Exams

The purpose of an exam is to give you the opportunity to show how well you know the basic source material, how well you understand the essential concepts and workings of Greek religion, and how well you can conduct a discussion of it with independent and balanced judgement.

A typical shape

Exams in this subject usually come in two parts - a shorter mid-point test and a fuller final - and are built from three kinds of question:

(a) Identifications (‘IDs’)

Around two dozen terms, names and concepts, from which you choose a handful to comment on. The point is not merely to define, but to explain why each matters for an understanding of Greek religion.

(b) Source passages

Two or three short passages from the primary sources, from which you choose one to discuss. The passages are drawn mainly from the assigned texts, but may occasionally come from beyond them; in every case the material is mainstream and familiar. The aim is to let you discuss something central to the subject, not to catch you out.

(c) Essay

On the final, a set of broader essay topics - perhaps eight - from which you choose one. This is where reading you have done beyond the core really pays off.

Notes on revision

• There is always choice. Pursue your own interests confidently - you will not be penalised for having read outside the core list; quite the reverse.
• A final exam covers material from the whole period of study, not just the second half.
• Each question is graded separately, so do justice to each and divide your time evenly.
• Work without books or notes when you practise, so that the material is genuinely yours.

To build the knowledge these questions test, follow the reading schedule and use the aphormai as revision prompts.

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