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AS Modules ~ CC2: Homer's Odyssey and Society
 

Module Content

This course is designed to help students develop understanding of Homer's Odyssey in translation and the society portrayed in the epic. This is the tale of Odysseus (Ulysses) on his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War, and of Penelope, his clever, faithful wife and of Telemachus, their son, on the brink of manhood. It is a tale of adventures, murder plots, tricks, disguises, revenge ... and love. We will be following the OCR CC2 syllabus. The assignments will be geared towards preparing students for the exam, but if you do not want or need to sit the examination, you can follow the course just for fun and fulfilment, ignoring the information and advice which is not relevant to you. 
Students will be given guidance on ways to explore the text. In particular, we will look aspects of the literary context, such as the oral tradition of composition, Homer and other poets, the structure of the Odyssey, the narrative techniques, including flashback, retardation, episodes, the language of epic, including formulae and similes, the presentation of character, the supernatural elements, such as monsters and gods, realism and fantasy, disguise and recognition, and nostos (return). We will look at aspects of the social and cultural context such as the role of the gods and the power of fate, heroes and the concept of heroism, moral concepts, such as justice and revenge, the part played by women in the epics and their position in society, hospitality and guest friendship (xenia), the role of slaves and the historical and archaeological background. The focus of the course is literature, society and values. Students' tasks will include reading, writing notes, answering questions with short and/or long answers and writing essays. Students will be invited to express critical and personal responses. 
 

Books

You must purchase this edition of The Odyssey in translation:
1. Homer, Odyssey, translated by E.V. Rieu, revised by D.C.H Rieu, Penguin Books Ltd, 2003, ISBN 978-0140449112
 

 

We advise you chose a 'companion' volume from among these: 
2. York Notes on Homer's The Odyssey, Longman ISBN 978-0582033535
3. York Notes (Advanced) on Homer's The Odyssey ISBN 978-0582431515
4. Max Notes on Homer's The Odyssey, REA, ISBN 978-0878919437
 

 

At some point you may wish to read:
5. Homer: The Odyssey, Jasper Griffin, Cambridge University Press ISBN 978-0521539784
6. The Art of The Odyssey, Howard W Clarke, Bristol Classical Press ISBN 978-1853990526
 

The Examination

Paper CC2 Homer's Odyssey and Society (100 marks) (Entry code F382)

This paper lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and has two sections:

 

  • Section A: (55 marks) Candidates are required to answer one commentary question selected from a choice of two. Candidates answer the three sub-questions set.
  • Section B: (45 marks) Candidates are required to answer one essay question from a choice of three. Bullet point guidance is provided for the candidate for each essay question.

 

Further Information

If you would like further details of the content of this module, please visit the OCR website at www.ocr.org.uk, email the Independent Learning Manager or telephone us on 01223 330579.