090057 VO Area of Ancient Greek Literature (Poetry) (2024W)

The following options are available, depending on the type of exam chosen (oral or written) and on background knowledge of ancient Greek.

[1] Students with knowledge of ancient Greek, oral examination:

Students with knowledge of ancient Greek wishing to sit the oral exam will prepare Iliad Book 1.1–305 in Greek (edition M. L. West; metre reading not compulsory) and will be asked to translate and briefly comment on ca. 10 lines. They will also read J. Burgess, Homer, London 2016, Chs. I–V; and select one or two essays (journal articles or book chapters), totalling about 50 pp., to be chosen from among the references given throughout the course (a ‘Further Reading’ folder will be uploaded on moodle). The choice must be communicated in advance of the exam. Students will be expected to respond critically to questions about the topics of the course and the chosen reading material.

[2] Students without knowledge of ancient Greek, oral examination:

Students without knowledge of ancient Greek wishing to sit the oral exam will have to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the entire Iliad in translation, and a solid knowledge of books 1, 9, 18, 22, 24. They will also read J. Burgess, Homer, London 2016, Chs. I–V; and one or two essays (journal articles or book chapters), totalling about 50 pp., to be chosen from among the references given throughout the course (a ‘Further Reading’ folder will be uploaded on moodle). The choice must be communicated in advance of the exam. Students will be expected to respond critically to questions about the topics of the course and the chosen reading material.

[3] Students with knowledge of ancient Greek, written examination:

The requirement is an essay (in German or English) on a topic of the student’s choice to be agreed with the Lecturer, ideally but not necessarily on one or more topics covered during the course. Students must demonstrate detailed engagement with the Homeric text in the original language, for example through close readings of passages or comments on stylistic aspects, as relevant to the essay’s argument. Moreover, the essay should show a critical engagement with relevant secondary literature, as provided by the reading list and by the lecturer upon agreement on the topic. Essays should be 3,000 words (+/- 10%). For the formal criteria see above ('minimum requirements and assessment criteria').

[4] Students without knowledge of ancient Greek, written examination:

The requirement is an essay (German or English) on a topic of the student’s choice to be agreed with the Lecturer, ideally but not necessarily on one or more topics covered during the course. Students must demonstrate a detailed engagement with the text in translation. Moreover, the essay should show a critical engagement with relevant secondary literature, as provided by the reading list and by the lecturer upon agreement on the topic. Essays should be 3,000 words (+/- 10%). For the formal criteria see above ('minimum requirements and assessment criteria').