Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of this course is to provide a foundation for future masters and doctoral study by providing
an advanced knowledge of both the topography and architecture of Rome and the material culture of
the Roman provinces.

Outline Of Syllabus

The course consists of a series of practical archaeology lectures and seminars.
Topics usually include:
Interpretations of provincial art and archaeology
Archaeologies of Ritual and belief
Slavery
Networks
Foodways
Burial
Hoarding
Dress
Processions
Pilgrimage

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students will acquire a critical understanding of:
1. The art, architecture and material culture of the Roman empire
2. Key concepts in Roman provincial archaeology – sustained with detailed case study experience
3. Challenges in the interpretation of archaeological evidence
4. The buildings and topography of the city of Rome

Intended Skill Outcomes

In order to complete the module successfully, all students must demonstrate that they have developed the following intellectual skills:

Advanced Research skills requiring critical reading and reasoning, sustained discussion and appropriate presentation of the results.
Reading, understanding, critiquing historical and archaeological data.
Analysing and evaluating archaeologists’ use of evidence.

Students will also develop the following key skills:
Time management, Bibliographic and library skills, Oral discussion and debate, Writing and revising analytic prose

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Rationale and relationship to learning outcomes: The emphasis on seminars is to support a flexible response to the development of student skills and interests.

Lectures are used to open up key themes running through the seminar programme.

The Students will prepare in advance of the fieldtrip in Rome and will deliver on site presentations prepared as formative work in advance.

The fieldtrip is considered to be a compulsory part of this module. If the module is taken as a compulsory part of the degree or as an option students must be prepared to attend the fieldtrip. Students must find the funding to cover the travel and accommodation in Rome while on this fieldtrip.

If the Fieldtrip has to be cancelled for a reason beyond our control we would still have completed the 22 hours of delivery that is the minimum for PGT modules. We would seek to provide alternative (online) resources, and to enable students to perform their site case studies (formative) remotely.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The essay requires students to research a topic in Roman archaeology which they explore through independent study applying the practical and research skills demonstrated in the seminars.

The written exercise requires students to develop a material culture timeline to demonstrate a broader understanding of Roman archaeology.

The formative presentation will be prepared for delivery on site in Rome. It could include one of the case studies picked for the written exercise but would need to be presented to the group at the site.

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.

Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students spending semester 1 only are required to finish their assessment while in Newcastle. Where an exam is present, an alternative form of assessment will be set and where coursework is present, an alternative deadline will be set. Details of the alternative assessment will be provided by the module leader.

General Notes

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