Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

NONE

Co Requisite Comment

NONE

Aims

The module covers an extensive period and is intended to provide students with a wideranging narrative of the history of the Roman Republic and an introductory critical discussion of the source material, both literary and not. It will focus on a particular range of key problems:

1) The value of the tradition on early Rome
2) The nature of the Republican political system: the Greek historian, Polybius, described the Republic as an ideal blend of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. Was he right?
3) Roman imperialism: Why did Rome fight so many wars? A central theme will be how Rome came to dominate the Mediterranean world.
4) Why did the Republic fall into crisis in the first century B.C.? Why was there so much violence? Why did an autocracy emerge after the Civil Wars?

Outline Of Syllabus

In outline the history of the Roman Republic from 510-31 B.C.
In some detail: the nature of the political system of the Roman Republic, the nature of Roman Imperialism, the causes of the collapse of the republican system in the 1st Century B.C.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

To provide an opportunity of investigating in some depth selected problems, including the appraisal of selected source material and the critical examination of current historiography.

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.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Development of associated skills in research, critical reading and reasoning, sustained discussion and appropriate presentation of the results.

Development of capacity for independent study and critical judgment and of the ability to respond promptly, cogently and clearly to new unexpected questions arising from this study.

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.
Seminars and workshops allow an opportunity for teamwork and discussion and promote improvements in oral communication

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

1. The essay assignment assesses knowledge and understanding of some key evidence, 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.

2. The unseen examination tests the students' acquisition of a clear and 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.

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

This module cannot be made available to exchange students under any circumstances. This applies to Erasmus, study-abroad, exchange proper and Loyola students equally.

General Notes

N/A