Art and Archaeology of Classical Greece - 20 credits (HS2389)
Staff: Ruth Westgate, James Whitley
This module is concerned with the art and archaeology of Classical Greece (479–323 BC). It focuses on the Classical Greek city-states, especially Athens and Attica, and assesses critically the evidence for religious, civic and domestic architecture, burial practices, sculpture, painting, and the relationship between the city and its countryside, with special reference to Athens and Attica.
Optional for: all Archaeology and Ancient History degrees
Availability: autumn and spring semesters in alternate years
Teaching: 20 lectures, 3 seminars and a museum trip
Assessment: one essay (50%) and one 2-hour examination (50%)
Syllabus content
- the development of monumental architecture, sculpture and vase-painting in the Classical period
- developments in town-planning and domestic architecture, and their relationship to social and political ideologies, such as democracy and gender
- public space and collective activities in the Classical city
- sanctuaries and religious practices in Classical Greece
- burial and society
- landscape, agriculture and the economy
Aims
- To acquire an understanding of the material remains from Classical Greece, including sanctuaries, cities and the countryside
- To acquire a critical awareness of the art and archaeology of Classical Greece and the debates that surround the interpretation of these remains.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, the student will demonstrate:
- a knowledge of the archaeological evidence of Classical date from excavations and from surveys.
- an understanding and appreciation of the art of the period.
- a knowledge of the literary sources relevant to monuments and works of art.
- an understanding of the various debates that surround the interpretation of the art and archaeology of Classical Greece.
- an ability to evaluate the relevance of various kinds of archaeological and artistic evidence with reference to these debates.
- an appreciation of the kinds of problems encountered when trying to interpret archaeological evidence and ancient art.
- an ability to discuss these issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.
Preliminary reading
R. Osborne, Archaic and Classical Greek Art (1998)
R. Osborne, Classical Landscape with Figures (1987)
J. J. Pollitt, Art and Experience in Classical Greece (1972)
J. Whitley, The Archaeology of Ancient Greece (2001)
Related modules
Prerequisite modules: HS2102 Archaeology of the Greek and Roman World or HS3101 Introduction to Ancient Greek History
Other modules to consider taking in conjunction with this one:
HS2386 Art and Archaeology of Archaic Greece
HS3314 Expansion and Conflict in the Greek Poleis
HS3315 Kingdoms, Cities and Hellenization