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CEH10010

Academic Year 2024/2025

Interpreting Evidence (CEH10010)

Subject:
Classics,English & History
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
History
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Edward Coleman
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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'.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
- Understand, analyse and evaluate different kinds of evidence.
-  Make use of evidence to understand and analyse broader historical and cultural questions.
- Distinguish the different disciplinary methodologies of Classics, English and History and make inter-disciplinary connections.
- Synthesize concepts and context.
- Articulate arguments and express informed views orally.
- Write interrogatively and imaginatively in a scholarly fashion.


Indicative Module Content:

1. Introduction
EMPIRE IN CLASSICAL ANTIQUITY
2. The foundation of the Roman Republic, 509 BCE
3. The Ides of March, 44 BCE
4. The Death of Augustus, 14 CE
EMPIRE IN MEDIEVAL EUROPE
5. Charlemagne: warlord and conqueror
6. Charlemagne: ruler and administrator
7. The Coronation of Charlemagne , 800 CE
EMPIRE IN RENAISSANCE DRAMA
8. 'Julius Caesar'. The play and its politics.
9. ' Julius Caesar'. Sources and history writing.
10. 'Julius Caesar'. Renaissance England and Roman histories.
11. Essay Forum




Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

9
Seminar (or Webinar)

10
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

46
Total

105

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is based around a combination of lectures and seminars. Strong emphasis is placed on student-led learning and peer review through problem-based learning in the form of case studies linked by a common theme. Assessment is formative (presentation) and summative ( essay) and is designed to develop student skills in oral presentation and written critical analysis.

Generative AI may be permitted for certain assignments in this module, subject to the instructions of the module coordinator and in accordance with the Academic Integrity Policy. The Module Coordinator will provide further information during the module.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): An (2000 words). End of the trimester submission. Students choose from a selected list of topics. Note that the topic of the essay and the topic of the presentation must be different Week 15 Graded No
70
 No
Individual Project: A class presentation ( 5 minutes) with powerpoint on a pre-assigned topic. Note that the presentation topic must be different from the end of trimester essay topic. Week 3, Week 6, Week 10 Graded No
30
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

- Online written feedback will be provided on class presentations and essays via the module VLE (Brightspace). - Oral feedback on all assessed work will be available by appointment with module coordinator or co-teachers. - Essay plans will be peer-reviewed in class ( group activity unassessed) in week 11.

Name Role
Dr Martin Brady Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Philip De Souza Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Jane Grogan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Annie Khabaza Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Alexander Thein Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
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