Unit name | The Persian Empire |
---|---|
Unit code | CLAS30010 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Knippschild |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
N/A |
Co-requisites |
N/A |
School/department | Department of Classics & Ancient History |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The Graeco-Persian Wars are the beginning of the western tradition of Orientalism, the point of origin of preconceived archetypes describing the East as fundamentally different from and weaker than the West. The aim of this unit is to guide students towards the in-depth study of key events in the history of the Achaemenid Persian Empire and key aspects of its rich and varied culture. Special attention will be placed on understanding the creation of the first truly multi-cultural empire of the ancient world and of the politics behind it, such as the so-called first charter of human rights, the Cyrus Cylinder. We will also study the intercultural communication and the mutual influences between East and West before turning to the culture clash between Persians and Greeks and Herodotus’ Histories, which constitute one of the roots of modern Orientalism. Finally, we will look at the reception of the Persian Empire in art and literature up to the present.
On successful completion of this unit students will have:
10 x 2 hour seminars
One summative coursework essay of 3,000 words (worth 50%), and a 90 minute examination comprising 2 questions out of 8 (worth 50%). Both elements will assess:
(1) students’ knowledge and understanding of the history and culture of the Persian Empire and its impact on modern culture.The coursework essay in particular will offer students the opportunity to demonstrate ILOs (2), (3) and (4).