Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
Course profile

Western Civilisation Honours Seminar B (WCIV6200)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

This course involves a masterclass presented by a leading UQ researcher and/or Visiting Scholar with research interests in Western Civilisation. This course aims to bring Honours students into direct contact with cutting-edge research and the masterclass will involve readings relating to either a current project or specialist research interest of a leading researcher. It will provide an opportunity to learn directly how this researcher designs and conducts their research program.

In this course, we will revisit the genre of Greek tragedy and explore its history and contemporary relevance. Students will have an opportunity to explore texts not previously studied in the Western Civilisation extended major. The course will focus on how this genre of Greek drama both confirms and challenges contemporary notions of the 'tragic.'ᅠ

Course requirements

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

HUMN3300.

Restrictions

BAdvHum(Hons) Western Civilisation Field of Study students only.

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

WCIV6200 aims to:
1) Introduce students to a range ofᅠkey tragic dramatic texts produced for the Athenian theatre.
2) Explore the thematic content of these plays and the ethical issues that they raise.
3) Investigate the ongoing value of these texts for contemporary society.
4) Introduce students to secondary sources and methods ofᅠcritical analysis of primary texts.
5)ᅠContribute to the acquisition of a range of graduate attributes, including research skills, the synthesis of ideas, the capacity to solve problems andᅠto engage in teamwork, and the ability to communicate successfully both orally and in print.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Demonstrate, through oral participation and written communication, your knowledge of cutting-edge research projects that address issues in the study of Western Civilisation.

LO2.

Understand the process of research project design and execution.

LO3.

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different methodological approaches to a research question.

LO4.

Understand that different research questions require different methods and theories.

LO5.

Engage with other researchers to advance their own research skills.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Presentation Group Presentation 35%

15/08/2024 12:00 pm

Presentation will occur in final seminar

Essay/ Critique Research Essay 40%

10/10/2024 2:00 pm

Presentation Seminar Presentation 10%

22/07/2024 - 15/08/2024

Participation/ Student contribution Seminar Participation 15%

22/07/2024 - 15/08/2024

Assessment details

Group Presentation

Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Presentation
Weight
35%
Due date

15/08/2024 12:00 pm

Presentation will occur in final seminar

Learning outcomes
L01, L03, L05

Task description

In this presentation, your group will be required to 'pitch' a new production of one of the plays studied in this semester. Your presentation, which should last 15-20 minutes, should address why you think the play resonates with the concerns of contemporary audiences. You may also in your presentation discuss issues of staging, set design, costuming, casting, similarity/difference with previous productions, and any other relevant production issues. You may also act out a scene from the play to illustrate your approach to its staging. You are encouraged to support your pitch with suitable audio-visual aids.

 

This assessment task evaluates students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

 

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Research Essay

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
40%
Due date

10/10/2024 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L02, L03, L04

Task description

The topic of your essay will be developed in consultation with the course co-ordinator. Basic bibliography will be provided, however, students are expected to go beyond it in researching their topic. The essay should be between 2,000-2,500 words.

 

This assessment task evaluates students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

 

Submission guidelines

Submission via TurnItIn dropbox

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Seminar Presentation

Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Presentation
Weight
10%
Due date

22/07/2024 - 15/08/2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L03, L04

Task description

At the start of semester, students will select one text on which they will give an introductory ten-minute presentation. The presentation should introduce the historical and mythological background to the play. It should identify the key themes in the play and any other points of significant interest. Students may also discuss significant productions of the play. The presentation should be accompanied by a powerpoint.

 

This assessment task evaluates students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

 

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Seminar Participation

Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Participation/ Student contribution
Weight
15%
Due date

22/07/2024 - 15/08/2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L05

Task description

Participation is essential for passing this course, and requires you to interact respectfully and learn from your peers. Students are expected to participate in seminar discussions and relevant seminar tasks. This assessment requires you to show evidence of preparation for seminars and participate in small group discussions with relevant and well-focused comments.

 

This assessment task evaluates students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

 

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 24.99

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Grade 1, Serious Fail (0-24.99%), is generally awarded in cases where some work has been submitted, but it is of wholly unsatisfactory standard or quantity. There is no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts of the field of study or basic requirements of the course.

2 (Fail) 25 - 44.99

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Grade 2, Fail (25-44.99%), is generally awarded to work that exhibits deficiencies in understanding and applying the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study, such that the submitted work does not satisfy the basic requirements of the course. Often, one or more major items of assessment will not have been completed.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 49.99

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Grade 3, Marginal Fail (45-49.99%), is generally awarded if a student has submitted work that attempts to meet the knowledge and skill requirements of the course, but it is only able to demonstrate a superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. Students will usually have attempted all major pieces of assessment and will show that they have an identifiable, emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills.

4 (Pass) 50 - 64.99

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Grade 4, Pass (50-64.99%), is generally awarded where all major items of assessment have been submitted. An adequate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study should be demonstrated and a functional skill level achieved.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74.99

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Grade 5, Credit (65-74.99%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and a substantial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study have been demonstrated.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84.99

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Grade 6, Distinction (75-84.99%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and substantial knowledge of the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been demonstrated.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Grade 7, High Distinction (85-100%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and there is evidence that the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been mastered.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Marking Criteria/Rubric

Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Student Services

Student services offer a variety of short courses during the semester which can help you improve your study, research and writing skills.

The team also offers a wide range of professional and confidential services.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Filter activity type by

Please select
Clear filters
Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Seminar

Course Introduction and Aeschylus, Agamemnon

Learning outcomes: L01

Seminar

Oresteia (Libation Bearers and Eumenides)

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

Seminar

Oedipus and Oedipus at Colonus

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Seminar

Persians and Prometheus Bound

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Seminar

Medea and Hippolytus

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Seminar

Sophocles, Electra

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

Seminar

Alcestis

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Seminar

Group Pitch Presentations

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.