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CLAS240 The Classical World in the Movies

A study of the mythology, history, warfare, literature, art, archaeology and culture of ancient Greece and Rome in ancient literary and artistic evidence, and as depicted in movies and on television.

Since the advent of motion-picture technology, filmmaking has drawn upon Classical history and recreated Classical myth to entertain modern audiences. Adapting to a new medium invariably involves changes to the original sources, though some changes result from the decision to focus upon different themes or characters, reflecting modern tastes and revealing our own cultural concerns. This paper examines the use of the original Classical material in modern cinema and television, from the 'sword-and-sandals' films of the 1950s to the digitally enhanced Hollywood blockbusters of the 2000s.

Paper title The Classical World in the Movies
Paper code CLAS240
Subject Classical Studies
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Not offered in 2023 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) $955.05
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.

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Prerequisite
(18 CLAS, GREK or LATN points) or 54 points
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Notes
Students who have not passed the normal prerequisite may be admitted with approval from the Head of Department.
Contact
classics@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff
Lecturer: Dr John Garthwaite
Teaching Arrangements
Three 50-minute lectures, one film screening and one tutorial per week
Internal assesment 40%
Textbooks
Accessed online via eReserve
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes
Learning Outcomes
In-depth knowledge of aspects of the Classical world and their interpretation in modern media

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Timetable

Not offered in 2023

Location
Dunedin
Teaching method
This paper is taught On Campus
Learning management system
Blackboard