Aims

This module aims to:
• survey the history of the Greek world from c.400-200 BC, encompassing the dramatic rise
of Macedon under Philip II, Alexander’s conquests and the Wars of the Diadochs
(Alexander’s Successors).
• to provide you with the knowledge and skills to engage critically with both primary
evidence and secondary scholarship relating to core themes and problems, a crucial part of
your training as either a classicist or historian.
• provide you with a secure foundation for studying ancient Greek history at an advanced
level.

Outline Of Syllabus

In a typical year topics might include events leading to the rise of Macedon; Alexander’s
conquests; the emergence of the Hellenistic kingdoms; politics and society in Ptolemaic
Egypt (a case-study), the nature of Greek identity and culture, life within the Greek citystate,
and new trends in political thought.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will provide you with core knowledge by introducing you to key historical topics and scholarly debates surrounding a wide range of topics. Lectures are not merely intended to provide you with answers. Instead, they will provide you with the knowledge and skills that will enable you to both formulate and answer your own questions. Your
listening and note-taking skills will play a key role in this process.

The seminar discussions are an opportunity for you to develop your understanding dynamically, e.g. by engaging in discussion of how you should go about addressing historical questions, the relative merits of different types of evidence or approach to the sources or by gaining clarification of any points that you do not understand. In doing so you will develop your analytical skills, oral communication skills and your ability to work as part of a team.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assignment assesses knowledge and understanding of the texts set for the module, the ability
to compare and contrast related source texts on a common subject, and the ability to expound and
criticize a textual extract lucidly, succinctly and with relevance in a relatively brief space.
The unseen examination tests the students’ acquisition of a clear, general and overall knowledge
of the subject plus the ability to think and analyse a problem quickly, to select from and to apply
both the general knowledge of aspects of the subject to new questions, problem-solving skills,
adaptability, the ability to work unaided and to write clearly and concisely.

1. Documentary Commentary tests knowledge and understanding of the texts set
for the module, the ability to compare and contrast related source texts on a
common subject, the ability to expound and criticise a textual extract lucidly,
succinclty and with relevance in a relatively brief space.

2. Unseen examination tests the students' acquisition of a clear, general and
overall knowledge of the subject at the conclusion of the module plus the ability to
think and to analyse a problem quickly, to select from and to apply both their
general knowledge and their detailed knowledge of aspects of the subject to new
questions, problem-solving skills, adaptability, the ability to work unaided and to
write clearly and concisely within time-constraints.

Submitted work tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, develops key skills in research, reading and writing.

All Erasmus students at Newcastle University are expected to do the same assessment as students registered for a degree.

Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students spending semester 1 only are required to finish their assessment while in Newcastle. This will take the form of an alternative assessment, as outlined in the formats below:

Modules assessed by Coursework and Exam:
The normal alternative form of assessment for all semester 1 non-EU study abroad students will be one essay in addition to the other coursework assessment (the length of the essay should be adjusted in order to comply with the assessment tariff); to be submitted no later than 12pm Friday of week 12. The essays should be set so as to assure coverage of the course content to date.

Modules assessed by Exam only:
The normal alternative form of assessment for all semester 1 non-EU study abroad students will be two 2,000 word written exercises; to be submitted no later than 12pm Friday of week 12. The essays should be set so as to assure coverage of the course content to date.

Modules assessed by Coursework only:
All semester 1 non-EU study abroad students will be expected to complete the standard assessment for the module; to be submitted no later than 12pm Friday of week 12. The essays should be set so as to assure coverage of the course content to date.

Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students spending the whole academic year or semester 2 are required to complete the standard assessment as set out in the MOF under all circumstances.