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Study information

Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

BA (Hons) Classical Studies with Study Abroad

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBA (Hons) Classical Studies with Study Abroad Programme codeUFA4CTHCTH02
Study mode(s)Full Time
Part Time
Academic year2023/4
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

The BA (Hons) Classical Studies with Study Abroad offers access to the culture and thought of the ancient world through its literature and artefacts. Many of the texts are taught in translation, but you will also learn one of the classical languages in detail for two years. The programme combines the traditional virtues of rigorous attention to the nuances and subtleties of language with some of the most exciting and innovative approaches to the ancient world available today. Not only will you access the subject from a variety of angles (literary, literary-critical, philosophical, cultural-historical, art-historical), but you will also be encouraged to question the many intellectual and political uses to which the Classical world is put in the modern world.

This programme is studied over four years. The first two years and the final year are university-based, and the third year is spent at a university abroad on an approved programme of study.

Advice and guidance on your programme can be sought from your personal tutor and programme director. All staff offer regular office hours that you can drop into without a prior appointment for this purpose.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The programme will offer you a structured framework of study in which you follow a balanced and complementary range of modules, with sufficient choice to ensure that you are able to follow an individual pathway of learning. The programme further aims to:

  • Provide you with a stimulating and supportive environment that is informed by research.
  • Offer a structured framework of study which ensures that within the timespan of the programme you follow a balanced and complementary range of modules, whilst allowing sufficient choice to ensure that you are able to follow individual pathways of learning.
  • Enable you to develop (at least) familiarity with Ancient Greek or Latin language relevant to an understanding and appreciation of the literature, history and cultures of Greece and Rome.
  • Introduce you to a varied body of literary, cultural, political and philosophical works of Greece and Rome.
  • Promote your understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of Greek and Roman texts and your appreciation of the contribution of individual authors and texts to an understanding of the literary genres of Greek and Roman literature.
  • Foster your understanding of Greek and Roman cultures, with a focus on:
    • their literature and thought;
    • the issues involved in studying other cultures;
    • the similarities and differences between ancient cultures and our own.
  • Provide a range of academic and personal skills which will prepare students from varied educational backgrounds for employment or further study, which will foster mental agility and adaptability, and which will enable you to deploy your knowledge, abilities and skills in their entirety, displaying balance and judgement in a variety of circumstances.
  • Offer you the opportunity to develop your skills and capabilities (including linguistic skills, where appropriate) through the pursuit of study in another University in a different geographical and cultural setting.

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/humanities/studying/undergraduates/modules/

For further information on which level Classical Languages and Texts module you should take, please see our Classics Language Ladder and Studying Ancient Languages guide https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/humanities/studying/subjecthandbooks/classics/.

You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in any stage of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

Stage 1


90-105 credits of compulsory modules, 15-30 credits of optional modules

The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of classics theory, concepts, and texts, plus the opportunity to study Ancient Greek or Latin. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.

Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:

a select either CLA1005 or CLA1006; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year.

b select 30-60 credits of Classical Language and Texts module at the appropriate level from this list. If you select CLA1025 Classical Language and Texts Greek I (A), you must also select CLA1026 Classical Language and Texts Greek I (B); if you select CLA1027 Classical Language and Texts Latin I (A), you must also select CLA1028 Classical Language and Texts Latin I (B)

c select 15-30 credits of Text and Context modules from this list.

d select 15-30 credits of Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) modules from this list.

e select Ancient World: Roman Philosophy (CLA1508/CLA2508) or Ancient World: Greek Philosophy (CLA1507/CLA2507) in either stage 1 or 2; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year. If you do not take one of these modules in stage 1, you must take one in stage 2.

f select 0-30 credits fromthis list of Classics and Ancient History optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
CLA CLA1005-CLA1006 [See note a above]
CLA1005 Greek and Roman Narrative 30 No
CLA1006 Greek and Roman Drama 30 No
CLA S1 BA Classical Language and Texts 2023-4 [See note b above]
CLA1025 Classical Language and Texts Greek I (A) 15 Yes
CLA1202 Classical Language and Texts: Greek II 30 Yes
CLA1204 Classical Language and Texts: Greek III 30 Yes
CLA1252 Classical Language and Texts: Latin II 30 Yes
CLA1254 Classical Language and Texts: Latin III 30 Yes
CLA1026 Classical Language and Texts: Greek I (B) 15 Yes
CLA1027 Classical Language and Texts: Latin I (A) 15 Yes
CLA1028 Classical Language and Texts: Latin I (B) 15 Yes
CLA S1 BA Text and Context 2023-4 [See note c above]
CLA1410 Text and Context: Writing Women in Ancient Literature 15 No
CLA1406 Text and Context: Roman Love Elegy 15 No
CLA S1 BA Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) 2023-4 [See note d above]
CLA1307 Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) Ancient Medicine 15 No
CLA1302 Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Greek Historiography to the End of the Fifth Century BC 15 No
CLA CLA1507-CLA1508 [See note e above]
CLA1507 Ancient World: Greek Philosophy 15 No
CLA1508 Ancient World: Roman Philosophy 15 No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
CLA Y1 BA Classical Studies SH opt 2023-4 [See note f above]
CLA1001 Greek History: Problems and Sources 30 No
CLA1514 Ancient Sources (Material Evidence) - Pompeii: Destruction, Discovery and Afterlife 15 No
CLA1517 Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic Palaces in West Asia 15 No
CLA1307 Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) Ancient Medicine 15 No
CLA1302 Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Greek Historiography to the End of the Fifth Century BC 15 No
CLA1410 Text and Context: Writing Women in Ancient Literature 15 No
CLA1406 Text and Context: Roman Love Elegy 15 No
CLA1507 Ancient World: Greek Philosophy 15 No

