Introductory description

N/A.

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.

This module explores the politics, culture, and society of Rome and the provinces, AD 14-138, looking at art, archaeology, epigraphy, and literature. It considers how the power of emperors was consolidated and developed after the death of Augustus, and how the relationship between Rome and its provinces changed during this period. Term 1 has a chronological framework, covering the whole period in terms of key characteristics of each emperor's reign, and is primarily political in emphasis. Term 2 has a more thematic framework, and explores significant changes in culture and society. The module draws upon the rich diversity of material and literary culture from the period. Key literary works for detailed examination include the historical works of Tacitus, the letters of the Younger Pliny, and the imperial biographies of Suetonius. Urban life in both West and East is explored via art, architecture, and archaeology. Term 3 explores aspects of the modern 'reception' of the era.

Learning outcomes

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

• By the end of this module students should expect to have enhanced their research, writing and communication skills.
• By the end of this module students should expect to have gained an understanding of the availability, uses & limits of primary sources.
• By the end of this module students should expect to be familiar with the narrative of Roman history between AD 14 and AD 138.
• By the end of this module students should expect to reflect upon different ways of writing history.
• By the end of this module students should expect to appreciate modern responses to and appropriations of Rome during this period.
• Have the ability to pursue independent research by selecting from a range of relevant material.
• Be able to evaluate the merits of different methodological approaches to the material
• Be able to select and present material clearly and with a coherent argument both verbally and in writing

Indicative reading list

Cooley, M.G.L., ed. (2011) Tiberius to Nero (LACTOR Sourcebook)
Cambridge Ancient History X (2nd edn, 1996) eds A.K. Bowman, E. Champlin, A. Lintott (Cambridge)
Cambridge Ancient History XI (2nd edn, 2000) eds A.K. Bowman, P. Garnsey, D. Rathbone
Woodman, A.J. (2009) The Cambridge Companion to Tacitus
Berlin, A.M., Overman, J.A., eds (2002) The First Jewish Revolt. Archaeology, History, and Ideology (Routledge)
Boatwright, M.T. (2000) Hadrian and the Cities of the Roman Empire
Spawforth, A. (2012) Greece and the Augustan Cultural Revolution
Goldhill, S., ed. (2001) Being Greek under Rome. Cultural Identity, the Second Sophistic and the Development of Empire (CUP)
Jones, C. (1971) Plutarch and Rome

Subject specific skills

By the end of this module students should expect to:

Have enhanced your research, writing and communication skills
Have gained an understanding of the availability, uses & limits of primary sources
Be familiar with the narrative of Roman history between AD 14 and AD 138
Reflect upon different ways of writing history
Appreciate modern responses to and appropriations of Rome during this period
Have the ability to pursue independent research by selecting from a range of relevant material.
Be able to evaluate the merits of different methodological approaches to the material
Be able to select and present material clearly and with a coherent argument both verbally and in writing

Transferable skills

critical thinking
problem solving
active lifelong learning
communication
information literacy
ICT literacy
organisational awareness