AR2R8-Rome's Mediterranean Empire

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Philippa Walton
Email: p.j.walton@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will explore the phenomenon of Roman urbanism through detailed analysis of the archaeology of cities throughout the Roman Empire. We will review the types of data available to scholars studying Roman urbanism and explore a range of case study cities from both the eastern and western Empire. We will also address broader themes such as religion, the economy and the role of the army. Lectures, seminars and essay research will all prepare students to discuss issues current in the study of Roman urbanism; we will also address overarching issues through the reading and discussion of current and previous scholarly sources in these fields.

Aims:

By the end of the module, students will have a clear understanding of the main sources of evidence for exploring urbanism throughout the Roman world. They will be familiar with the character and development of a range of case study cities in both the eastern and western Empire and be able to place them in a wider landscape context. They will also have explored particular aspects of urban life such as the economy, worship of the imperial cult and literacy.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• 1. recognise and understand the significance of the main types of archaeological evidence within the Roman cityscape;


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


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


• 4. organise material and to articulate arguments effectively in assessed coursework.


• 5. show a comprehensive ability in the integration of diverse forms of evidence in the analysis of archaeological and other relevant sources.


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


• 7. Identify and familiarise with relevant literature and other resources.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop oral communication and group skills via discussion in class, and IT skills in work with relevant databases, library catalogues and other digital resources. Collation and synthesis of diverse sources of information through advanced development of library skills and interrogation of reliable web sites. Promotion of independent study skills, focussed on specific themes, and presentation of in-depth, critical and cogent written argument through coursework.

Outline content:

This  module will explore the phenomenon of Roman urbanism through detailed analysis of the archaeology of cities throughout the Roman Empire. We will review the types of data available to scholars studying Roman urbanism and explore a range of case study cities from both the eastern and western Empire including Rome, Merida, Lepcis Magna and Verulamium. We will also address broader themes such as religion, the economy and the role of the army. Lectures, seminars and essay research willall prepare students to discuss issues current in the study of Roman urbanism; we will also address overarching issues through the reading and discussion of current and previous scholarly sources in these fields.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact hours: Teaching will comprise lectures and seminars, (typically a 1hr weekly lecture, followed by 1hr seminar). Preparatory reading will be mandatory for every session.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		15
Seminars		5
Guided independent study:		180
Total hours by term		200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will write two essays.

Essay 1: 2000 words (relative percentage of coursework 40%)

Essay 2: 3000 words (relative percentage of coursework 60%)

Formative assessment methods:
Students will peer-review essay outlines and bibliographies for the 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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework over the summer, on dates set by the Department.

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: 1 December 2022