History of Ancient Religion and Political Thought
Code: 100325Credits: 6
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Archaeology | OP | 4 |
| History | OP | 4 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- José María Carrasco López
- Email :
- josemaria.carrasco@uab.cat
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
No specific previous requirement is needed. However, it is recommended to have some knowledge about general History and, especially, about Ancient History and Classic Culture.
Objectives
The course will focus on the analysis of religious and thought processes, as well as belief systems generated in the Middle Eastern, Egyptian, Greek and Roman worlds. In addition to addressing the elements inherent in cultic practices, religious institutions, and ideas about the afterlife, the divine realm, and the destiny, among others, of Middle Eastern states, as well as of Greeks and Romans, we will also analyze the creation of processes of logical knowledge based on scientific observation, and also other currents of thought (philosophical, geographical, ...), as well as the impact that this knowledge had in the ancient world, dealing with specific case studies.
At the end of the course, the student must achieve a basic knowledge of the main cultural structures related to religion and knowledge of both the Middle Eastern and Greco-Roman world, as well as be able to analyze, process and interpret both primary and secondary sources, demonstrating a first assimilation of the basic principles of historical research methodology.
Learning outcomes
- Carrying out oral presentations using appropriate academic vocabulary and style.
- Identifying the specific methods of History and its relationship with the analysis of particular facts.
- Identifying the context of the historical processes.
- Identifying the characteristic methods of Archaeology and its relationship with the historical analysis.
- Using the specific interpretational and technical vocabulary of the discipline.
- Applying both knowledge and analytical skills to the resolution of problems related to their area of study.
- Autonomously searching, selecting and processing information both from structured sources (databases, bibliographies, specialized magazines) and from across the network.
- Using suitable terminology when drawing up an academic text.
- Submitting works in accordance with both individual and small group demands and personal styles.
- Identifying main and supporting ideas and expressing them with linguistic correctness.
- Mastering the diachronic structure of the past.
- Relating elements and factors involved in the development of historical processes.
- Organising and planning the search of historical information.
- Knowing the main historiographical debates concerning the Middle Ages.
- Critically assessing the models explaining the ancient times.
- Autonomously searching, selecting and processing information both from structured sources (databases, bibliographies, specialized magazines) and from across the network. Expertly making use of the possibilities of Internet.
- Carrying out oral presentations using an appropriate academic vocabulary and style.
- Identifying the specific methods of archaeology and their relationship with the historical analysis.
- Identifying the specific methods of history and their relationship with the analysis of particular facts.
- Using the specific technical and interpretational vocabulary of the discipline.
- Recognising the importance of controlling the quality of the work results and their presentation.
- Interpreting material and documentary sources.
- Identifying the main and secondary ideas and expressing them with linguistic correctness.
- Mastering the general diachronic structure of the past.
Contents
The course will focus on the analysis of religious and thought processes, as well as belief systems generated in the Middle Eastern, Egyptian, Greek and Roman worlds. In addition to addressing the elements inherent in cultic practices, religious institutions, and ideas about the afterlife, the divine realm, and the destiny, among others, of Middle Eastern states, as well as of Greeks and Romans, we will also analyze the creation of processes of logical knowledge based on scientific observation, and also other currents of thought (philosophical, geographical, ...), as well as the impact that this knowledge had in the ancient world, dealing with specific case studies.
At the end of the course, the student must achieve a basic knowledge of the main cultural structures related to religion and knowledge of both the Middle Eastern and Greco-Roman world, as well as be able to analyze, process and interpret both primary and secondary sources, demonstrating a first assimilation of the basic principles of historical research methodology.
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic tutorials, supervision of coursework and methodological guidance. | 30 | 1.2 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Specialised readings, independent study and preparation of assessment activities. | 30 | 1.2 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Lectures, seminars and guided analysis of textual, archaeological and iconographic sources. | 90 | 3.6 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
The course is structured in two major blocks, Eastern World and Greco-Roman World. Methodologically, the subject will consist of classes in which the various topics raised will be addressed through the accompaniment of PWP. Theoretical explanations will always be accompanied by the commentary of historical texts and discussions / debates on the issues analyzed in the classroom. All materials treated in class will then be uploaded to the Virtual Campus. In the event that, due to force majeure, attendance is not possible, the classes in the classroom will be replaced by recordings made by the teacher and will be uploaded to the Virtual Campus.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second midterm | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Critical commentary on a lecture | 30% | 0 | 0 | 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 21, 22 |
| First midterm | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Bibliogràfic search | 20% | 0 | 0 | 7, 9, 13, 14, 16, 22 |
Assessment System
Assessment will be carried out through continuous monitoring throughout the course (continuous assessment) of students’ cognitive and learning processes. In this regard, four assessment activities are envisaged:
- Activity 1: bibliographic search of 20 scientific articles on religion and religious thought in the ancient world (20%).
- Activity 2: analysis and critical review of a lecture related to the course contents (30%).
- Activity 3: first mid-term examination, consisting of a definitions question and a commentary on a concept, text, or image corresponding to the contents covered during the first half of the course (25%).
- Activity 4: second mid-term examination, consisting of a definitions question and a commentary on a concept, text, or image corresponding to the contents covered during the second half of the course (25%).