Stage 2


90-105 credits of compulsory modules, 15-30 credits of optional modules

In the second year you will advance your grasp of classics knowledge, methods, and texts through a set of compulsory modules. Optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics.

Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:

g select either CLA2005 or CLA2006; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year.

h select 30-60 credits of Classical Language and Texts module at the appropriate level from this list.

i select 15-30 credits of Text and Context modules from this list.

j select 15-30 credits of Ancient Sources (Material Evidence) modules from this list.

select Ancient World: Roman Philosophy (CLA1508/CLA2508) or Ancient World: Greek Philosophy (CLA1507/CLA2507) in either stage 1 or 2; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year. If you do not take one of these modules in stage 1, you must take one in stage 2.

l select 0-30 credits from this list of Classics and Ancient History optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
CLA CLA2005-CLA2006 [See note g above]
CLA2005 Greek and Roman Narrative 30 No
CLA2006 Greek and Roman Drama 30 No
CLA S2 BA Classical Language and Texts [See note h above]
CLA2202 Classical Language and Texts: Greek II 30 Yes
CLA2205 Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV 30 Yes
CLA2252 Classical Language and Texts: Latin II 30 Yes
CLA2254 Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV 30 Yes
CLA3204 Classical Language and Texts: Greek III 30 Yes
CLA3254 Classical Language and Texts: Latin III 30 Yes
CLA S2 BA Text and Context 2023-4 [See note i above]
CLA2406 Text and Context: Roman Love Elegy 15 No
CLA2410 Text and Context: Writing Women in Ancient Literature 15 No
CLA S2 BA Ancient Sources (Material Evidence) 2023-4 [See note j above]
CLA2514 Ancient Sources (Material Evidence) - Pompeii: Destruction, Discovery and Afterlife 15 No
CLA2517 Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic Palaces in West Asia 15 No
CLA CLA2507-CLA2508 [See note k above]
CLA2507 Ancient World: Greek Philosophy 15 No
CLA2508 Ancient World: Roman Philosophy 15 No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
CLA S2 BA CS SH opt 2023-4 [See note l above]
CLA2302 Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Greek Historiography to the End of the Fifth Century BC 15 No
CLA2307 Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) Ancient Medicine 15 No
CLA2514 Ancient Sources (Material Evidence) - Pompeii: Destruction, Discovery and Afterlife 15 No
CLA2517 Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic Palaces in West Asia 15 No
CLA2406 Text and Context: Roman Love Elegy 15 No
CLA2410 Text and Context: Writing Women in Ancient Literature 15 No
CLA2001 Greek History: Problems and Sources 30 No
CLA2507 Ancient World: Greek Philosophy 15 No
HUM HUM2000-HUM2001
HUM2000 Humanities in the Workplace 30 No
HUM2001 Humanities in the Workplace 15 No

Stage 3


120 credits of compulsory modules

For your year abroad you will agree a suite of modules in your host institution with the College Study Abroad Coordinator. Details of individual modules that may be taken whilst abroad can be found by accessing the partner institution’s factfile at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/abroad/where/ and navigating to the “Course Requirements” section of that factfile where a link to the modules on offer in the partner institution is displayed.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HUM3999 Year Abroad 120Yes

Stage 4


120 credits of optional modules

You will have the choice of a range of specialist modules, including the opportunity to take our dissertation module, to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests and providing you with the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree.

