GRC30210 Eating and Drinking in Classi

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module examines food and drink production and consumption in ancient Greece and Rome through a combination of archaeological remains, literary sources, iconography, and anthropological theory. From daily bread to pungent fish sauce, food consumption can be linked to wider social issues such as status and identity. These issues will be considered with reference to specific topics including feasting (Greek symposion and Roman convivium), sacrifice, taboos, and funerary meals, while case studies of olive oil, wine, cereals and fish will facilitate an understanding of food production in the ancient world. Tutorials include recreating Roman recipes and identifying spices. A visit to UCD apiary is optional too.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
• understand the contexts of Classical food and drink production and consumption
• critically assess primary archaeological, literary, and iconographic data and modern scholarly interpretations
• recognise how consumption choices are linked to wider social patterns
• discuss contemporary and personal consumption habits and how they differ from those of the Classical past

Indicative Module Content:

Feasting
Sacrifices
Funerary food
Food taboos
Cereals
Wine
Olive oil
Honey
Fish and fish sauce
NB - this list is indicative and some topics may change

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Tutorial

5
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Total

107
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module combines lectures and tutorials. In both settings, students are actively encouraged to contribute to class with reflections on their own experiences of eating and drinking or other comments. Tutorials include some practical aspects, such as recreating a Roman recipe, and an optional visit to UCD apiary complements the session on honey and beekeeping. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Some familiarity with the Classical world may be advantageous but is not strictly necessary.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Recreate a Roman recipe at home and write a reflective piece of c. 2000 words about the experience Week 7 n/a Graded No

50
Essay: An essay of c.2500 words on a comparative topic arising from the module Week 11 n/a Graded No

50

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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Written feedback will be provided to students individually within 20 working days of the assessment submission. Some general feedback will be given for Assessment 1 in class afterwards. Students are welcome to contact the module coordinator with any queries or if further details are required.

John Wilkins and Shaun Hill (2006) Food in the Ancient World. Oxford: Blackwell.

Peter Garnsey (1999) Food and Society in Classical Antiquity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.