Unit outline_

ANHS3638: Humans and Other Animals in Antiquity

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

What makes us human What (if anything) separates us from other animals This unit explores how ancient thinkers, such as Homer, Herodotus, Plutarch, Aelian and Pliny, have drawn on the category of the animal to define human identities. A particular focus will be on storytelling as a means of thinking the human in new ways. The ancient evidence is read alongside modern interventions into a conversation that started in antiquity but that continues on to this day. It engages with the idea of the human as part of a radically separate order of being defined by reason (logos) and offers both an appreciation and critique of the tradition which uses the human as 'the measure of all things'.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Classics and Ancient History
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points at 2000 level in Ancient History
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Julia Kindt, julia.kindt@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Contribution Engagement and participation
See Canvas for details.
10% Ongoing - AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Written work Research Essay
See Canvas for details.
50% Week 13
Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 20 Jun 2026
2500wd AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Portfolio or journal Reading Journal
See Canvas for details.
40% Weekly 10 x 200wd AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Assessment summary

All students must submit an attempt at the research essay. Failure to do so will result in a fail. 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work of exceptional standard. 

Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in the translation of the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts into English with unfailing precision and accuracy

Shows a profound knowledge and understanding of the content and the cultural and historical background of the prescribed texts

Demonstrates an exceptionally deep understanding and appreciation of the literary qualities and stylistic features of the literature being studied

Shows a complete mastery of grammatical forms and demonstrates a precise understanding of their functions

Presents a precise and accurate translation into English of unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse, perfectly reproducing the meaning and tone of the original.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of a superior standard. 

Demonstrates a superior ability to translate the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts into English in a manner which closely reflects the meaning and tone of the original

Shows extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and the cultural and historical background of the prescribed texts

Demonstrates a thorough understanding and an appreciation of the literary qualities and stylistic features of the literature being studied

Shows a thorough control of grammatical forms and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of their functions

Presents an accurate translation into English of unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse, reflecting the meaning and tone of the original.

Credit

65 - 74

High Credit (70-74%)

Highly competent work, demonstrating clear capacity to complete Honours successfully. 

Demonstrates an ability to translate the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts into English in a manner which reflects the meaning and tone of the original with accuracy

Shows knowledge and understanding of the content and the cultural and historical background of the prescribed texts

Demonstrates a good understanding of the literary qualities and stylistic features of the literature being studied

Recognises all grammatical forms and demonstrates a thorough understanding of their function

Presents a generally accurate translation into English of unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse conveying the overall sense of the original.

Low Credit  (65-69%)

 

Competent work of considerable merit, demonstrating potential to complete Honours work, though further development needed to do so successfully.

Demonstrates an ability to translate the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts into English in a manner which reflects the meaning and tone of the original with accuracy

Shows knowledge and understanding of the content and the cultural and historical background of the prescribed texts

Demonstrates a good understanding of the literary qualities and stylistic features of the literature being studied

Recognises all grammatical forms and demonstrates a thorough understanding of their function

Presents a generally accurate translation into English of unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse conveying the overall sense of the original.

Pass

50 - 64

High Pass (60-64%)

Competent work, though Honours is not recommended.

Demonstrates an ability to translate much of the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts with some accuracy reflecting a basic understanding of the context and intention of the original

Shows a basic understanding of the content of the prescribed texts

Demonstrates some general knowledge of literary forms and an awareness of the stylistic features of the literature being studied

Recognises most grammatical forms and demonstrates a sound understanding of their function

Presents a translation into English of unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse, which shows an understanding of much of the passage being read, but not the passage as a whole.

 

Medium Pass (55-59%)

Work of a satisfactory standard.

Demonstrates the ability to translate parts of the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts

Shows understanding of much of the content of the prescribed texts

Recognises and comments at a basic level on some literary and stylistic features of the literature being studied

Recognises many grammatical forms and demonstrates a basic understanding of their function

Presents a translation into English of unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse which manages to make sense of some contents even if it shows little understanding of the passage as a whole.

 

 

Low Pass (50-54%)

Work of an acceptable standard.

Demonstrates a limited ability to translate parts of the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts

Shows some understanding of the content of the prescribed texts

Demonstrates a partial awareness of literary features of the literature being studied

Recognises some grammatical forms

demonstrates knowledge of a number of words in an unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse and some awareness of their syntactic relations

Fail

0 - 49

 

Fail (Below 50%)

Work not of an acceptable standard.

Demonstrates very limited ability to translate parts of the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts

Shows little or no understanding of the content of the prescribed texts

Demonstrates little awareness of literary features of the literature being studied

Recognises few grammatical forms

Recognises only a few words in unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse and a very limited capacity to identify their syntactic relations

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction: Humans and Other Animals Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 02 Ancient and Modern Human/Animal Relations Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Why Look at Animals (Berger) Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 03 What Makes us Human? An Ancient Conversation That Is Still Going Strong Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Do Animals Have Language? Can They Reason? Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 Should Animals be Included in Considerations of Justice? Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Sentience, Being the the World, And the History of Animal Rights. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 05 The Animal Fable Ancient and Modern Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
What is Anthropomorphism For? Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Public Holiday - no lecture Lecture (1 hr)  
(Make up tutorial) Did the Ancients Keep Pets? How Did they Divide Up the Animal World? Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Gods, Humans, and Animals in Greco-Roman Religion Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
The Greek Gods Between Anthropomorphism and Zoomorphism Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7
Week 08 The Animal and Thinking Human Difference: Gender, Race, Social Status Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Animalising in the Thinking of the Other Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 The Human as the Political Animal Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Honeybee Politics Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Masculinity, Meat-Eating, and Vegetarianism Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
The Ethics and Politics of Meat-Eating Past and Present Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Human Bodies & Animal Bodies Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Why Do We Need Monsters? Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Hybridity, Myth, and Metamorphosis Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 13 Conclusion: Humans and Other Animals Revisited Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
  • Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
  • Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.
  • Late Penalties: In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero may be awarded. 
  • Assessment summary: Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. You are required to submit all assessments for this unit or risk receiving an absent fail.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See the Canvas site and course reader.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Demonstrate a confident and extensive knowledge of the society, culture, and politics of ancient Greece and Rome.
  • LO2. Read, evaluate, and interpret the diverse body of evidence available for the study of the ancient world, such a literature - poetry, epic, drama, oratory, philosophical, religious, and scientific texts - as well as inscriptions, coins, papyri, artworks, and architecture.
  • LO3. Evaluate these different types of evidence individually and in combination with each other, using a range of discipline-appropriate concepts and methodologies in the service of integrated historical and cultural analysis.
  • LO4. Demonstrate the ability to interpret ancient sources, both textual and material ,and an understanding of how they provide insight into the history and culture of the Ancient Greek and Roman worlds.
  • LO5. Examine and solve complex historical problems through research and critical analysis, with the confidence to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • LO6. Demonstrate an understandign of, and appreciation for, difference and diversity.
  • LO7. Apply the theories and methods of other disciplines to their own work, and utilise the skills and knowledge of ancient historians to address issues encountered in an interdisciplinary context.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changed succession of lectures in the beginning of this unit.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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