Newcastle University > Undergraduate > Find a Degree > Module

• Offered for Year: 2020/21

• Module Leader(s): Dr Rowland Smith

• Owning School: History, Classics and Archaeology
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

Semesters

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 Methods

Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.

Teaching Activities

Jointly Taught With

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 Methods

Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams

Exam Pairings

Other Assessment

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.

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

Reading Lists

• CAH2207's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• CAH2207's Timetable