Papers
Writing on Ancient Greek Religion
If you are writing a paper on Greek religion - for a course, or for your own study - here is the guidance we give. We do not apply mechanical or formulaic criteria; we look for content, comprehension and independence of thought, written to a high standard.
1. The brief
Write a paper of around eight pages on a topic of your choice: a subject of central interest and significance for the study and understanding of Greek religion. It should be written in good English, show a sound knowledge of the relevant primary texts and (as appropriate) the secondary literature, and demonstrate independent, critical thinking.
2. Length
Eight pages is a suggestion, not a prescription. At normal spacing and font size, eight pages is usually enough room to present a real discussion. Six pages or fewer tends to be thin; if you genuinely need more than eight, take them - but try to stay within sight of eight to ten.
3. Choosing your topic
Think carefully about what you want to write on. Your topic should grow out of your own reading and thinking - from a genuine interest or concern that develops as you study. It may be broad or specific, and may draw on history, literature, philosophy, art, science or language, so long as the focus of the paper itself is clearly ancient Greek religion. A sanctuary such as Lycosura, or a cult object such as the herm, can make an excellent starting point.
4. Form and citation
There is no fixed house style, minimum number of footnotes or required citation system. But use common sense: write to a high standard of English, format clearly and consistently, and use citation, footnotes and bibliography as the topic requires. If you prefer a specific convention (Chicago, MLA), adopt it. Do not use tricks - extra-wide margins, oversized fonts, padding - to make a paper look more substantial than it is.
5. Plagiarism
All written work, except acknowledged quotation, must be expressed in your own words and built on a plan of your own devising. Work copied without acknowledgement - from a book, another writer, the internet, or any other source - is plagiarism, and that includes paraphrasing another’s phrasing or borrowing their views and insights without credit. If you are ever unsure how to cite or refer to someone else’s work, ask before you submit.
For the texts to read first, see the reading schedule; for prompts into each topic, the aphormai.