Aims

This module investigates central aspects of the history of the Roman imperial state over a broad time span of five centuries, from Octavian/Augustus to Romulus Augustulus, with particular reference to the foundation and early development of the Augustan & Julio-Claudian Principate, selected issues relating to the the High and Late Empire, and the representation of the Roman Empire in classical and postclassical historiography and political thought.

It aims to provide an opportunity:
to acquire a general knowledge of the subject;
to investigate in some depth selected problems, including the appraisal of selected source material and the critical examination of current historiography;
to read widely and critically in the relevant primary and secondary literature;
to develop the capacity for independent study.

Outline Of Syllabus

Introductory overview on periodization and sources; foundation of the Augustan principate; the Julio-Claudian emperors; the Flavian emperors to the emperor Hadrian; the High Empire of the Antonine and Severan emperors; towards the Late Empire; 'crisis' and Christianization. Representations of Roman Empire in historiography.

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 encourage a critical approach to independent study and promote improvements in oral communication, teamwork, problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

(a) The essay assesses knowledge and understanding of the evidence for and interpretation of a specific topic set for the module, the ability to compare and contrast related source texts on a common subject, and the ability to expound and criticize evidence lucidly, succinctly and with relevance in a relatively brief space.

(b) 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.

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.