AN4437 The Hellenistic World

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be confirmed

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr R M Post

Dr R M Post
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Ruben Post

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will explore the world of the Hellenistic period (323-30 BC), which witnessed the expansion of Graeco-Macedonian states from the Eastern Mediterranean into the Near East, Central Asia, and India and proved to be one of the most vibrant, diverse, and consequential phases of pre-modern Eurasian history. This module will explore some of the foremost political, social, economic, cultural, and environmental developments of the Hellenistic world through the lens of literary, epigraphical, papyrological, archaeological, numismatic, and bioarchaeological evidence. Traditional imperialist and colonialist narratives will be de-centred by presenting the perspectives of non-Graeco-Roman populations such as Egyptians, Jews, Persians, and Indians. In the process, students will become familiar with scholarly approaches including post-colonial theory and globalisation theory.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

AS STATED IN SCHOOL OF CLASSICS UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK

Assessment pattern

100% coursework

Re-assessment

100% examination

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

One 2-hour class (x11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

22

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

278

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Show knowledge of the political, social, economic, cultural, and environmental history of western Eurasia between Greece and India during the Hellenistic period
  • Discuss contemporary approaches to Hellenistic history, including post-colonial theory and globalisation theory
  • Critically analyse the interactions between Graeco-Macedonian and indigenous populations in the Hellenistic world from the perspective of both sides
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how diverse types of evidence (literary, epigraphic, papyrological, archaeological, and environmental) may be integrated into historiography
  • Assess the legacy and reception of aspects of the Hellenistic world in later history