CL2ILA-Introduction to Late Antiquity

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 Christa Gray
Email: c.m.gray@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module serves as an introduction to the period of late antiquity and to some of its key figures. In particular, it will look at the impact of the increasing dominance of Christianity on literature and culture from around the fourth century AD onwards.

Aims:

The module aims to provide students with an introduction to the social, religious, and political changes that took place around the Mediterranean in the period from the fourth to the seventh century. Students will learn to approach texts both as sources and as literature, and to analyse them from different angles.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

•  Describe, analyse and assess key issues pertaining to the history of the period examined.


• Interpret texts of different natures, assess their respective relevance, identify the connections between them and use them to construct coherent arguments.


• Understand the terms and arguments of ongoing scholarly debates and take a critical position regarding them.

Additional outcomes:

The module encourages and supports independent student learning, written communication skills, and discussion with other members of a group.

Outline content:

The module will offer an introduction to a selection of persons, places, and events of the late antique period (4th to 7th centuries AD). It will consider these items in their historical contexts and show the importance of the period in the formation of the medieval European and Middle Eastern worlds. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be taught in ten sessions that will include a mix of lectures and seminar discussion. Sessions will require prior background reading.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	5
Seminars	5
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	40
Wider reading (directed)	10
Advance preparation for classes	10
Essay preparation	30
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:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One essay (2,500 words), due on the Wednesday of the first week after the end of term. 

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be asked to write an essay project by Week 8 for which feedback will be provided in view of their final essay. 

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%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission by 1 September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 5 May 2021