Unit information: Looking for the Roman World in 2012/13

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Unit name Looking for the Roman World
Unit code CLAS37013
Credit points 20
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Dr. Hales
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None,
Co-requisites

None.
School/department Department of Classics & Ancient History
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The creation of the Roman empire opened up the world to its inhabitants, some of whom could travel that world for purposes of war, trade, governing, education, pilgrimage and even tourism. This unit investigates how that vast world was made recognisable to its inhabitants. We will explore Roman attempts to mould the landscape and the ways in which the empire came to look 'Roman'. It will also explore differences - how Romans coped with parts and populations of their empire which looked alien and how local inhabitants adopted or rejected new influences from their rulers. The unit will also examine how different groups, whether Greek tourists or Christian pilgrims, might challenge the imperial landscape. Finally, any investigation into the empire is conditioned by the expectations and motivations of its excavators - only by understanding them can we grasp the visions of empire which the remains offer us.

The aims of this unit are:

  • to develop knowledge and understanding of the ideological and physical circumstances in which Roman imperial remains have been interpreted, excavated and conserved.
  • to enable students to use the knowledge acquired in seminars and through independent research to construct coherent, relevant and critical arguments concerning the interpretative issues raised by the material studied.
  • to develop student skills in oral and written communication.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students should:

  • have acquired knowledge and understanding of the ideological and physical circumstances in which Roman imperial remains have been interpreted, excavated and conserved.
  • be able to use the knowledge acquired in seminars and through independent research to construct coherent, relevant and critical arguments concerning the interpretative issues raised by the representation of empire in the texts and artefacts studied.
  • have had the opportunity to develop their skills in oral and written communication, in making seminar presentations, taking part in seminar discussions, and producing an essay and a written examination.

Teaching Information

Seminars.

Assessment Information

One essay of 3,000 words (50%) and one examination of 90 minutes (50%).

Reading and References

S. Alcock, The Early Roman Empire in the East. Oxford. 1997.

T. Blagg & M. Millett, The Early Roman Empire in the West. Oxford. 1990.

R. Hingley, Roman Officers and English Gentlemen: The Imperial origins of Roman Archaeology, London. 2000.

J. Huskinson ed. Experiencing Rome. Culture, Identity and Power in the Roman Empire, London. 2000

C. Nicolet, Space, Geography and Politics in the Early Roman Empire, Michigan. 1991.

J. Webster & N. Cooper, Roman Imperialism: Post Colonial Perspectives, Leicester. 1996.

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