CLAS3841: The Hellenistic World

• CLAS1601

• None

• None

• To introduce the major political, economic, social and cultural characteristics and developments of the Hellenistic period.
• To consider the distinctive and unifying features of the Hellenistic world and Hellenistic history, in comparison with other periods of Greek and Roman history.
• To develop a deeper understanding of the societies and cultures of the Hellenistic world.
• To explore and analyse a range of relevant sources, which may include sources in languages other than Greek and Latin, epigraphic and archaeological material and the challenges inherent in interpreting and synthesising them.

• The campaigns of Alexander the Great reconfigured the political structure of the Mediterranean and Near East. During the three centuries from the Macedonian conquest to the supremacy of Rome, individuals and communities from mainland Greece to what is now Afghanistan were for the first time part of the same world, which we call Hellenistic. This module provides an introduction to the political, social and cultural history of this complex and fascinating period. The course combines the study of major political actors and structures, (the major dynasties, Greek cities and other urban communities, rise of Rome) with more in-depth explorations of Hellenistic economic, socio-cultural and intellectual history. Topics studied may include war and diplomacy, religious life, cross-cultural interactions, and artistic developments.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• A basic knowledge of the political, social and cultural developments of the period between the conquests of Alexander and the supremacy of Rome.
• A sound knowledge of the major Hellenistic kingdoms and cities, their main features and the major questions and debates pertaining to each.
• An understanding of key topics in Hellenistic social, cultural and economic history.
• A knowledge of a range of relevant textual and archaeological sources, and the methodological considerations and difficulties involved in evaluating them.
• A critical knowledge of current approaches and debates in Hellenistic historiography.

Subject-specific Skills:

• The ability to analyse and draw conclusions from a broad range of primary sources from the ancient world. Sources studied may include Greek and Latin historical works, inscriptions, relevant documents from Egypt and Babylonia (in translation), and archaeological and artistic material.
• The capacity to evaluate the reliability and utility of ancient sources, to understand the various problems that arise from different types of source, and to deploy sources within an argument in a methodologically sound way.
• The ability to engage critically with modern scholarship on the Hellenistic world, and to use and adapt relevant approaches and methodologies when formulating an argument.

Key Skills:

• The ability to assess a range of different arguments and interpretive approaches, and apply appropriate methodologies.
• The ability to combine close and detailed source criticism with a broader analytical framework.
• The capacity to produce a clear, coherent and well-reasoned argument, both orally and in written form.

• Lectures introduce students to the major sources, topics and debates within Hellenistic history.
• Seminars enable students to discuss ideas in an interactive environment, explore key sources at a deeper level through close reading, and develop their presentation skills. Each seminar will bring together a range of ancient sources and secondary literature for detailed discussion and debate.
• The formative assessment will allow students to gain practice analysing sources.
• Two summatives will develop students research and presentation skills. The presentation (which may be live or recorded) will help students to enhance their ability to communicate complex material effectively to an audience. The long essay will allow students to conduct research into a topic within the module, and to present their argument successfully in written form. .

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.