HIS4213 – Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses: historical approaches

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

The Greeks and the Romans had many gods and goddesses. These deities were omnipresent, and they played important roles in all aspects of human life. This course will explore how we should understand them, looking at different ancient sources, including mythological stories, temples, cults and votive gifts. We will also examine how modern scholars have looked at ancient gods and goddesses, sometimes in terms of functions or modes of actions, or as complex personae. Finally, we will consider how the multi-faceted quality of these deities has allowed ancient gods to survive antiquity and thrive in medieval and modern art, literature, and films.

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.

The course is available to students admitted to Historie (master).

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.

To take this course students should have a basic understanding of the historian’s craft, which includes the ability to find and read research relevant historiographical literature and to identify and analyse primary sources.

A good ability to read and understand English is required.

Teaching

The course is taught in seminars, where the students are expected to be active participants. Students are expected to prepare the seminar readings for discussion and to contribute orally to the course.

Compulsory assignments:

There will be various activities in the seminars throughout the semester. Specific information on the activities will be given in Canvas.

Examination

The course is assessed by a term paper. Your paper must not exceed 5000 words, footnotes included. Attachments and/or bibliography are not included in the word count.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

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.

Resit an examination

A term paper or equivalent that is passed may not be resubmitted in revised form.

If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline, this will be counted as an examination attempt.

More about examinations at UiO

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

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Nov. 6, 2026 3:20:17 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching
Offered on an irregular basis
Examination
Spring and autumn
Teaching language
English

Contact

Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History