Unit information: Approaches to Roman History in 2020/21

Unit name	Approaches to Roman History
Unit code	CLAS20040
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Hannah-Marie Chidwick
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Classics & Ancient History
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will simultaneously introduce students to the study of a specific named period of Roman History covering a period of approx. 80-120 years (Late Antiquity or Rome Republic to Empire) and will introduce them to some of the main theoretical approaches for understanding that period. Examples of theoretical approaches that could be covered include: economic models; gender; meta-narratives/narrativity; counter-factuals; post-colonial theory/modelling empires. The unit will be taught with either the period Rome: Republic to Principate or the period Late Antiquity.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. demonstrate detailed knowledge of a specific period of Roman history;
2. identify and use a range of ancient sources to help them understand that period;
3. demonstrate knowledge of different theoretical approaches for understanding different aspects of the period in question;
4. explain and apply, and critically evaluate these theoretical approaches in order to enhance their understanding of the period;
5. respond to a question or problem at a standard appropriate to level I within a specified period of time

Teaching Information

This unit will involve a combination of independent investigative activities, long- and short-form lectures, and discussion. Students will be expected to engage with materials and participate on a weekly basis. Feedback will be provided for both formative and summative assessments, and this will be supported by meetings with tutors.

Assessment Information

2,000 word book review (100%). [ILOs 1-5].

Reading and References

Morley, Neville (2004), Theories Models and Concepts in Ancient History, (Routledge: London)

Fulbrook, Mary (2002), Historical Theory, (Routledge: London)