Underworld and Afterlife

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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 focuses on myths and rituals in antiquity dealing with the process of death and the passage to the afterlife. It draws on literary and material evidence from antiquity. Attention is also paid to the symbolism of death and rebirth, rites of passage, and Greek shamanism. The subject also focuses briefly on parallel themes of descent and the journey to the beyond in both Greek myth and in modern film. On completion of this subject students should have an understanding of the myths and rituals dealt with; have assessed critically the relevant literary and material evidence; and have shown an understanding of the major and scholarly approaches to the subject matter.

• have acquired an understanding of the myths and rituals dealt with in the subject, have assessed critically the relevant literary and material evidence discussed;
• have shown an understanding of the major and scholarly approaches to the subject matter treated in the subject.

A 2500 word research essay 60% (due during the semester) and a 1500 word take-home exam 40% (due during the examination period). Hurdle requirement: students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to be pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

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