CL2EM-Early Macedon

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Emma Aston
Email: e.m.m.aston@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module investigates the history and society of Macedon from the reign of Alexander I in the early fifth century BC to the death of Philip II in the fourth.

Aims:
Alexander III of Macedon (£The Great£) is arguably the single most famous conqueror of the ancient world. But where did he come from? What customs, traditions and inherited practices shaped him? In this module, students will look a fascinating and often-neglected northern Greek society, one which provides a very different social and political model from the city-states of the south, and in so doing create a fuller understanding of the ancient world in all its variety.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Identify and discuss the dominant features and customs of the Argead royal house in the Classical period.


• Demonstrate knowledge of key events and personalities of the time.


• Think critically about modern scholarly reactions to Macedonian culture.


• Examine the ancient evidence available and evaluate its limitations.


• Marshall re levant materials and articulate arguments effectively in writing.

Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the student's effectiveness in group situations. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources including bibliographies.

Outline content:

The focus of this module is on the royal dynasty of the Argeads who ruled Macedon throughout the Classical Period. There will be discussion of the most important rulers, especially Alexander I, Perdikkas II, Archelaos and Philip II. In addition, the following themes will be examined:

• The royal family and succession


• Material culture and art


• Ethnicity and identity


• Hunting and the symposium

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will be taught in lectures and seminars; in addition, drop-in sessions will be run in the first half of term to advise students on designing their essay questions.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars	4
Guided independent study:	86
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students may EITHER write an essay OR a commentary on a passage of ancient text/artefact, chosen by the student with guidance from the module convenor.  In either case the word-limit is 2,500 words, and the assignment is due in at 12 noon on the last Friday of the Spring term.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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 of coursework in August

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 28 July 2021