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78136-01 - Practical course: Literacy in the Greco-Roman World (3 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Irregular |
| Lecturers | Isabelle Marthot-Santaniello (i.marthot-santaniello@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This course will investigate the concept of literacy in classical antiquity, with a special focus on the role of writing in ancient society. It will not only consider the testimony of literary sources but also the many other expressions of writing as a communication medium (graffiti, tablets, papyri). Whenever possible, examples from the Basel Antiken Museum and the Papyrus Collection of the University will be used in priority. A visit to the Museum and the Papyrus collection is planned at the end of the semester. |
| Learning objectives | The goal of the course is to develop critical skills regarding knowledge production in History by investigating the nature and relevance of the sources at the historian's disposal. It will both use recent advances in technology to access digital information and devote time to practicing interpreting sources and developing solid arguments. Examples from the ongoing research project EGRAPSA will illustrate the various steps in the making of new knowledge. |
| Bibliography | The bibliography will be given during the first course. |
| Comments | Due to Carnaval, the first course will take place on March 5th. |
| Admission requirements | No previous knowledge of Antiquity is required, the course is open to any curious mind. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Course auditors welcome |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Thursday | 14.15-15.45 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 104 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 19.02.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 104 |
| Thursday 26.02.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Fasnachtswoche |
| Thursday 05.03.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 104 |
| Thursday 12.03.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 104 |
| Thursday 19.03.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 104 |
| Thursday 26.03.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 104 |
| Thursday 02.04.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Osterwoche |
| Thursday 09.04.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 104 |
| Thursday 16.04.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 104 |
| Thursday 23.04.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 104 |
| Thursday 30.04.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 104 |
| Thursday 07.05.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 104 |
| Thursday 14.05.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Auffahrt |
| Thursday 21.05.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 104 |
| Thursday 28.05.2026 | 14.15-15.45 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 104 |
| Modules |
Modul: Griechische Geschichte BA (Bachelor's degree subject: Ancient Civilizations) Modul: Griechische Geschichte BA (Bachelor's degree program: Ancient Civilizations) Modul: Römische Geschichte BA (Bachelor's degree subject: Ancient Civilizations) Modul: Römische Geschichte BA (Bachelor's degree program: Ancient Civilizations) Modul: Theorie und Methoden der Alten Geschichte (Bachelor's degree subject: Ancient Civilizations) Modul: Theorie und Methoden der Alten Geschichte (Bachelor's degree program: Ancient Civilizations) Modul: Vertiefung in Alter Geschichte (Master's degree subject: Ancient History) Modul: Vertiefung in Geschichte und Altertumswissenschaften BA (Bachelor's degree subject: Ancient Civilizations) Modul: Vertiefung in Geschichte und Altertumswissenschaften BA (Bachelor's degree program: Ancient Civilizations) Modul: Vertiefung in Geschichte und Altertumswissenschaften MA (Master's degree subject: Ancient History) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Students are expected to prepare the reading assignments between each course and to take part in the course discussion. Each student (or group of students, depending on the number of registrations) will be assigned an ancient source to present orally. The expected methodology will be exposed during the first course. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Alte Geschichte |