Skip to main content
Unit outline_

MGRK3001: Greek Modernism in European Context

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Focusing on a selection of modernist poets including G. Seferis and O. Elytis, this unit explores the profound change brought to Greek literary life during the 1930s. Together with the analysis of specific poems, it will also examine the epistemological historical and social factors which facilitated this change, and it will explore the reasons behind the belatedness of Greek modernism by comparing it to its broader European counterpart.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points at 2000 level in Modern Greek or European Studies or MGRK2603 or MGRK3002 or MGRK3607
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
MGRK2508
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Anthony Dracopoulos, anthony.dracopoulos@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Anthony Dracopoulos, anthony.dracopoulos@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Take-home Assignemnt
Assignment
40% Formal exam period
Due date: 11 Nov 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 18 Nov 2024
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Presentation Presentation
Class Presentation
20% Multiple weeks equivalent to 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3
Assignment Essay
Essay
40% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 08 Nov 2024
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

1x1000wd class presentation (20%),

1x3000wd essay (40%),

1x2000wd take-home exercise (40%)

Assessment criteria

FAIL: Work demonstrates insufficient engagement with the texts under scrutinity; responses do not reflect the text, are unclear or confused.

 PASS: Work demonstrates engagement with the text(s) under scrutiny, a range of clear and coherent responses which reflect on the text, a reasonable knowledge of the whole text, an appropriate use of related lecture and tutorial materials and some reference to secondary sources.

CREDIT: Work demonstrates engagement with the text(s) under scrutiny, a wide range of clear and coherent responses which reflect to some depth on the text, a good knowledge of the whole text, an appropriate use of secondary sources, and analytical ability.

DISTINCTION: Work demonstrates engagement with the text(s) under scrutiny, a wide range of clear and coherent responses which reflect in depth on the text, a good knowledge of the whole text and its context, originality and depth of analysis, and an appropriate use of a range of secondary sources.

HIGH DISTINCTION: Work demonstrates engagement with the text under scrutiny, a wide range of clear and coherent responses which reflect in depth on the text, an excellent knowledge of the whole text and its context, a skilful use of a range of primary and secondary sources, and a high level of originality and depth of critical analysis.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Meet and Greet Introduction to the unit No Tutorials Block teaching (2 hr) LO1
Week 02 European and Greek Modernism Modern Greek Poetry in the beginning of the 20th ce. Can the periphery produce a modern Introduction to the generation of 1930s. Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 The poetry of G. Seferis G. Seferis’ first poetic collection “Strofi” [=Turning point] Reading: Tο Ύφος μιας Μέρας = The Mood of a Day Selection of tutorial presentations Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Lecture: Introduction to Mythistorima. Seferis develops his personal voice Reading: Mythistorima poem1 -- Presentation: Discuss the modernist aspects of Strofi by analysing the poems Denial and Automobile Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Lecture: Seferis and the use of myth Objectifying experience in a fragmented universe Reading: Mythistorima poem 4 -- Presentation: Examine the use and function of the mythical persona through an analysis of Mythistorima’s poems 3 and 17 Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Lecture: Seferis and the use of myth cont Reading: Mythistorima poem 16 -- Presentations:A. Memory and death in Mythistorima poems 21 and 22, B.The theme of journey in Mythistorima poems 8, 9 and 12 Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Lecture: The contrast between Past and Present - How do we relate to the past? Reading: From Logbook I, The King of Asine -- Presentation: A. The theme of homeland, Mythistorima poems 10 and 12, B.Book of exercises: In the manner of G.S. – Discuss Seferis “manner” with particular attention to the contrast between past and present Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Lecture: From Logbook II, Last stop G. Seferis - Summing up, -- Presentation: Poetry and History in Logbook II, Days of June’41, Stratis Thalassinos on the Dead Sea, Days of April ’43 Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Lecture: Introduction to the Poetry of O. Elytis Elytis’ Early poetry Axion Esti: Structure and Description Reading from Axion Esti: Genesis A -- Presentation: Helen from Logbook III. How does the poem Helen relate to the Cypriot struggle? Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Lecture: Reading from Axion Esti: Genesis B & C -- Presentation: A. Dicuss Elytis’ search for new forms of expression through an analysis of 2-3 poems of your choice from his first collection Orientations, B. Examine the role of the female presence in the realisation of the poet's destiny (Genesis 5 and 6) Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Lecture: Reading from Axion Esti: Genesis D -- Presentation: Home and Homeland in Passion: Psalm III, Psalm IV, Psalm V, Psalm VII, Psalm VIII Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Lecture: Reading from Axion Esti: Passion: Psalm I -- Presentation:Poetry and History in Passion through the interplay of Readings and Odes: First Reading, Second Reading and Ode 4, Ode 6 Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Lecture: Reading from Axion Esti: The Passion Ε' Summing up -- Presentation: A. Discuss the language and structure of Axion Esti starting from an analysis of Psalm II, B. A Comparison of Seferis and Elytes (How does history become poetry?) Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate critical awareness of the work of major 20thce Greek poets within the European context
  • LO2. demonstrate an understanding of processes of modernisation in a peripheral European country
  • LO3. demonstrate knowledge of a variety of methodological tools for the study of poetry
  • LO4. demonstrate the capacity to construct and defend valid arguments relevant in textual and contextual analysis

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.