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GRC10130

Academic Year 2025/2026

Ancient Rome: An Introduction (GRC10130)

Subject:
Greek & Roman Civilization
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Classics
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr George Prekas
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 introduces students to Roman history, literature, and culture from Rome's mythological origins to the second century AD. Precise topics and periods of emphasis will vary from year to 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 literary sources that inform each session, such as: Caesar, Cicero, Dio, Epictetus, Livy, Marcus Aurelius, Polybius, Sallust, Seneca, Suetonius, Tacitus, and Virgil, are all studied in translation.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, students will demonstrate:
- an ability to identify and discuss key figures, periods, events and topics in Roman history of the late republic and early empire
- an ability to comment critically on key sources used for the study of Roman history and culture
- they possess solid foundations for undertaking further study in Roman history and culture.

Indicative Module Content:

Specific topics for lectures and tutorials will vary from year.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

18
Tutorial

4
Specified Learning Activities

58
Autonomous Student Learning

20
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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Exam (In-person): 2-hour end-of-trimester exam (2 essays from a choice of options). End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
60
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: 5 online quizzes that will test your knowledge of lecture and tutorial content throughout the trimester. Week 3, Week 5, Week 7, Week 10, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

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, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr George Prekas Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Oisín Parsons Tutor
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