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Core Module - Approaching Ancient Visual and Material Culture

CX 901-30

Convenor: Prof Suzanne Frey-Kupper

Tutors: Prof Suzanne Frey-Kupper, Prof Alison Cooley, Dr Paul Grigsby, Dr Dominic Dalglish and Dr Conor Trainor

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 2023-4

Tuesdays 12-2pm (FAB 2.23), except in week 1 on Wed. 11am-1pm (Wolfson Research Exchange) and in week 2 on Tues. 1-2pm (Wolfson Research Exchange) and 2-3 (FAB2.23), and Museum trip to Ashmolean.

Week 1 Wed. 4 Oct. 11am-1pm FAB 2.25 – Making the most of the MA in Ancient Visual and Material Culture (SFK).

Week 2 Tues. 10 Oct. 1-2pm Wolfson Research Exchange – Introduction to Epigraphic and 2-3pm Inroduction to Numismatic Resources (FAB 2.23, Antiquities Room) (AC and SFK). Jointly with new PGRs

Week 3 – Reception of Greek Art in Antiquity (SFK)

Week 4 – Museums (PG)

Week 5 – Antiquities in the Kingdom of Naples (AC)

Week 6 –Museum trip to Ashmolean (AC and JB); please arrange transport to arrive outside main entrance just before 10.30am.

Week 7 – Styles, Dates and Periodisation (DD)

Week 8 – Artists, Owners, and Objects (DD)

Week 9 – Archaeology (CT)

Week 10: Essay presentations

 

Assessment

5,000 word essay

Deadline for essay title to be approved by course coordinator, Prof Suzanne Frey-Kupper: Wed. 6th December 2022 12 noon
Deadline for essay to be submitted: Friday 12 January 2024 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