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Classics and Ancient History

Core Module - Approaching Ancient Visual and Material Culture

CX 901-30

Convenor: Prof Suzanne Frey-Kupper

Tutors: Prof Suzanne Frey-Kupper, Prof Alison Cooley, Prof Zahra Newby, Dr Trevor Van Damme and Dr Paul Grigsby

This is a core module for the Taught MAs in Ancient Visual and Material Culture and the Visual and Material Culture of Ancient Rome/Greece. It is designed to introduce students to the major issues in the study of ancient visual and material culture, and to key methodologies and approaches. This module provides a broad grounding in the interpretation of the various different aspects of ancient material. It will help to develop students’ intellectual skills in the following areas:

  • Ability to select and respond to particular methodological approaches when dealing with material evidence
  • Appreciation of methodological issues in dealing with material evidence
  • Understanding of the ways that visual and material evidence has been studied since antiquity
  • Ability to present structured chain of argument drawing together evidence into cohesive whole
  • Ability to select & apply appropriate problem-solving methodologies
  • Ability to conduct independent research & analysis

It will also help to develop the following key transferable skills:

  • Written and oral communication skills
  • Organisational skills
  • Ability to evaluate intellectual progress
  • IT skills - word processing/ use of internet

Schedule 2024-25

Tuesdays 12-2pm (FAB 2.23) or/and Wed. 11am - 1 pm (FAB 2.23) in weeks 1 and 2.

See also visit to BM in week 6.

CX901 Ancient Visual and Material Culture: Core Module term 1

On Tuesdays 12-2pm in FAB2.23 Antiquities Room, if not otherwise announced below

  • Week 1 Wed. 2 Oct. 11–1, FAB2.23 Induction – Making the most of the MA in Ancient Visual and Material Culture (SFK)
  • Week 2 Tues. 8 Oct. 12-2 FAB2.23 Antiquities in the Kingdom of Naples (AC)
  • Week 2 Wed. 9 Oct. 11am–1pm, Introduction to Epigraphy and to Numismatic Resources (FAB 2.23) (AC & SFK). Jointly with new PGRs
  • Week 3 Tues. 15 Oct. – Collecting Greek Art in Antiquity (ZN)
  • Week 4 Tues. 22 Oct. – Historiographies of Ancient Art (ZN)
  • Week 5 Tues. 29 Oct. – Archaeology (TVD)
  • Week 6 Thurs 7 Nov. – Museum visit to BM (ZN and AC); Coach provided between campus & BM - details tbc
  • Week 7 Tues. 12 Nov. – Renaissance Medals (SFK)
  • Week 8 Tues. 19 Nov. – Museums (PG)
  • Week 9 Tues. 26 Nov. – free for essay discussion and work on essay presentations
  • Week 10 Tues. 3 Dec. – Essay presentations
    Assessment:     5,000 word essay. Deadline for essay title to be approved by course coordinator, Prof Suzanne Frey-Kupper: Wed. 4 December 2024 at 12 noon

Deadline for essay to be submitted: Friday 10 January 2025 at 12 noon

Please submit your title by email.

You can expect to receive feedback within 20 working days electronically via Tabula. You are also encouraged to attend a feedback tutorial with one of the module tutors.

students_examining_inscriptionMA students in the Ashmolean museum

Link to Moodle