All programmes > Greek Literature IIb: Interpretation of Lyric Texts

Greek Literature IIb: Interpretation of Lyric Texts (B-KUL-F0AH7A)

This is a translated version. Original version in Dutch.
4 ECTSDutch26 Second term
Ceulemans Reinhart
This course is taught this academic year, but not next year. This course is taught this academic year, but not next year.
POC Taal- en letterkunde

Aims

This course aims to:

  • offer the students the basic historical and data concerning archaic Greek lyric poetry
  • teach the students the most frequently used forms of lyric metre
  • introduce students to representative pieces of elegy, iambic poetry, monody and choral lyric
  • acquaint students with currents in scholarly interpretation of lyric poetry.
  • enable students to put their newly acquired skills in terms of reading and analysis into practice

When having completed the course, the students will be able to:

  • read and metrically scan archaic Greek lyric poetry in the original language
  • interpret that poetry in a critical way, building on their knowledge of the cultural and historical context and on their acquaintance with scholarly research
  • appreciate the impact of archaic Greek lyric poetry on Latin and modern (esp. English, German and Dutch) literature.

Previous knowledge

Basic knowledge of classical Greek is required, on the level of Linguistics I.

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

4 ects. Greek Literature IIb: Interpretation of Lyric Texts (B-KUL-F0AH7a)

4 ECTSDutchFormat: Lecture26 Second term
Ceulemans Reinhart
POC Taal- en letterkunde

Content

  • introductory section: historical development, the genre question, language-metre-music, transmission
  • reading and analysis of a selection of Greek archaic lyric poetry, with pieces being grouped according to subgenre: elegy - iambic poetry - monody - choral lyric. Each genre and author is introduced. Authors who are read include: Callinus, Tyrtaeus, Mimnermus, Archilochus, Alcaeus, Sappho, Alcman, Pindar
  • one invited class from an expert on an author or topic who/that is not treated in the regular classes; this one class is taught in English [AY 2024-2025: Felix Budelmann (tbc)]

Course material

  • syllabus (CuDi Babylon): general introduction; introduction to each genre and author; info on the analysis of each piece that is read
  • reader (CuDi Babylon): Greek texts; draft translations; secondary literature
  • background material and powerpoint slides (Toledo)

     

     

Format: more information

  • Greek texts from the three main subgenres are read in class; the interpretation is guided by the member of the teaching staff but relies on interaction from the students
  • using the skills acquired in class and the secondary literature introduced in class, each student records the results of their own reading experience, with attention for the Greek text, metre and interpretation; for two of the three subgenres (recited – monodic – choral) the student chooses a text from a list and writes a paper on it; these two papers are gathered in a portfolio, which is presented orally
  • each student will have the opportunity to present part of their reading experience orally

Evaluation

Evaluation: Greek Literature IIb: Interpretation of Lyric Texts (B-KUL-F2AH7a)

Type : Continuous assessment without exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Portfolio
Learning material : None

Explanation


Throughout the semester the student writes two papers (each around 6 pages); every papers treats one lyrical fragment or song chosen from a list; the papers are gathered in a porfolio throughout the semester. The portfolio needs to be submitted in written form and presented orally. In its entirety the assignment is evaluated (20 pts) on the basis of both the written portfolio and the oral presentation.

Information about retaking exams

  • If the student did not submit and present a portfolio in June, they need to do the original assignment in the third examination period. That portfolio of two papers will be evaluated in its entiry (without oral presentation) (20 pts).
  • If the student did submit and present a portfolio in June but requires re-examination during the third examination period, they may choose to either rework the original portfolio or to write one new paper of around 9 pages. In either case the written portfolio/essay will be evaluated (without oral presentation) (20 pts).