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
CLA3009 Dissertation 30No
CLA Final Stage BA Ancient History-Classical Studies CH options 2023-4
CLA3008 The Age of Cicero 30 No
CLA3033 Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds 30 No
CLA3045 Thucydides and the Idea of History 30 No
CLA3056 Ovid and the Erotic Passions 15 No
CLA3059 Classical Language and Texts: Greek V: Imperial Greek Prose 30 No
CLA3113 Art in Greek Society 15 No
CLA3123 Applied Classics 15 No
CLA3124 Receptions of the Classical Body 30 No
CLA3125 Reading and Writing Greek Literature in the Hellenistic World 30 No
CLA3202 Classical Language and Texts: Greek II 30 No
CLA3204 Classical Language and Texts: Greek III 30 No
CLA3205 Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV 30 No
CLA3206 Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV 30 No
CLA3251 Classical Language and Texts: Latin V: Epic 30 No
CLA3252 Classical Language and Texts: Latin II 30 No
CLA3254 Classical Language and Texts: Latin III 30 No
CLA3255 Greek Political Thought 15 No
CLA3257 Living in the Roman World: Society and Culture 30 No
CLA3263 Being and Not-Being in Greek Philosophy: from Parmenides to Aristotle 15 No
CLA3267 Dialogues with the Past: Creative Interpretative Project 15 No
CLA3274 The Persians in a Near Eastern Context 30 No
CLA3275 Women Writing Classics 15 No
CLA3277 Lost Works and Fragments 15 No
CLA3278 Roman Political Thought 15 No
CLA3279 Knowledge, Wealth and Power in the Ancient World 30 No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of major literary works of Greece and Rome, read critically individual works within a specific genre, and demonstrate an awareness of the way texts reflect changes in ancient society and perceptions. (3.2 A1)
2. Demonstrate an awareness of and critical engagement with aspects of Greek and Roman society, religion and philosophy and be able to evaluate the similarities and differences with our own culture (3.2 A2).
3. Analyse in general terms the complex interrelationship between history, literature, philosophy and ideology in the context of one or more ancient societies (3.2 A2).
4. Evaluate, analyse and synthesise a wide range of viewpoints on problems of interpretation and evaluation, and adopt a variety of critical approaches to the subject drawn from different disciplines within the subject area (3.2 A5).
5. Translate Greek or Latin language and solve problems of syntactical and grammatical structure at an appropriate level (3.3 A6)

(Numbers in brackets above refer to the QAA Benchmark Statement for Classics and Ancient History)

ILOs 1-4 form the basis of the programme in all levels. However, more sophisticated analysis and understanding is expected in the final stage. These skills are developed in stages 1 and 2 by means of lectures, discussion in seminars, researching and writing essays, gobbet answers and oral presentations. In the final stage these skills are developed in relation to particular topics and periods through specialised modules and through an optional dissertation. These skills are also reinforced in the final stage by placing greater emphasis on seminars; on oral presentations (often summatively assessed); and essay writing (longer essays are expected in the final stage).

ILO 5 is developed in stages 1 and 2 (in accordance with your level of language attainment on entry). It may be further developed through additional more advanced language modules in the final stage.

The assessment of ILOs 1-5 is made through a combination of examinations (including essays and gobbet passages for comment); term-time essays and, in many final stage modules, the assessment of oral presentations.

Assessment of ILO 5 is made through examination and (in some modules) through continuous assessment tests, both of which assess grammar and translation skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

6. Analyse critically individual texts and combine those analyses to demonstrate understanding of the development of literary genres
7. Select and apply appropriate critical tools when reading primary and secondary literature and ancient literature in translation (3.6 B6).
8. Demonstrate a professional approach to referencing and the use of bibliography (3.7 B12)
9. Synthesise complex and diverse arguments and ideas lucidly and coherently, both orally and in writing (3.6 B9).
10. Engage in creative analytical and evaluative thinking about texts, sources, arguments and interpretations (3.6 B7).
11. Engage in lateral thinking, making connections between ideas and information in different fields of their study (3.6 B8).
12. Gather, memorise, organise and deploy evidence, information and ideas, and show an awareness of the provisional nature of knowledge (3.5 B4).
13. Apply strategies for dealing with foreign languages. (3.9 B16)
14. Reflect critically on the extent and limitations of your learning and understanding (3.5 B2).

These skills are developed throughout the programme by means of lectures, discussion in seminars and study-groups, the preparation and delivery of oral presentations in seminars and the writing of essays. In stages 2 and 3 you are expected to prepare longer and more sophisticated seminar presentations, and, in the final stage, to write longer essays in order further to develop these skills. Also in the final stage seminars are normally 2 hours in length and form the primary teaching and learning medium, with a focus on developing, in the context of their particular subjects, the more complex analytical skills listed opposite.

ILO 13 is developed through regular language classes in stages 1 and 2, which focus on the understanding and manipulation of core grammatical principles and on basic translation. It may be developed further in the final stage in additional language modules in which further grammatical principles and more complex translation is practised.

