GRE4302 – Greek Epic Poetry

Course content

Epic poetry is one of the most important and fascinating literary genres in ancient Greek literature, and has had a profound effect on later reception of Greek and the Greeks. During this course we read archaic, epic poetry (Homer, Hesiod and/or Homeric hymns) and some later hexameter poetry. In addition you will be expected to read supplementary literature for orientation and/or in-depth-study of literary, historical, linguistic and/or cultural aspects of the texts. It is also possible to make arrangements to read more later epic poetry.

Learning outcome

• translate, understand, interpret and discuss texts from Greek epic poetry of all periods
• know, understand and analyze the formal characteristics of Greek epic poetry, such as poetic/formulaic language/vocabulay and metrics, in depth
• have a profound insight into the history and development of Greek epic poetry
• understand and discuss critical reading on Greek epic poetry, and use commentaries
• critically review relevant secondary literature

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

Minimum 60 ECTS in Ancient Greek.

Teaching

10 double sessions of seminars common with GRE2401 – Greek Epic Poetry.

We expect you to participate actively in the seminars through:

• weekly preparations of Greek text passages (translations)
• occasional critical reading (secondary literature)
• regular oral contribution; participation in class discussions, reading out loud

In order for you to be allowed to submit the final essay, the following compulsory tuition activities must be approved by the teacher:

• draft of the seminar paper (approx. 1 page, 2300 characters pr. page). You submit your draft in Canvas.
• regular attendance. You must attend minimum 7 of the 10 seminars (in case of digital teaching you must attend the seminars in Zoom)

Examination

Seminar paper (12-15 pages of 2300 characters each; list of references not included) on a topic chosen autonomously within Greek epic.

When you write a seminar paper, you are entitled to receive individual tutoring. The obligatory draft of the seminar paper forms the basis for this tutoring. An exact deadline for handing in the draft will be given by the teacher during the seminar.

Language of examination

You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. If you would prefer to have the exam text in English, you may apply to the course administrators.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.