University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2015/16 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Arts > Department of Classics & Ancient History > Classics (BA) > Specification
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Programme code | 1CLAS003U |
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Programme type | Single Honours |
Programme director(s) |
Gavin D'Costa
|
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
School/department | Department of Classics & Ancient History |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Relevant QAA subject benchmark groups | Classics and ancient history (including Byzantine Studies and Modern Greek) (2019) (benchmark statement) |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 3 years (full time) |
This programme aims to develop the student’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of…
... the languages and culture of the ancient Greco-Roman world, ranging from Homeric Greece through the Classical period to Late Antiquity. Students will learn about the ancient world, and study both Greek and Latin language, as well as studying, amongst other things, the literature, history, mythology, philosophy, civilisation and heritage of Classical Antiquity. Students will study a broad range of Greek and Latin literature and different aspects of classical civilisation, developing their skills in interpretation and analysis through the medium of Greek and Latin texts, and their understanding of key issues such as historical contexts, translation and reception. The Department aims to promote as widely as possible knowledge, understanding and 'ownership' of the ancient world and its reception. Classics gives an excellent multidisciplinary training in the humanities. The study of the languages, literature, philosophy, art and culture of the ancient world is an enriching experience at university and an excellent foundation for many types of career.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Acquisition of knowledge through lectures, seminars and tutorials. Directed reading with a strong emphasis on primary materials. Feedback on assessment is given through tutorials and written comments. The acquisition of language skills is built upon throughout the course. Independent learning is achieved through written coursework and design of a substantial piece of research on a subject of the student's own choice for the dissertation. All teaching and learning strategies and methods foster the subject-specific benchmarks A1-6. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Assessed essays and language tests, testing understanding of a single topic within a unit in detail. Unseen examinations, testing understanding of the unit as a whole. Shorter exercises, in core skills units, designed to assess research and presentation skills, analysis and interpretation of evidence etc. The assessed work for the third year requires students to develop their own project, considering the application of theoretical approaches to their discipline. All final year students write a dissertation. All assessments relate to the subject-specific benchmarks A1-6 and involve the practical abilities and transferable skills mapped in benchmarks B1-10, and 12-15. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Intellectual skills are developed through seminars, tutorials, class discussions, oral presentations and essay writing. Units are structured in such a way as to promote the development of skills of research, analysis, synthesis and critical evaluation. All teaching and learning strategies and methods foster the practical abilities and transferable skills mapped in benchmarks B1-15. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Essay writing and examinations test the students' ability to analyse, evaluate and organise information and to present reasoned arguments based on appropriate selection of evidence. Research skills are assessed through written coursework and the final year dissertation. All assessments examine the practical abilities and transferable skills mapped in benchmarks B1-10, 12-15. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Seminars and tutorials are used to develop oral communication by requiring students to engage in class discussions and to give short presentations to initiate discussion. Other units often include elements of discussion and debate. Oral skills are further developed in class discussion and in defending their ideas in debate with other students and staff. C&IT skills are developed when researching work and submitting essay assignments. Many units now make use of e-mail lists and discussion boards. Independent learning is required in all units. All teaching and learning strategies and methods foster the practical abilities and transferable skills mapped in benchmarks B1-15. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Optional units are assessed through written coursework and extended essays; compulsory language units are also assessed through written language tests. Marking criteria include communication skills. Most units also include assessment via written examination. Shorter exercises in core skills units, final year seminars, and the dissertation are designed to assess independent research and communication skills. All assessments examine the practical abilities and transferable skills mapped in benchmarks B1-10, 12-15. |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level C/4 - Certificate |
Year 1 of the course has been designed to lay the foundations, both in terms of subject-specific knowledge and skills and in terms of more general skills and abilities, which will enable the student to fulfil the programme's objectives. The core units in Greek and Latin language develop subject-specific knowledge and skills while the optional units allow students to gain a more general understanding of aspects of the ancient world. It is expected that students' work may require considerable direction and guidance from staff at this stage. At level C/4, students are beginning to develop all of the skills set out in subject-specific benchmarks A1-6 and B1-15. |
