Greek Art and Architecture

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject deals with the masterpieces of Greek art, which have inspired generations of artists and scholars. It shows how the Greeks gradually attained a full understanding of how to portray the human body in sculpture and painting. This development is traced through a study of sculptures excavated at Athens, Delphi, Olympia and other Classical sites. Famous works such as the Elgin marbles, the Doryphoros of Polycleitos and the Hermes of Praxiteles are evaluated in their wider context. Although very little Greek wall painting survives, its development can be inferred from a study of the great abundance of Greek painted pottery to be found in collections all over the world including the National Gallery of Victoria. Architecture is an important component of this subject, particularly the development of the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders and how they were used. Special attention is paid to the history of temple architecture from its mud-brick and timber origins to its culmination in the masterpiece of the Parthenon. The city of Athens in the 5th century BC is given particular attention; the Greek buildings and towns of south Italy, Sicily and North Africa are prominently featured; and the principles of Greek town planning are explained.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

• have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.