Objectives
This course focuses on Greek and Latin Literature in its cultural context. It examines different ways of reading and using literary texts across a wide range of authors, genres and periods, combined with opportunities for in-depth specialisation in a particular area. As well as learning about a range of methodologies and approaches, you will also be encouraged to explore responses to Latin and Greek literature in later cultures (from Neo-Latin epic). You will begin or continue an ancient language as necessary to bring your language skills up to an appropriate level for studying Classical texts in the original. This course is suitable if you have a first degree in Classics, Classical Studies, Latin, Greek or related areas (such as English, Modern Languages), but also if you have not yet studied a classical language. This MA will be a fulfilling experience for those interested in the literature of the classical past as well as excellent training for anyone considering doctoral research.
Course description
Key facts
• Nottingham’s vibrant Classics department has special strengths in Greek drama; Greek economic, social, institutional and intellectual history; Roman republican history; late Antiquity; Latin epic and prose literature; and ancient art and visual culture.
• The Department is a founding member of the Classical Reception Studies Network and is the home of the Centre for Ancient Drama and its Reception (CADRE).
• The Department of Classics has a strong reputation in both teaching and research. It achieved the maximum possible teaching quality rating (24/24) in 2000, and a grade of 4 in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise, since when it has greatly expanded and broadened its research activity.
Course Content
Through core modules in Researching the Ancient World and Thinking with Texts you will be given a strong foundation in the skills and techniques necessary for effective research in this field.
These modules engage with a wide range of genres and approaches.
In addition, you will have the option to study a thematic literary module, which explores in-depth one specific theme in ancient literature, for example:
• Vision, Power and Gender in Greek and Roman Literature
• The Gaze in Ancient Literature
• Telling Tales: Ancient Narrative
• Mythologies
• Fathers and Sons
Finally, you will undertake a dissertation on your chosen specialism and either begin or continue with study of an ancient language.
This is a highly flexible course, which can be tailored to reflect your personal interests.
Course Structure
This course can be taken over one-year full-time (September to September) or over two years, part-time.
You would normally be expected to study the Department’s core MA module, Researching the Ancient World, as well as the core literary module, Thinking with Texts.
In addition, you will take Advanced, Intermediate or Beginners` language, depending on your level of previous language study;
You will undertake a research-based literary MA module, as well as a 10-15,000-word dissertation, which completes the MA.
Where appropriate, you could substitute other MA modules in the Department of Classics such as: Ancient art and its reception, Topics in the study of Greek Drama, Studies in Ancient History A/B or Greek Drama and its reception, or MA modules run by other departments in the University of Nottingham such as Writing visual culture (Art History).
Assessment on this course is by one or more pieces of coursework, except for language modules, plus the dissertation.
