GRE2401 – Greek Epic Poetry
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
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 (e.g. Homer, Hesiod, Homeric hymns) and some later hexameter poetry (600-750 verses in total). 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.
Learning outcome
Having completed this course:
- you are able to translate, understand, interpret and discuss texts from Greek epic poetry.
- you will know, be able to understand and analyze the formal characteristics of Greek epic poetry, such as poetic/formulaic language/vocabulary and metrics.
- you will have a general overview of the history and development of Greek epic poetry.
- you are able to identify the literary devices in the course texts.
- you can understand and discuss critical reading on Greek epic poetry, and use commentaries.
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.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
- GRE1001 – Innf?ring i gresk I or GRE4001 – Innf?ring i gresk I for masterstudenter
- GRE1002 – Innf?ring i gresk II or GRE4002 – Innf?ring i gresk II for masterstudenter
Recommended previous knowledge
At least 40 ECTS credits in ancient Greek. We recommend that you have completed all text courses on the 1000-level before you sign up for text courses on the 2000-level. We expect you to have knowledge equivalent to GRE1403 – Homer (discontinued).
Teaching
In spring 2024 the teaching is common with GRE4320 – Greek Poetry II.
The teaching is given as seminars thoughout the semester (14 double sessions).
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 sit for the final examination,?the following compulsory tuition activities must be approved by the teacher:
- oral test
- regular attendance in the seminars. You must attend minimum 10 of the 14 seminars
Approved tuition activities are valid also for the next two semesters in which the course is offered.
Examination
Seminar paper, 8-10 pages of 2300 characters each (without spaces; title page and reference list not included) on a topic chosen autonomously within Greek epic.
When you write a seminar paper, you are entitled to receive individual tutoring. However, this requires that you submit a draft to your teacher.?Information on tutoring and submission of the draft will be provided by the teacher during the semester.
In order for you to qualify for the final examination, all compulsory tuition activities must be approved by the teacher.
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.