Module description
Greek Texts VII: Selections from the Iliad (books 1 and 9)
In this Level 6 Greek text module, we will explore Homer’s Iliad in the original by focusing on two books that are pivotal for the poem and its central character, Achilles. Our prescription comprises Iliad 1 and 9. In class, you will be encouraged to participate in translation activities. At this level, we will be tackling longer weekly assignments of text in the original, so we will not be able to cover together the entire week’s assignment in class; we will focus together on passages that are either particularly demanding linguistically or that involve particularly fruitful interpretative and critical debates and issues. At the advanced level, the aim is for you to develop fluency by reading more substantial amounts of ancient Greek text, and to do so more independently—not for us as a class to produce an ‘approved’ single ‘correct’ translation that you then memorise and reproduce in exams. Besides translation and language work, at this level you are also expected to voice your own responses to the poem and your own informed interpretations, which will involve also reading and responding to relevant secondary literature. The examination will test your ability to translate the set text, as well as your knowledge of its context, content, language, and important themes. It is expected that by the beginning of the module you will have read through the Iliad in English, so that you are familiar with the larger poem (recommended translation: R. Lattimore).
Prescribed text:
Suggested introductory reading
This is suggested preparatory introductory reading (to be explored in the summer before the academic year 2026-27) and purchase of these books is not mandatory:
Assessment details
1000 word commentary (30%) and 2 Hour exam (70%). The exam will take place in catch up week (w/c 14 December 2026).
Teaching pattern
10 x 2 hour weekly seminars.