Explore UCD

UCD Home >

GRC20030

Academic Year 2025/2026

Early Roman Empire (GRC20030)

Subject:
Greek & Roman Civilization
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Classics
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Philip De Souza
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module examines the history of the Roman Empire from Augustus to Trajan. We will explore aspects of the political, social and cultural history of the period. We will examine how emperors interacted with their people, and how they were represented in contemporary works and later histories and biographies. We will also focus on the social history of Rome, exploring topics such as Roman slavery, gladiators, religion and the emergence of Christianity. No previous knowledge is necessary and all texts are studied in translation.

The module provides an introduction to the subject both for programme students who want to progress further in their study of Roman history, and also for elective students who would like a standalone introduction to the period. No previous knowledge is necessary and all texts are studied in translation.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
Synthesize appropriate information about the history of the Early Roman Empire;
Analyze and comment critically on ancient source material;
Demonstrate an understanding of modern scholarship on key issues;
Compose relevant and analytical essays in answer to historical questions.

Indicative Module Content:

Lectures will include topics such as:
Introduction to Sources and Interpretations
Augustus and the Principate
Julio-Claudian Emperors
The Flavian Emperors
Nerva and Trajan
Armies and Provinces
The Image of the Emperor
The Roman Arena
Slavery and Citizenship
Religions in the Roman Empire

Tutorials will focus on critical analysis of ancient sources dealing with topics such as:
Roman historical writing
Agrippina and the Imperial Family
Roman Soldiers
Gladiators
Christians

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

11
Tutorial

5
Specified Learning Activities

70
Autonomous Student Learning

14
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is taught through lectures and tutorials. Lectures provide clear introductions to each topic, address key issues and demonstrate how to engage critically with ancient source material and modern scholarship. Opportunities for group discussion and student-led enquiry are provided by tutorials.

Students are expected to study key ancient sources and read secondary scholarship outside of class. Readings are available on Brightspace, and Powerpoint Slides are made available via Brightspace.

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): 500-word commentary on an item of ancient evidence Week 9 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): 1,500 word essay due end of trimester. Week 14 Graded No
60
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

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

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive individual feedback on their commentary and essay.

Richard Alston, Aspects of Roman History 31 BC – AD 117 (2nd edition 2014, Routledge).
Colin Wells, The Roman Empire (2nd edition 1992, Fontana Press).
Boatwright, M. T., Gargola, D. J., Talbert, R. J. A, The Romans. From Village to Empire (2004, OUP).
Michael Peachin, ed., The Oxford Handbook of Social Relations in the Roman World (2011, OUP).
Christopher S. Mackay, Ancient Rome. A Military and Political History (2004, CUP).
Martin Goodman & Jane Sherwood, The Roman World 44 BC-AD 180 (1997, Routledge).
Brian Campbell, The Roman Army 31 BC – AD 337: A Sourcebook (1994, Routledge).
Alison Futrell, The Roman Games: A Sourcebook (2006, Wiley-Blackwell).

Name Role
Assoc Professor Philip De Souza Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Bridget Martin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Oisín Parsons Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 2, 4, 6, 9, 11 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - 2, 4, 6, 9, 11 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 5 Week(s) - 2, 4, 6, 9, 11 Fri 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 6 Week(s) - 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 Fri 11:00 - 11:50
Print this page
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.