ILO 14 is developed through feedback on written work (normally delivered one-to-one, as well as in written form in the final stage).

The assessment of ILOs 6-12 is made through a combination of examinations (including essays and gobbet passages for comment); term-time essays and, in many final stage modules, the assessment of oral presentations.

The assessment of ILO 13 is made through examination and (in some modules) continuous assessment tests, both of which assess grammar and translation skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

15. Present an argument orally in a clear, organised and effective manner (3.7 B11).
16. Present an argument in a written form in a clear and organised manner, with appropriate use of correct English (3.6 B9 and 3.7 B12).
17. Work creatively, flexibly and adaptably with others, both peers and academic staff.
18. Demonstrate autonomy, manifested in self-direction and intellectual initiative, both in learning and study and in the management of time (3.5 B1).
19. Participate effectively in oral discussions. (3.6 B9)
20. Write and think under pressure and to meet deadlines (3.5 B13)
21. Make critical and well-informed use of IT resources to acquire and manipulate general and subject-specific information (3.7 B15).
22. Use IT to create clearly presented written assignments and handouts (3.7 B19).
23. Advance linguistic competence independently.
24. Adapt to the culture and working practices of a foreign country.

ILOs 15 and 19-20 are developed through the preparation and delivery of oral presentations in most modules in all levels, and through the oral discussion of challenging material in all modules in the programme.

ILO 17 is developed through participation in study groups with other students in most modules in the programme. It is also developed through meetings with personal tutors, one-to-one tutorials giving feedback on written work and through discussion in seminars.

ILOs 16 and 20 are developed through examinations in all levels and through written assignments in all levels.

ILO 18 is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme but is encouraged through preparation for written and oral assignments, general preparation for seminars and language classes and through the stage 1 reflective learning notebook. Skill 18 may be further developed in the final stage through the optional dissertation module.

ILOs 21-22 are developed through compulsory oral presentations supported by hand-outs and through the requirement that all written work is word-processed.

ILOs 23-24 are developed through the language tuition in stages 1 and 2 and in the year abroad.

ILOs 15, 17 and 19-21 are assessed through the summative assessment of oral presentations in the final stage (10 or 20%). This assessment may also include a formative peer evaluation element.

ILOs 16 and 20 are assessed through examinations and written work in all levels and in all modules.

ILO 22 is assessed through the assessment of written coursework.

ILOs 23-24 are assessed through the language modules at stages 1 and 2 and in the Study Abroad module.

7. Programme Regulations

Programme-specific Progression Rules

To progress to the second and final stages, you must pass the relevant non-condonable Classical Language and Texts modules in Stage 1 and Stage 2 respectively, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the BA Greek and Roman Studies programme.

To progress to Stage 2 you must also achieve an average mark of at least 60% in Stage 1, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the relevant three-year programme. This is to ensure that only those students who are likely to succeed in their Year Abroad are selected.

If you fail the non-condonable Classical Language and Texts module in Stage 1, and fail to achieve an average mark of at least 60% in Stage 1, you will be required to transfer to the three-year BA Greek and Roman Studies programme.

The Year Abroad counts as a single 120-credit module and is not condonable; you must pass this module to graduate with the degree title of BA Classical Studies with Study Abroad. If you fail the Year Abroad module your degree title will be commuted to BA Classical Studies. You will be assessed by your host university during your academic year abroad with their grades converted back to Exeter grades to contribute towards your degree classification. The rules governing failure and referral will be determined by the host institution.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

The marking criteria, which closely reflect the skills outlined in the Programme Outcomes section, and the Department’s expectations with regard to study groups, are available in the Student Handbook, which can be found at: www.intranet.exeter.ac.uk/humanities/studying/taughthandbook/.

In addition to the centrally provided services detailed in section 9, the Department of Classics and Ancient History provides:

  • Team Skills Development Programme
  • Student Handbooks and module guides (available in print and on the department websites)
  • ELE based learning support materials and activities (Hercules)
  • Access to teaching staff – times when staff are available are posted on office doors and contact email addresses provided in student handbooks
  • Student representation at department meetings and College Teaching Committee
  • Student progress review and reporting via reserved agenda items at department meetings

The College complies with the Code of Practice on Study and Work Experience Abroad. The name of the member of staff acting as the programme’s co-ordinator for study abroad is made known to you before you leave Exeter, and this person is responsible for liaison and oversight of your progress during the year abroad. Contact will be maintained with you during your year abroad by regular email communication.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) Classical Studies with Study Abroad

19. UCAS Code

Q802

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits ECTS credits

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Classics and ancient history (including Byzantine Studies and Modern Greek)

23. Dates

Origin Date

01/06/2006

Date of last revision

17/05/2023