107-419 Olympic Games to Alexander the Great

Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in Classics or Classical studies and Archaeology

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the main events in the history of Ancient Greece between the 8th century BC and the end of the 4th century BC. The course will focus on the establishment of the Olympic Games and their importance for Greek society, other Panhellenic games and competitions, the rise of the polis as a prerequisite of ancient Greek democracy, Graeco-Persian war, Athens as a political and cultural centre of Classical Greek society, Pericles and Athenian democracy, the concept of 'West' and 'East', the fall of Athenian maritime empire and the rise of Macedonia. During the course, all kinds of evidence will be studied - written, epigraphic, numismatic and archaeological.

• be skilled in research;

• possess advanced skills of critical thinking and analysis;

• possess an ability to communicate knowledge intelligibly, economically and effectively;

• have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.

A seminar paper of 2000 words 40% (due during semester) and an essay of 3000 words 60% (due at the end of the semester).

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester