CL2RME-Rome's Mediterranean Empire; A World of Cities

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: double coded with AR2R8
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Andrew Souter
Email: a.p.souter@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will explore the phenomenon of Roman urbanism through detailed analysis of architecture and Imperial iconography at a range of geographically-diverse sites: case studies will include those on Rome, Pompeii, Lepcis Magna, Merida and Athens, thereby providing students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of leading cities of the Roman world while addressing broad themes such as cultural exchanges and stylistic developments. We will also examine the means by which urban landscapes were used to communicate Imperial ideology and provincial munificence. Essays and group discussion will prepare students to discuss issues of chronology, technique, and style in art and architecture; we will also address overarching issues through the reading and discussion of current and previous scholarly articles in these fields.

Aims:

The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the particular character of the architectural, archaeological, documentary, and visual evidence for Roman urbanism, both in Rome and its provinces. Students will learn to interrogate the theoretical and methodological means through which scholars have approached Roman Mediterranean material culture within urban landscapes.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• recognise and analyse the principal monuments, building types and materials, architectural elements and decorative styles used in Roman cities.


• identify social, cultural, material and visual developments at a range of geographically-diverse sites.


• demonstrate informed awareness of the cultural and political interplay between Rome and her cities.


• organise mater ial and to articulate arguments effectively in assessed coursework.


• show a comprehensive ability in the integration of diverse forms of evidence in the analysis of archaeological, architectural and classical sources.


• relate the evidence and arguments presented in the lectures and seminars to additional information assembled by their own research.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop oral communication and group skills via discussion in class, and IT skills in work with relevant databases and library catalogues

Outline content:

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching will proceed via lectures and seminars, with two contact hours a week (for a total of ten weeks). Preparatory reading will be mandatory for every session. Students will write one assessed essay.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		15
Seminars		5
Guided independent study:		80
Total hours by term	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 of 3000 words.

Formative assessment methods:

Regular group discussion will provide an opportunity for students to test out and receive feedback upon their ideas and interpretations.

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 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: 29 July 2021