In this subject students are introduced to select examples of modern Greek poetry from the fifteenth century to the present day, contextualised in the overall Greek poetic tradition. Starting with a brief but significant look at the Homeric epics, a major source of continuing inspiration for poetic expression in the Greek world, we then turn our attention to folk poetry, followed by the great poets of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries (e.g., Solomos, Cavafy, Ritsos, and Nobel laureates Seferis and Elytis), contemporary Greek poets influenced by the global financial crisis, and local Greek-Australian artists, including slam poets. The historical, political and social contexts associated with the selections in each case are examined, as are the formal characteristics of the different styles, including the features of oral and written literature in general. No prior knowledge of the Greek language is assumed. All texts will be available in English translation and all assessment will be in English.

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Graduate Capabilities

Intended Learning Outcomes