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Modules

Text and Context: Persuasion in Ancient Greece (CLA2272)

15 credits

The persuasive arts were deeply important to the Ancient Greeks and embedded not only in their educational system but also in their way of life. Through the genres of epic, oratory, historiography, philosophy and drama, we will investigate the development of persuasion from its earliest roots in Homer’s epics, through to the standardisation of rhetorical practice in Aristotle’s The Art of Rhetoric. In doing so, we will reflect on how our own use of persuasion, for example in the likes of politics, business and marketing, has been shaped and informed by ancient practices. 

Prior knowledge is not necessary; there are no pre-requisites or co-requisite module needed to take this course; it is suitable for non-specialists, specialists and interdisciplinary pathways.