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HC1501: KEY WORKS FOR EUROPEAN CIVILISATION (2017-2018)

Last modified: 25 May 2018 11:16


Course Overview

This course offers an introductory survey of foundational works of European culture. Lectures will introduce students to the content, occasion, and influence of texts of exemplary historical importance and contemporary interest. The texts surveyed may vary each year, but will be suggestive of the thematic and formal range of classical thought. Students normally may expect to read selections of classical literary, historical, and philosophical works from such figures as Homer, Virgil, Polybius, Josephus, Plato, and Aristotle. Special attention will be paid to the reception of these figures and their works have informed the western intellectual tradition.  Download Course Guide

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 1
Session Second Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Old Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Sam Newington

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Either Programme Level 1 or Programme Level 2

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Course Aims

This course offers an introduction to some of the foundational texts of the European cultural tradition. Its aims to foster knowledge of and critical appreciation for the intellectual legacy of antiquity; to encourage reflection upon the distinctiveness and contingency of modern western culture; and to promote a level of cultural literacy amongst first-year undergraduate students.

Main Learning Outcomes

Students completing the course should gain an enhanced sense of the underpinnings of European culture; an awareness of the range of classical thought as it comes to expression in some especially formative texts; and an appreciation of the complexity and dynamism of the western intellectual tradition. Students will be also gain a broad familiarity with several styles of academic engagement with classical texts (e.g., literary, philosophical, historical, theological).

Course Content

This course offers an introductory survey of foundational works of European culture. Lectures will introduce students to the content, occasion, and influence of texts of exemplary historical importance and contemporary interest. The texts surveyed may vary each year, but will be suggestive of the thematic and formal range of classical thought. Students normally may expect to read selections of classical literary, historical, and philosophical works from such figures as Homer, Virgil, Polybius, Josephus, Plato, and Aristotle. Special attention will be paid to the reception of these figures and their works have informed the western intellectual tradition.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt:

2 essays each 1500 words (equal weighting)


Resit:

2 hour examination (100%)

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Feedback

Students receive individual, written feedback on their written coursework within two weeks of submission. Oral feedback on all work is available on request.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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