CEH10010 Interpreting Evidence

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module provides an introduction to some of the concepts, approaches and methodologies commonly utilised in academic study within the disciplines of Classics, English and History. It examines a series of case-studies designed to illustrate the types of evidence on which interpretations are based, and also how this evidence may be subjected to critical analysis. Students will also be introduced to some of the wider theoretical frameworks and academic debates that underlie such analysis. Each of the module's case-studies will consider the inter-relationship between events and texts relevant to the module theme. In 2024-25 the module theme will be 'Empire'. From the Ancient world of Greece and Rome up until modern times the idea of Empire has featured prominently in the work of political theorists and historians, playwrights, poets and artists. Several issues have recurred in such discussions and representations, including the question of legitimacy, the source of authority, the struggle for power , the interaction with representative institutions, and the projection of imperial imagery. Such concerns retain their relevance today. 'The Age of empire' is generally thought to have ended in the twentieth century, but the notion of empire and the figure of an emperor - or at least an autocratic all-powerful leader - persists. The module content will revolve around three related topics - the beginning of the Roman empire and its first emperor Augustus; the medieval revival of empire by Charlemagne; the depiction of conspiracy, assassination and power in Shakespeare's play 'Julius Caesar'.