CL2CGH: Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander

Module code: CL2CGH

Module provider: Classics; School of Humanities

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Professor Emma Aston, email: e.m.m.aston@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 11 November 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module introduces students to Greek History of the Classical age (479-323 BC). It covers the period from the end of the Persian Wars, through the Peloponnesian War and the subsequent collapse of Sparta power, to the rise of Macedon and the meteoric career of Alexander the Great. Students will be introduced to the main events of this period and to the most important political and military developments. Particular focus is given to Athens, its democratic system ands its empire; also to Sparta, Boiotia and Macedonia. Students are introduced to the main sources of this period, especially the Greek historians and inscriptions, and to the main principles in their analysis. By the end of the module, students will not only have an overview of this period but will also have been introduced to the methods and principles central to the study of ancient history more broadly. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. demonstrate knowledge of the chronological framework of the Greek world in this period;  
2. discuss the main political and military changes which took place in the Greek world in this period;  
3. discuss literary texts, inscriptions and archaeological evidence for the period, and assess the limitations of the different sources of evidence;  
4. utilise and evaluate modern theories and approaches relevant to the history of the Greek world in the period of the module. 

Module content

This module examines the history of Greece in the Classical period (479-323 BC), including the Athenian Empire, Sparta, the development of Athenian democracy, the Peloponnesian War, the ascendancy of Thebes, the rise of Macedonia and the conquests of Alexander. It will also introduce students to the study of ancient sources, especially the works of the historians and inscriptions. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be taught in-person or online by a combination of lectures and seminars. 

Study hours

At least 6 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.