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Innovations of Antiquity

Key information

  • Module code:

    5AACTL96

  • Level:

    5

  • Semester:

      Autumn

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

Topic: The Ancient World in the Movies

This course is structured as a series of case studies of films about the Classics, with an emphasis on their cinematic techniques, predominant motifs, and reception by both public and academic audiences. Each week, students will analyse clips relating to a different strand of 'Antiquity in the Movies' ranging from silent films to blockbuster television series so as to identify the depiction patterns which they employ to bring the ancient world to life. The course will also yield overarching patterns which hold true across different types of media products relating to antiquity and therefore demonstrate key characteristics of cinematic reception more generally. In addition, participants will question what their own responses to Classics-themed films indicate about contemporary sociocultural matrices and explore how viewers from different backgrounds might derive conflicting interpretations from a single movie. In the process, they will familiarize themselves with up-to-date theories and techniques especially those used in reception studies as well as film and literary criticism as well as navigate, reconcile, and contribute to the current scholarly debate on antiquity-themed media products.

Assessment details

2500 word essay (100%)

Teaching pattern

10 x 1 hour lecture and 10 x 1 hour seminar (weekly)

Subject areas

Department


Module description disclaimer

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Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.