CL4605 Classical Bodies

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

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.

Availability restrictions

Student numbers will be capped at ca. 18, in accordance with standard procedures in the School of Classics (the precise cap will vary from year to year, according to student numbers and availability of modules). Places will be allocated by the Honours Adviser in Classics according to School of Classics procedures.

Planned timetable

To be confirmed

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

Module coordinator

Dr A I Petsalis-Diomidis

Dr A I Petsalis-Diomidis
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr A Petsalis-Diomidis

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

Module description

How did the ancient Greeks depict the human body? This module explores the ‘classical canon’, including the most famous works of art in a variety of media (both sculpture and painted ceramics). It also explores lesser-known artefacts such as cheap terracotta figures. It moves beyond idealised depictions, foregrounding the breadth of body types, including those of people marginalized through race, gender, disability, social status and age. A key question we tackle is how these images can be related to the real bodies and lived experience of their creators and viewers. We use a combination of visual and literary evidence primarily from the Classical and Hellenistic periods, and explore how body depictions can be related to broader artistic, cultural and political trends. The influence of ancient Greek depictions of the body on Western art is also addressed.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 2-hour seminar per week (10 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

20

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

Guided independent study hours

275

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the range of depictions of human bodies in ancient Greece.
  • Demonstrate the ability to analyse primary materials (visual and textual) relating to Classical Bodies.
  • Construct complex arguments about the relationship between depictions of human bodies and the broader culture in ancient Greece.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of ancient Greek depictions of the body on Western art and culture.