CL3JP-The Justinianic Plague

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Arietta Papaconstantinou

Email: a.s.papaconstantinou@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Adopting a strongly interdisciplinary approach, this module will study the pandemic of bubonic plague that broke out in the Mediterranean in 542, widely known as the Justinianic Plague, which has often been understood as one of the factors precipitating ‘the end of Antiquity’.

Aims:

Focusing on a single event, the module aims to give a rounded view of the different historiographical approaches and the large range of sources that can be used to understand it. In particular, it will give insights on how humanities and the sciences can collaborate to advance our knowledge of the ancient world. It will also allow us to go much deeper into the interpretation and confrontation of different sources than is possible when covering a longer period.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to 

• distinguish between modern approaches and be able to discuss them


• recognise and assess the implications of the cultural assumptions made by written sources 


• be able to find and use scholarly material from other academic disciplines


• show knowledge of the history of the period and of the geography of the areas discussed


• have acquired notions of the history of medicine

Additional outcomes:

The module encourages and supports independent student learning, written communication skills, discussion with other members of a group, engagement with unfamiliar methods and materials, and interrogation regarding the relevance of historical events for understanding our own world.

 

Outline content:

The module will review in a systematic manner and conduct a thorough, in-depth analysis of all the evidence collected over the years for the Justinianic plague. This includes textual sources, archaeological evidence, and recent work on ancient climate, ancient DNA, and epidemiology, all of which contribute to a much better understanding of the phenomenon than when using a single type of evidence. It will also offer a historiographical overview, showing how modern historians have understood th e phenomenon through the eyes of their own time, and how their analysis is constrained by the evidence they have at their disposal. It will also discuss the reception and ongoing fascination with the subject today.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be taught in ten two-hour sessions. This will be a mix of short introductory lectures followed by longer seminars, relying heavily on the discussion of pre-assigned readings, with the intent of allowing students to build up their own knowledge independently. Each student will be asked to present the week’s readings once, and to choose an ancient source  or modern article on which to write a written commentary. The remainder of the term will be devoted to research fo r a personal project/essay related to the subject, run under supervision. A starting bibliography for that project will be prepared and discussed before the interruption in Week 6. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	30
Wider reading (directed)	10
Advance preparation for classes	10
Preparation for presentations	10
Preparation for seminars	10
Completion of formative assessment tasks	10
Carry-out research project	40
Essay preparation	60
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	90
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A short class presentation (10 mins) of one or several of the readings assigned for discussion (10%).

One 1500-word text or article commentary due in at the end of Week 9 (20% of the overall mark)

One 3000-word essay due at the end of Week 1 of the term following the one in which the module is taught. (70% of the overall mark)

Formative assessment methods:

Students are encouraged to submit a draft or project of their essay for formative feedback by the end of Week 9.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission by 21 August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020