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Level I/5 - Intermediate |
Year 2 of the course is intended to complete the foundations of subject-specific skills and knowledge though the core language units, while the optional units expand subject knowledge in greater depth and breadth. Students are expected to be able to demonstrate that they have expanded the range and depth of their knowledge of the classical world and its literature, show a greater degree of independence as they work to interpret and make use of evidence, to construct arguments and present their work effectively. At level I/5, students display further development of skills set out in benchmarks A1-6 and B1-15. |
Level H/6 - Honours |
Students are expected to make use of the knowledge and skills acquired in the first two years in researching and discussing topics in much greater depth. They will work at a higher level of methodological and conceptual complexity. They will be expected to work more independently in gathering and assimilating information, synthesising it in an appropriate way and engaging in the sophisticated analysis of relevant evidence. In the language units, students undertake advanced development of linguistic awareness and critical skills. There is an emphasis on self-directed study and the development of research skills, especially through the compulsory dissertation. At level H/6, students display further development and refinement of skills set out in benchmarks A1-6 and B1-15, with an emphasis on independent learning and research skills (B7). |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the undergraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/undergraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
Workload Statement
In common with the rest of the University, units in the Faculty of Arts
adhere to the credit framework which sets out that 20 credits normally
equates to some 200 hours of student input. Some of this time will be spent
in class, with the remainder divided between preparation for classes and
preparation for, and completion of, the assessment tasks. Some of this
activity may occur within the University’s online learning environment,
Blackboard, which you may use to prepare wikis, to interact with other
students, to download tutorials or to receive feedback.
Assessment Statement
Please select the following link for a statement about assessment. This is University of Bristol access only.
https://www.bris.ac.uk/arts/current/under/assessment.html
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/Classics
Email: classics-bristol@bristol.ac.uk
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | ||
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Students must take 40 credits of Greek Language and 40 credits of Latin Language at the appropriate level from: | |||||
Greek Language Level A1 | CLAS12311 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Greek Language Level A2 | CLAS12312 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Or: | |||||
Greek Language Level B1 | CLAS12315 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Greek Language Level B2 | CLAS12316 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Plus either: | |||||
Latin Language Level A1 | CLAS12303 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Latin Language Level A2 | CLAS12304 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Or: | |||||
Latin Language Level B1 | CLAS12307 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Latin Language Level B2 | CLAS12308 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Plus 40 credits from the following list: | |||||
Archaic Greece | CLAS12352 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Art in the Ancient World | CLAS12365 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
History of Thought | CLAS12366 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Classical Greece | CLAS12380 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Late Antiquity | CLAS12381 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
The Archaeology of Myth: From the Trojan War to the end of Atlantis | CLAS12384 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Introduction to Hebrew I | THRS10015 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Introduction to Hebrew 2 | THRS10016 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
The Body in Antiquity | CLAS10010 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Roman Imperial Culture | CLAS10029 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Certificate of Higher Education | 120 |
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | ||
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EITHER: | |||||
Greek Language Level B1 | CLAS22315 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Greek Language Level B2 | CLAS22316 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Or: | |||||
Greek Language Level C1 | CLAS22405 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Greek Language Level C2 | CLAS22406 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
PLUS EITHER: | |||||
Latin Language Level B1 | CLAS22307 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Latin Language Level B2 | CLAS22308 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Or: | |||||
Latin Language Level C1 | CLAS22407 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Latin Language Level C2 | CLAS22408 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
For students who take optional unit HUMS20002, this may stand in place of one or more of the Year 2 units which are normally mandatory in this programme. | |||||
Plus 40 credit points from the following list: | |||||
Rome: Republic to Principate | CLAS22383 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
