CLMAR-Approaches to Rome

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: m.c.nicholls@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to introduce students to the main literary, epigraphic and archaeological sources for the City of Rome, together with theoretical approaches to this material, and to give practice in the use of different types of evidence through thematic and interdisciplinary seminars.

Aims:
This module aims to introduce students to the main literary, epigraphic and archaeological sources for the City of Rome, together with theoretical approaches to this material, and to give practice in the use of different types of evidence through thematic and interdisciplinary seminars.

Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of this module, students should be able:

• to show a good grasp of the history, topography, and architecture of the ancient City of Rome
• to demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the different types of evidence and resources available for the study of the City of Rome
• to identify and apply an appropriate combination of literary, epigraphic, architectural and other archaeological evidence critically and accurately to the elucidation of problems relating to the City of Rome
• to use these primary data for the evaluation of both traditional and current theoretical and methodological approaches to the city of Rome, and to appraise critically their respective contribution to understanding the city's reception
• to locate, extract and assemble data and information from varied sources with minimal guidance
• to take a creative approach to important topics and to develop independent interpretations of material through self-directed research
• to organise wide-ranging material and to articulate complex arguments effectively in both written work and, orally, in seminar discussions and presentations

Additional outcomes:
The module also promotes the development of high-level problem-solving skills applied to diverse, complex and incomplete data. Seminar presentations and written work encourage independent learning and the exercise of initiative. Opportunity is also provided for students to practice language skills through reading foreign language publications.

Outline content:
After an introduction to the main resources for the study of the city of Rome, a series of tutorials introduce students to the main categories of evidence and the problems associated with them. These are put into practice through the study of key areas of the city. (e.g. Palatine, Forum Romanum, imperial fora and Campus Martius) and/or categories of building (e.g. housing, infrastructure), and thematic investigations of e.g.construction methods and materials. The second half of the module is devoted to thematic and interdisciplinary case studies examining different approaches to and perspectives on the city of Rome. Topics covered may include: approaches to Rome's early history; the political history of excavation in Rome; the urban image of Rome; visual reconstructions etc.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Illustrated lectures, seminars, and structured group discussion requiring preparatory reading.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
The course is assessed through one book review (20%) and one oral presentation (10%) both of these due on or by the last day of the Autumn Term. (The oral presentation to be arranged at a time to suit all parties.) One essay of 4,000 words is due in at the end of Week 5 of the Spring Term.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of written work as agreed by Programme Director.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 10 April 2019