Course Catalogue

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Modern interpreters usually differentiate between two kinds of creatures: demons and monsters. Monsters represent the belief in unseen forces acting in the world both for the benefit and the disadvantage of humans. They are usually hybrid figures, combining both animal and human features. Some of these supernatural beings represent benevolent creatures who can ward off evil. However, there are also evil and fear-inspiring monsters existing alongside the "good" ones. This course aims to introduce some of the best-known ancient monsters in ancient Near Eastern art, religion, architecture and literature in order to explore relations between religion and the monstrous in today's popular culture of horror.

Block 3, weeks 6-10

2 hours per week for 5 weeks

Saturday, 11.00-13.00

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Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course aims to:

■ Introduce students to some of the best-known ancient monsters in art, religion, architecture and literature

■ Encourage students to explore relations between religion and the monstrous in today's popular culture of horror

■ Enable students to engage with primary and secondary sources and to critically assess scholarly research on the topic

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify, name and compare key figures of ancient Near Eastern monsters

■ Discuss the ideas behind the representation of these creatures in art and literature and the concepts they personify

■ Explain the impact these ancient Near Eastern monsters have on modern conceptions of the imaginary

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.