Unit outline_

GRKA3008: Greek Comedy

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Of the vast production of ancient Greek comic drama only a few plays of two poets survive nearly intact. Aristophanes and Menander each represent a distinct style and phase of comic production in antiquity and became the opposed prototypes for virulent political satire or subtle comedies of manners for all subsequent ages of European drama and literature. In this unit we will read one or more plays by Aristophanes and Menander to examine their distinctive language, form and dramaturgical style.

Unit details and rules

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

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Robert Cowan, bob.cowan@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam
? 
hurdle task
Final exam
2 hours / 2,000 word-equivalent. Translation, scansion and commentary questions on set text.
40% Formal exam period 2 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO5
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test In-person written task 1
125 word-equivalent unseen translation
2.5% Week 03
Due date: 19 Aug 2025 at 13:00
30 minute test AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO6
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test In-person written task 2
125 word-equivalent unseen translation
2.5% Week 06
Due date: 09 Sep 2025 at 13:00
30 minute test AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO6
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test In-person written task 3
125 word-equivalent unseen translation
2.5% Week 09
Due date: 07 Oct 2025 at 13:00
30 minute test AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO6
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test In-person written task 4
125 word-equivalent unseen translation
2.5% Week 12
Due date: 28 Oct 2025 at 13:00
30 minute test AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO6
Written work Essay
Essay on Lysistrata.
40% Week 13
Due date: 06 Nov 2025 at 23:59
2000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO1 LO4 LO5
Contribution Ongoing participation
Prepared and scholarly participation in class throughout semester.
10% Weekly - AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

  •  Written work (essay): Students are to devise their own topic or question. Students are to read ahead to the end of Lysistrata (in translation at least) and should not limit their essay to topics covered in the early parts of the play. Students may discussed the topic with the lecturer and must submit an abstract with an indicative bibliogrphy via Canvas prior to submission. 
  • Written exam (final exam): The final exam will be a two-hour invigilated exam in the formal exam period. Students will be required to translate one passage (no choice) from Lysistrata, comment on two passages (from a choice of three) from Lysistrata, and scan five iambic trimeters from Lysistrata.
  • In-class translations: There will be four in-class unseen translations of passages from Greek comedy.
  • Contribution (participation): discussion in class of the text and the focus topics.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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 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

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

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 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
Multiple weeks Translation and student-led discussion of the set text, Aristophanes Lysistrata. Detailed schedule available on Canvas. NB One two-hour session lost to Labor Day. Seminar (23 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Focus sessions on aspects of Greek comedy Seminar (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
In-class test: unseen translation Seminar (4 hr) LO6
Week 01 Introductory lectures on Old Comedy, Aristophanes, and Lysistrata Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Revision Seminar (1 hr)  

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.

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the “Reading List”, available on Canvas.

  • The set text is Aristophanes Lysistrata.
  • The set edition is Wilson, N.G. ed. (2007) Aristophanis Fabulae, Vol. 2: Lysistrata; Thesmophoriazusae; Ranae; Ecclesiazusae; Plutus. Oxford Classical Texts (Oxford) available online via Oxford Scholarly Editions Online.

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. Critically analyse Greek comedy, paying close attention to authors’ use of language to construct meaning
  • LO2. Describe the features of Greek comedy.
  • LO3. Competently employ the terminology and theory used in the academic study of Greek comedy.
  • LO4. Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which Greek comedy reflects the cultural and political concerns of Greek society.
  • LO5. Construct evidence-based arguments about Greek comedy and its interpretation.
  • LO6. Translate Greek comedy into English.

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.

Small adjustments to the unit in the light of student feedback.

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organization. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organizing reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

Disclaimer

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

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.