Objectives
-develop and encourage students' interest in the history and culture of the classical world, by providing a broadly based and challenging curriculum including course-units that are innovative and stimulating, informed by the research expertise of the teaching staff, and examined by a range of methods of assessment; -train students in the methods and techniques of historical analysis, based on the direct study of primary evidence and taking account of modern approaches and debates; -help students to work independently and to organise effectively their own schedules of personal study; -produce graduates with the transferable cognitive skills necessary to equip them for employment, postgraduate study, or further training; -make available progressive language courses in Latin and/or Greek, starting from elementary, intermediate or advanced level, consolidating any existing knowledge of the language(s) and developing particularly reading knowledge but also some active competence and other language-based and language-related skills. Although language study is not required, all students are encouraged to take a language option, and if successful to continue language study throughout the programme, and thus to follow a `language pathway'.
Course description
Course content for year 1
Please note that reference to modules is intended to be a guide only - course content or availability may change slightly as we aim to improve and update our courses yearly.
In the first year you will study three core units - Introduction to Ancient History; The Greeks & the Mediterranean World 800-449BC; and From Republic to Empire: Introduction to Roman history, society and culture. In addition you choose two further course units from History & Classics (including courses in medieval and modern history). We strongly recommend that you take a course in Latin or Greek as these are available from beginners' level right through to advanced study. Finally you can choose a free choice course unit from those available across the University.
Course content for year 2
Please note that reference to modules is intended to be a guide only - course content or availability may change slightly as we aim to improve and update our courses yearly.
In the second year you study core courses on Politics & Society in Classical Greece 450-323BC and either Cicero & the late Republic or The Roman Empire AD14-284. In addition you choose a further three courses from the History & Classics or from approved units provided by other subjects. Again, we recommend that you continue your language studies in Latin or Greek. Finally you will write a 6000 word essay on an ancient history topic. There is an opportunity to study abroad in the second year.
Course content for year 3
In the final year you choose two courses from ancient history topics such as:
Wars, Empires, Diplomacy in Classical Greece; The World of Rome; The Roman Outlook; Hellenisation; The Onset of Revolution: Rome, Italy and the Mediterranean from the Fall of Carthage to the Death of Sulla; Tyrants, Mobs and Monarchs: The Cultures of Politics in the Greek World; Greek and Roman Slavery
- and two courses from within History & Classics or from approved units provided by other subjects. You will also write a thesis of up to 15000 words linked to one of your ancient history courses.
Career opportunities
An Ancient History degree opens many doors and is highly prized by employers. We see our graduates take up jobs in museum or gallery management, publishing, the media, the Civil Service, industry, banking, accountancy, retail management and law, as well as teaching.
Ancient History is an integrated programme for students whose interest in the Greek and Roman worlds is primarily historical. It allows all students the opportunity to take either Greek or Latin (or both) at any level including beginners' courses, though you can take the programme without studying language. As background to the study of ancient history, students can also take related specialist courses from a range including ancient literature, religion, philosophy, art, archaeology, and modern history. There is a wide range of styles of teaching, including lectures, seminars, small-group tutorials and virtual seminars via the web.
Course fees: Tuition fees for Home/EU students commencing their studies in 2009 will be approximately £3250 per year. These fees will be subject to change in the light of government announcements to all universities.
