Key facts
UNE unit code: RELS388
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
This unit enables you to examine the religious practices of the ancient Greeks and Romans from c.800 BC-AD 330.
You will study a wide range of topics, including magical practices, sacrificial systems, priesthoods, the role of women in religion, cults, religious architecture, the interplay between religion and politics, minority religious groups and mythology.
The aim is to introduce you to the main themes of Greek and Roman religion, and to provide you with opportunities to consider the religious priorities of the Greeks and Romans.
By completing assignments on both cultures, you will develop your understanding what motivated the religious practices of the Greeks and Romans as well as your research, communication and analytical skills.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- analyse the ancient literary texts relevant to ancient Greek and Roman religion and demonstrate an understanding of how these are the basis of knowledge concerning ancient Greek and Roman religious practice;
- apply well developed technical and cognitive skills to 'read' iconographic material with the aim of providing knowledge concerning and gaining an understanding of ancient Greek and Roman religious practice;
- clearly and independently present a broad and coherent body of knowledge regarding the main religious concerns of the Greeks and Romans and the motivation behind their religious practices; and
- analyse the importance of religion in the everyday lives of the ancient Greeks and Romans and how religion was an intrinsic part of these civilisations.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Essay No. Words: 2500 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Essay No. Words: 2500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Greek Religion
ISBN: 9780631156246
Burkert, W., Blackwell 1987
Text refers to: Trimester 3 (Online)
Religions of Rome. Vol. 1. A History
ISBN: 9780521316828
Beard, M., North, J. and Price, S., CUP 1998
Text refers to: Trimester 3 (Online)
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