Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The purpose of this module is to introduce students in the BA with Honours in Ancient History to more detailed work on particular aspects and problems of ancient history. It is designed to illustrate the ways of approaching and researching problems in ancient history. In particular the aim is to concentrate on methods and the ways of exploiting different kinds of evidence.

This module aims 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.

Outline Of Syllabus

In a typical year the module might be based around the exploration of such key issues as:

Inscriptions (e.g. approaches to the interpretation of epigraphic evidence)

Written records, such as papyri and writing tablets (eg documents on Roman history, Vindolanda Tablets)

Religion and Roman History (e.g. The trial and execution of Jesus, Judea as a Roman province)

Greeks and non-Greeks (e.g. Herodotus and the 'Other'; Greeks and Barbarians)

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

A knowledge of the themes and issues studied;

A knowledge of a range of key approaches available to the scholar for researching problems in Ancient History.

Intended Skill Outcomes

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

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures impart core knowledge via expert orientation and exposition of a broad range of themes and issues, with opportunities for dialogue, while also stimulating development of independent research and note-taking skills.

Seminars allow students to develop their grasp of specific aspects of the historical themes and issues and to practice and improve their communication skills.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Submitted work tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, develops key skills in research, reading and writing. The assessment methods used test intended knowledge and skills outcomes, and are appropriate for assessing students' skills in research, reading and writing, which are developed during the course of the module. They are designed to support the achievement of the intended aims and learning outcomes.

The 1,000 word scholarship review assesses students' ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the academic literature on a specific topic and how scholarship is done. The purpose of the 2,200 word reflective log is for students to reflect critically on their learning development and the skills they have acquired during the course of the module.

The formative assessment takes the form of a research proposal and is designed to prepare students for the Stage 3 dissertation, one of the assessments for which is a research proposal.

General Notes

This module is only open to students in Stage 2 of the BA with Honours in Ancient History (V110), for whom it is a required module.