107-435 The Epic Cycle and Homeric Hymns

Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in classics or classical studies and archaeology.

This subject focuses on the extant fragments of the Epic Cycle, and the surviving Homeric Hymns. Students will be asked to consider the form, structure and content of these poems, and the part they played in the early literature of the Greek world. The subject explores the relationship of these poems to Homeric epic, and considers the character of the mythical narratives that they describe. On completion of the subject students should have an understanding of the literature dealt with, and its role in the world of archaic Greece.

• be skilled in critical thinking;

• possess effective written communication skills;

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

A seminar paper of 2000 words 40% (due during the semester), and a research essay of 3000 words 60% (due in the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.