Aims

This module explores the development of dynastic monarchy and its political, social and cultural impact in the Roman Empire in (mainly) the 1st to 2nd century AD. The module focuses on aspects of the nature of imperial rule in this period and its representation in some of the chief primary sources, including fiction and visual evidence.

The subject is approached from two perspectives:
(i) diachronically, through a set of three 'case studies' of individual Julio-Claudian Emperors: Tiberius, Claudius and Nero respectively, with close study of some of the writings of Tacitus;
(ii) thematically, through a set of more broadly-framed topics illustrated by evidence from a date-range that ranges beyond the Julio-Claudian period.

The module aims to provide an opportunity to acquire a sound general knowledge of the subject (reading widely and critically in the primary and secondary literature associated with it), and to develop the capacity for independent study.

Outline Of Syllabus

Introductory overview on key issues and sources; in-depth diachronic study of individual Julio-Claudian 'case studies' [Tiberius, Claudius, Nero] complemented by selected thematic topics including representation of imperial role and image in ancient historiography, fiction and visual evidence.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures impart core knowledge and an outline of knowledge that students are expected to acquire and they stimulate development of listening and note-taking skills.
Discussion/reading classes enourage independent study and promote improvements in oral communication, problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The unseen examination tests the students' acquisition of a clear and general and overall knowledge of the subject plus the ability to think and analyze a problem quickly, to select from and to apply both the general knowledge and detailed knowledge of aspects of the subject to new questions, problem-solving skills, adaptiability, the ability to work unaided and to write clearly and concisely.

Submitted work tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, develops key skills in research, reading and writing.
This module can be made available to Erasmus students only with the agreement of the Head of Subject and of the Module Leader. This option must be discussed in person at the beginning of your exchange period. No restrictions apply to study-abroad, exchange and Loyola students.

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.