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Unit of study_

GRKA3007: Later Greek Poetry

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The Hellenistic period was a time of great literary innovation and refinement coupled with intense experimentation and intertextual dialogue with the authors and masterworks of the Classical past. In this unit we will advance the study of Greek literary language and form through the close study of selections from the epic, elegiac, and melic poetry of the post-Classical period.

Unit details and rules

Unit code GRKA3007
Academic unit Classics and Ancient History
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points at 2000 level in Ancient Greek
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator James Collins II, james.collins@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Tamara Neal, t.neal@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Supervised final exam
2hr exam
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Presentation Presentation (F2F/Zoom)
Presentation (via Zoom)
10% Ongoing 20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Online task Participation & Engagement
in-class activity
10% Ongoing duration of semester
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO8 LO6
Assignment Essay
Essay
40% Week 12 2000wd
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9

Assessment summary

Exam – one compulsory translation passage; three commentaries from a choice of five

Essay – topics will be posted on Canvas site or students may devise their own topic

Presentation – one presentation (given online) researching and leading discussion of a set portion of text

Assessment criteria

For GRKA and LATN units

 

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

 

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

 

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,.

 

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

 

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 most of the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts with reasonable accuracy reflecting a general understanding of the context and intention of the original
  • shows a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the content and the cultural and historical background of the prescribed texts
  • demonstrates a reasonably sound knowledge of literary forms and an awareness of the stylistic features of the literature being studied
  • recognises grammatical forms and demonstrates a good understanding of their function
  • presents a translation into English of unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse, which reveals an understanding of their main ideas

 

 

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

 

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

 

High Distinction (85%+)

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

For more information see guide to grades.

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 Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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 2023 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 2023. 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 to Hellenistic poetry and its cultural and historical context; Callimachus Aetia prologue fr. 1 (Hopkinson I) Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 02 Apollonius of Rhodes Argonautica 1.536-58 (Hopkinson XV); Apollonius of Rhodes Argonautica 1.1153-71 (Hopkinson XVI); Apollonius of Rhodes Argonautica 3.744-791 (Hopkinson XVII) Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 03 Apollonius of Rhodes Argonautica 3.791-824 (Hopkinson XVII); Apollonius of Rhodes Argonautica 4.1629-88 (Hopkinson XVIII) Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 04 Cleanthes Hymn to Zeus (Hopkinson V); Aratus Phaenomena 1-18 (Hopkinson VI); Aratus Phaenomena 96-136 (Hopkinson VII); Nicander Theriaca 334-58 (Hopkinson VIII) Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 05 Theocritus Idyll 11 (Hopkinson IX); Theocritus Idyll 2.1-42 (Hopkinson X.574-610) Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 06 Theocritus Idyll 2.28 [post 42]-166 (Hopkinson 611-738) Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 07 Herondas Mimiamb 1 (Hopkinson XXIV); Machon Philoxenus the Glutton (Hopkinson XXV) Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 08 Callimachus Acontius and Cydippe (Hopkinson II); Callimachus Hymn to the Bath of Pallas part 1 (Hopkinson III) Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 09 Callimachus Hymn to the Bath of Pallas part 2 (Hopkinson III) Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 10 Callimachus Hymn to Zeus (Hopkinson IV) Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 11 Phanocles The Death of Orpheus (Hopkinson XIV); Moschus Europa part 1 (Hopkinson XIX) Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 12 Moschus Europa part 2 (Hopkinson XIX) Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 13 Epigrams (Hopkinson XXVI selection); Revision Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7

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

The set text is Hopkinson, Neil ed. (1988) A Hellenistic Anthology (Cambridge). Students should acquire a copy of this as soon as possible.

Additional resources will be made available via the Canvas site.

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. Advanced knowledge of the Greek language, its structure, vocabulary, and modes of expression.
  • LO2. Advanced knowledge of the history and influence of the literature of Greece, including an understanding of genre and of interpretative work ranging from traditional criticism to contemporary approaches
  • LO3. Advanced knowledge of the culture, religion, ideas and history of the Greek leading to a critical understanding of one of the bases of Western culture.
  • LO4. Sharpened analytical skills in investigating the ways texts use language to construct meaning and assert imaginative power, communication skills fostered by the writing of critical analyses and by discussion in class where one must clearly express and account for one’s own view and objectively judge the views of others.
  • LO5. Practice at skills in working as part of a team, sharing information and exchanging approaches in ways which promote realistic self-evaluation, critical judgement, tolerance and skills in creative listening.
  • LO6. Practice at skills in ordering and inter-relating a large body of facts and differing opinions within a limited space.
  • LO7. An advanced understanding of cultural difference.
  • LO8. Practice at skills in time-management, in prioritising and in working to definite goals and dead-lines.
  • LO9. Practice at skills in the use of IT for the accessing of information and generating one’s own material.

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.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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