GRC10130 Ancient Rome: An Introduction

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module introduces students to fundamental aspects of Roman history, literature, and culture from Rome's mythological origins to the fall of the Western Empire. Precise topics and periods of emphasis will vary from year to you year. In lectures and tutorials students will examine case studies informed by key figures and institutions, material and visual culture, and literary sources that modern scholars use to reconstruct the story of Rome. The module also explores important aspects of cultural and social history, looking at topics such as gender, philosophy, religion, slavery, etc. Ancient sources such as Ammianus, Caesar, Cicero, Dio, Livy, Polybius, Sallust, Seneca, Suetonius, Tacitus, and Virgil are all studied in translation.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, students will:
- be able to identify and discuss key figures, periods, events and topics in Roman history
- have a critical understanding of Roman culture and society
- be able to comment critically on key sources for the study of Roman history and culture
- will have discussed and engaged with key Roman literary texts
- will be have a good basis for further study and be able to make informed decisions about what aspects of Roman studies to proceed with.

Indicative Module Content:

Specific topics for lectures and tutorials will vary from year.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

58
Autonomous Student Learning

20
Lectures

18
Tutorial

4
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will be delivered through in-person lectures and tutorials. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
GRC1001E - Roman History&Archaeology, GRC10030 - Roman History & Archaeology, GRC10070 - Rome's Rise to Empire, GRC1008E - The Rise of Rome & its Empire, GRC1010E - Introduction to Ancient Rome


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: 1,200 word source analysis Week 7 n/a Graded No

35
Examination: End-of-Trimester Exam will include passages/images for comment and a choice of essay questions. 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

65

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
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
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 21, 23, 25, 29 Thurs 14:00 - 14:50
Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 22, 24, 26, 30 Thurs 14:00 - 14:50
Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - 21, 23, 25, 29 Thurs 15:00 - 15:50
Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - 22, 24, 26, 30 Thurs 15:00 - 15:50
Seminar Offering 5 Week(s) - 22, 24, 26, 30 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Seminar Offering 6 Week(s) - 21, 23, 25, 29 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Spring