HUMN 2011 Ancient Western Culture: Periclean Athens

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 100244

Coordinator Jennifer Mensch Opens in new window

Description The Athens of Pericles is studied from three perspectives: philosophy, politics, and history. The use of reason and rhetoric is examined through the works of some pre-Socratics, Sophists and Socrates. The focus on philosophy and politics will be placed in the context of the history of the city-state and democratic citizenship.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Studies In Human Society

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Restrictions

Successful completion of 40 credit points in the students�f current enrolled program

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Analyse the culture of Periclean Athens in terms of philosophy, politics and history.
  2. Compare and contrast key sources of the period in philosophy and history; as well as to examine the artistic visual heritage.
  3. Analyse the continuities and discontinuities between 5th century B. C. Athens and modernity.
  4. Analyse the culture of Periclean Athens in terms of philosophy, art and history.
  5. Compare and contrast key sources of the period in philosophy, politics and history.

Subject Content

- The rise of reason and rhetoric as forms of legitimation in public discourse. Philosophical understandings of nature. The Presocratics, particularly Anaxagoras. Sophist tactics and styles of argumentation. Protagoras as The leading example. Truth and virtue in Socratic philosophy.
- The artistic ideals of The Classical Age: harmony and perfection. Developments in architectural style: The Doric. The Acropolis. Sculptural representations of The gods and humans. The Parthenon frieze. The meaning of art in Greek culture. The status of The artist. Phidias, Iktinos and Kallikrates.
- The city-state as An economic, cultural and political entity. The comportment of The body within The polis. Male and female standards. The sexual differentiation of religious ceremonies. public and private. Athenian democracy and The ideals of citizenship. public morality.
The rise of reason and rhetoric as forms of legitimation in public discourse.
Philosophical understandings of nature.
The Presocratics, particularly Anaxagoras.
Sophist tactics and styles of argumentation.
Protagoras as the leading example.
Truth and virtue in Socratic philosophy.
The city-state as an economic, cultural and political entity.
The comportment of the body within the polis.
Public and private.
Athenian democracy and the ideals of citizenship.
Public morality.

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Portfolio 750 x 3 (2250) 60 N Individual
Essay 1500 words 40 N Individual

Teaching Periods

Spring (2023)

Bankstown City

On-site

Subject Contact Jennifer Mensch Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Jennifer Mensch Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window