University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 5

This module examines the nature of society in Greece in the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods, with a particular focus on non-élite social groups. These include men of lower social classes, young men and adolescents, free foreigners residing in Greek poleis, slaves and other unfree groups, women, and children. The main themes will be the economy, women, the law, religion, and identity. The module will study the evidence for Archaic social customs and values and the emergence of the Classical attitudes and norms. The transformations of the Hellenistic period will also be examined. Although Athens provides the most extensive information the module will look at evidence from a range of sites to provide a more nuanced picture of Greek social history and to help avoid Athenocentrism. The module draws on a range of historical, literary, epigraphical, archaeological, and iconographic sources.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify the principal social structures of Ancient Greek society.
  2. Evaluate information from different types of evidence.
  3. Discuss the factors that can lead to construction of different forms of group identity.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "The Greeks. A Portrait of Self and Others" by P. Cartledge
    Publisher: OUP
  2. "Ancient Greek Civilization" by D. Sansone
    Publisher: Blackwell
  3. "A Companion to the Hellenistic World" by A. Erskine (ed.)
    Publisher: Blackwell
The above information outlines module CC2106: "Ancient Greek Society" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.