Introductory description

This module introduces students to the study of Roman Culture and Society at university level. No prior knowledge is assumed. The module covers the Roman world from the late first century BC to the early third century AD, exploring the impact on Roman society of the emergence of sole rulers and dynastic powers, and the gradual opening up of society to provincials.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Autumn Term Week 1 The City of Rome Week 2 Trade and Economy Week 3 Food and Drink Week 4 Family and familia Week 5 Citizens, Freed & Slaves Seminar: Archaeology & the Roman Economy Week 6 Week 6 Museum visit Week 7 Patronage Week 8 Death & Burial Week 9 Literacy Seminar: Gladiatorial Games Week 10 Roman Army Spring Term Week 1 Return of Essays Week 2 Historiography Week 3 Art & Architecture Week 4 Art & Architecture Seminar: Portraits Week 5 Literature Week 6 Literature Week 7 Literature Seminar: Virgil’s Aeneid Week 8 Roman Religion or Religions of Rome? Week 9 Imperialism + Romanization Week 10 Case-study of a Province Seminar: Tacitus Summer Term Week 1 Return of Essays Week 2 Trip to a site / museum Week 3 Revision The exact topics may vary from year to year. The museum visit for Week 6 is a feature for 2019 cohort only, with IATL funding. Usually, there will be 10 lectures + 3 seminars during the autumn term. Academic study skills will be embedded in each lecture during the autumn term.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• - Develop a broad knowledge of Roman Culture and Society from the late first century BC to early third century AD, laying the foundations for further study.
• - Understanding of the different sources available for the study of Roman Culture and Society, and the methodologies to approach these
• - Cultivation of key research skills necessary for the study of Classics and Ancient History
• - Development of critical thinking skills and analytical skills

Indicative reading list

• TalisAspire – includes a shortened bibliography for the module
• Lecture handouts and Powerpoint presentations are on Moodle.
• Scanned course extracts for this module are available. See the module web page for further details.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

• Develop a broad knowledge of Roman culture and society from the late first century BC to early third century AD, laying the foundations for further study.
• Understanding of the different sources available for the study of Roman culture and society, and the methodologies to approach these
• Cultivation of key research skills necessary for the study of Classics and Ancient History
• Development of critical thinking skills and analytical skills

Transferable skills

• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Active Lifelong Learning
• Communication
• Information Literacy
• ICT Literacy
• Professionalism