The final grade for the course will result from the weighted sum of the different assessment activities. Attendance and active participation in classroom discussions and activities will also be taken into consideration.
In order to pass the course, students must obtain a minimum mark of 5/10 in each assessment activity. If any of the activities (Assignment 1, Assignment 2, First Mid-term Examination, or Second Mid-term Examination) receives a mark below 5/10, the student will be required to retake that activity during the reassessment period, even if the overall course average is 5/10 or higher.
Reassessment
The reassessment process will maintain the same number of activities as the continuous assessment system. Any failed activities must be submitted or completed within the deadlines established for the official reassessment period.
To be eligible for reassessment, students must have completed all assessment activities during the course. Students who fail to submit either of the assignments or fail to sit either of the mid-term examinations will not be eligible for reassessment.
Academic Integrity
Any irregularity committed by a student that may lead to a significant alteration of the grade awarded for an assessment activity will result in a mark of 0 for that activity, regardless of any disciplinary procedures that may be initiated. If multiple irregularities occur in the assessment activities of the same course, the final grade for the course will be 0.
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is not permitted at any stage of this course. Any assignment containing material generated by AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity and will receive a mark of 0, without the possibility of reassessment, without prejudice to any additional disciplinary measures that may be applied in cases of greater severity.
Single Assessment
This course offers the possibility of undertaking a single assessment. This option involves a single assessment date on which students must submit the required assignments and complete a written examination.
The single assessment will consist of the same learning evidence and will maintain the same weighting as the continuous assessment system:
- Activity 1: bibliographic search of 20 scientific articles on religion and religious thought in the ancient world (20%).
- Activity 2: analysis and critical review of a lecture related to the course contents (30%).
- Activity 3: final written examination (50%), including questions covering the contents of both parts of the course and a commentary on a text or image.
Activities 1 and 2 must be submitted on the same day as the examination, on the date established by the lecturer at the beginning of the course.
In order to pass the course, students must obtain a minimum mark of 5/10 in each assessment activity. If any activity receives a mark below 5/10, even if the overall average is 5/10 or higher, the failed activity must be retaken during the official reassessment period.
The reassessment process for the single assessment will follow the same structure and requirements as the continuous assessment system. To be eligible, students must have submitted Activities 1 and 2 and have sat the examination during the ordinary assessment period.
Students will obtain a not assessed/not submitted course grade unless they have submitted more than 30 % of the assessment items.
Erasmus and exchange students who request to advance an exam must present a document from their home university justifying their request.
Bibliography
Alvar, J. (ed.), Formas de difusión de las religiones antiguas, Madrid.
Alvar, J. (ed.), Jerarquías religiosas y control social en el mundo antiguo, Valladolid.
Alvar, J., Los misterios: religiones \"orientales\" en el imperio romano. Alvar, J., Heroes, semidioses y daimones, Madrid. Beck, H. (ed.), A companion to ancient Greek government, Blackwells, Oxford.
Bermejo Barrera, X. C., Introducción a la sociología del mito griego, Akal, Madrid.
Bermejo Barrera, X. C. et al., Los orígenes de la mitología griega, Akal, Madrid.
Borgeaud, M., La Mère des Dieux : de Cybèle à la Vierge Marie, Paris.
Detienne, M., Los jardines de Adonis, Akal, Madrid.
Detienne, M., Apolo con el cuchillo en la mano, Akal Madrid.
Detienne, M., Dionisos a cielo abierto, Madrid.
Farrington, B., Ciencia y filosofía en la antigüedad, Ariel, Barcelona.
Fergushon, J., Le religioni nell'impero romano, Laterza, Roma.
Graf, F., La Magie dans l'Antiquité gréco-romaine: idéologie et pratique, Paris.
Gregory, J. (ed.), A companion to Greek Tragedy, Blackwells, Oxford.
Kallendorf, C. W. (ed.), A companion to the Classical tradition, Blackwells, Oxford.
Loraux, N., Nacido de la tierra. Mito y política en Atenas, El cuenco de plata, Buenos Aires.
Muñoz Delgado, L., Léxico de magia y religión en los papiros mágicos griegos, Madrid.
Naiden, F. S., Ancient Supplication, Oxford.
Ogden, D. (ed.), A companion to Greek Religion, Blackwells, Oxford.
Ogden, D., Magic, witchcraft and ghosts in the Greek world: A sourcebook, Oxford University Press.
Odgen, D., Greek and Roman Necromancy, Princeton University Press.
Parker, R., Miasma: pollution and purification in early Greek religion, Oxford.
Requena, M., El Emperador predestinado: los presagios de poder en época imperial romana, Madrid.
Rey, A., La ciencia en la antigüedad, Mexico.
Vidal-Naquet, P. & Vernant, P., Mito y tragedia en el mundo griego, II vols., Akal, Madrid.
Vidal-Naquet, P., El cazador negro, Akal, Madrid.
VVAA., Pouvoir des hommes, signes des dieux dans le monde antique, Besançon.
Software
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Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TE) Theory | 1 | Catalan | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (PAUL) Classroom practices | 1 | Catalan | second semester | morning-mixed |