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Classics and Ancient History

The Roman Empire from Antoninus Pius to Constantine

relief of Shapur I from Naq i Rustam

This module focuses on the history of the High Roman Empire, and political, cultural and social developments in Roman society in this period. In exploring this period of history, epigraphic, numismatic, textual, architectural and visual products of the ancient world will be explored. In addition to gaining an understanding of the major events of this period, students will be encouraged to consider the extent of communication between Rome and the provinces, Romanisation vs hybridisation, different imperial and provincial ideologies, as well as different literary genres and how to approach them.

The module can be taken as 30 CATS (The Roman Empire for Antoninus Pius to Constantine) or as a 15 CAT option in Term 1 (The Roman Empire from Antoninus Pius to Severus Alexander) or as a 15 CAT option in Terms 2-3 (The Roman Empire in Crisis).

Module Convener: Dr Clare Rowan

Learning outcomes:

  • Students should possess a knowledge of the key political, cultural and social developments in the Roman Empire in the period from Antoninus Pius to Constantine, and have a good understanding of different types of ancient materials (literary genres, sculpture, etc) and how to approach them.
  • Students should develop an improved awareness of how this period of history has been constructed by scholars, artists, politicians and others, from the Renaissance to the present day
  • Students should be able to communicate their ideas clearly and concisely in written and oral form.
  • Students should be able to critically analyse different types of media, both textual and visual, as well as other scholarship. They should be able to test hypotheses and sustain a reasoned argument.
  • Students should be able to use libraries and online databases to research a particular subject or object. They should be able to draw upon images, maps, and other diagrams and critically assess these. They should be able to organise and present research in a clear and convincing manner, supported by evidence.
  • have enhanced research, writing and communication skills
  • Students should have an improved ability to synthesise large quantities of information in order to identify overall patterns.
  • Students should have gained experience in developing original ideas, and communicating these to both an academic and public audience.

Assessment

For those undertaking the 30 CAT option: ONE research essay of 2750-3500 words worth 35% due in term one, ONE essay of 2750-3500 words worth 35% due in term two and an exhibition catalogue (worth 30%) in term 3. Information sessions discussing the assignments will be held prior to their submission.

For those undertaking a 15 CAT option: ONE research essay of 2750-3500 words worth 70% and an exhibition catalogue (worth 30%).

Catalogue

For this assignment students will be asked to develop an exhibition topic that reflects one of the themes of the module, and to identify 5 objects to place in their exhibition (including manuscripts or physical forms of texts). Each object will be presented via an image and exhibition label, and an accompanying exhibition catalogue entry of not more than 2000 characters. The assignment also includes a title for the exhibition and the text of an introductory panel of no more than 250 words (i.e. the type of information panel one would find in the first room of an exhibition).