly in writing.

These learning outcomes will be tested in the coursework project and the essay.

Indicative Module Content:

Topics include:
The twelve canonical labours (selected ancient sources)
Minor exploits (selected ancient sources)
Family
Heracles on Greek vases
Heracles in history
Heracles in poetry and ancient drama
Heracles at Rome
Heracles, hero or god?
Heracles in Renaissance frescoes
This list is indicative and subject to change.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12

Tutorial

5

Specified Learning Activities

41

Autonomous Student Learning

42

Total

100


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and recommended reading.

The lectures will examine key aspects of the representation of Heracles from early Greece until late Antiquity by considering a range of primary ancient sources and critical methodology. The lectures and the recommended reading will thus provide the framework for students' execution of both assignments.

In the first three tutorials we will work in groups to produce mini-presentations on aspects of Heracles' representation in ancient art and literature (i.e. the first assignment worth 40%). Guidance will be given by the instructors on how to do the individual work and group work for the mini-presentations. The last two tutorials will provide support for the final essay (the second assignment worth 60%).

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

There is no required prior learning for this module, but students will find a general knowledge of Greek and Roman history and culture useful.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Essay: 2,000 word essay commenting on 3 primary sources for the representation of Heracles in ancient literature and art. Week 12 n/a Graded No

50

No
Project: You will work in groups in tutorials to present an aspect of Heracles in the ancient world or his representation in later times. Grades will be awarded for individual contribution and group work. Week 7 n/a Graded No

30

No
Class Test: Online quiz (mainly MCQ-style with some short answers in your own words) on a range of material and topics covered over the course of the module. Week 9 n/a Graded No

20

No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Presentation work will be assessed by tutors during weeks 2-7; grades and feedback for this component will be sent individually to students by the module coordinator. Students will receive individual written feedback on their essay within 20 working days from the date of submission. Final grades will be sent individually to students by the module coordinator. Students are welcome to arrange a meeting with the module coordinator to discuss their grades and feedback.