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Female Voices in Greek and Latin Literature

Key information

  • Module code:

    5AACTL26

  • Level:

    5

  • Semester:

      Spring

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

The modules offered in each academic year are subject to change in line with staff availability and student demand: there is no guarantee every module will run. Module descriptions and information may vary between years.

From Homer to late antique authors, Greek and Latin literary texts were composed primarily by men, addressed largely to male audiences and concerned with the nature and prerogatives of masculinity. “Woman” intrudes into this textual corpus as an “other” voice and a different, often unsettling and provocative, subject position. This module will not be concerned with the historical circumstances of women's real lives in the ancient world. It will focus instead on the ways in which male authors have appropriated female “speech” in their own literary constructions. It will take a methodologically sophisticated look at famous female literary figures (from victims of male callousness to masculinised fiends) and will explore some of the instances where the “female” is granted a voice in our male literary corpus: lamentation, double-speak and treachery, the language of the passions, the sound of silence.

Assessment details

Assessment: 1 x 2500 word essay (100%)

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

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