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Underworld and Afterlife (ANCW30011)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Email: ppls@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
The journey to the underworld, the existence of an afterlife, the survival of the bereaved, the mummification of the dead, the sacrifice of virgins, communicating with ghosts - the ancient world blossomed with myths and rituals associated with all these things. This subject focuses on these topics in the literature and material culture of antiquity, including the Egyptian Book of the Dead, the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh, Homer, Greek tragedy, Roman epic, epitaphs commemorating the deceased, and archaeological evidence from funerary and other ritual contexts. On completion of this subject students should have an understanding of ancient myths and death-rituals, have assessed critically the relevant literary and material sources, and have learned the major scholarly approaches to death, bereavement and the afterlife in the ancient world.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should:
- have acquired an understanding of the myths and rituals dealt with in the subject, have assessed critically the relevant literary and material evidence discussed;
- have shown an understanding of the major and scholarly approaches to the subject matter treated in the subject.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should:
- be skilled in critical thinking and analysis.
- possess effective written communication skills.
- have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.
Last updated: 30 July 2023