The Hellenistic World | CLAS22382 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Epic | CLAS22361 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Greek and Roman Drama | CLAS22363 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Religious and Cultural Change in India: from Indus to Islam | THRS20101 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Economy and Society in the Ancient World | CLAS22331 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Film and the Ancient World | CLAS22350 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Art in the Ancient World | CLAS22365 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Late Antiquity | CLAS22381 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Early and Premodern Christianity | THRS20100 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Introduction to Sanskrit 1 | THRS20188 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Introduction to Sanskrit 2 | THRS20189 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Viewing the City of Rome | CLAS22357 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Study Abroad/ Erasmus | HUMS20002 | 60 | Optional | TB-1,TB-2 | |
The Ancient City and Modern Politics | CLAS20010 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Classics and Comparative Literature | CLAS30032 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
The Age of the Anthropocene | HUMS20005 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Introduction to the Medical Humanities | HUMS20004 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Introduction to Digital Humanities | HUMS20006 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Diploma of Higher Education | 120 |
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | ||
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Dissertation | CLAS32315 | 40 | Mandatory | TB-4 | |
Students must also take 40 credit points of Greek and/or Latin units at the appropriate level: | |||||
Greek Language Level C1 | CLAS32405 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Greek Language Level C2 | CLAS32406 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Greek Language Level D | CLAS30074 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Latin Language Level C1 | CLAS32407 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Latin Language Level C2 | CLAS32408 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Latin Language Level D1 | CLAS30073 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Latin Language Level D2 | CLAS32343 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Greek Language Level B1 | CLAS30036 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Greek Language Level B2 | CLAS30037 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Plus 40 credit points from the following units: | |||||
The Persian Empire | CLAS30010 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Receptions of Greek Tragedy | CLAS30018 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Greek Poetry and Poetics | CLAS30020 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Roman Emperors - A Survival Guide | CLAS30023 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
The Trojan War in Ancient Literature | CLAS30026 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Women and the Family in Ancient Greek Tragedy | CLAS30027 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Athens and its Acropolis | CLAS30028 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Classics and Comparative Literature | CLAS30032 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Configurations of Gender and Sexuality | CLAS32335 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Myth and History in Fifth-Century Athens | CLAS37014 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
The Minoans | CLAS37018 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Time, Temporality and Texts | CLAS37019 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Pompeii | CLAS32345 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
The Age of Augustus: History and Myth | CLAS37017 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Aristotle's Poetics and Modern Creative Practice | CLAS30038 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Introduction to Sanskrit 1 | THRS30171 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Introduction to Sanskrit 2 | THRS30172 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
The Public Role of the Humanities | HUMS30001 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Beyond the Battlefield: Environment and Conflict | HUMS30002 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
The Passions | CLAS30035 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Classics (BA) | 120 |
Unit Pass Mark for Undergraduate Programmes:
For details on the weightings for classifying undergraduate degrees, please see the Agreed Weightings, by Faculty, to be applied for the Purposes of Calculating the Final Programme Mark and Degree Classification in Undergraduate Programmes.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
Please refer to the specific progression/award requirements for programmes with a preliminary year of study, the Gateway programmes and International Foundation programmes.
All undergraduate degree programmes allow the opportunity for a student to exit from a programme with a Diploma or Certificate of Higher Education.
Integrated Master's degrees may also allow the opportunity for a student to exit from the programme with an equivalent Bachelor's degree where a student has achieved 360 credit points, of which 90 must be at level 6, and has successfully met any additional criteria as described in the programme specification.
The opportunities for a student to exit from one of the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine, and Dentistry with an Award is outlined in the relevant Programme Regulations (which are available as an annex in the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes).
An Ordinary degree can be awarded if a student has successfully completed at least 300 credits with a minimum of 60 credits at Level 6.
The pass mark for the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine and Dentistry is 50 out of 100. The classification of a degree in the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine, and Dentistry is provided in the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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