AR3R9-Archaeology of the City of Rome

Module Provider: Archaeology
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: 2022/3

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module will provide an overview of the archaeology of the city of Rome in the imperial period.  Adopting a thematic approach and using a range of archaeological, epigraphic and historical evidence, we will focus on a study of the inhabitants of the city, particularly those who are ‘without history’. 

Aims:

By the end of the module, students will have a clear understanding of the main sources of evidence for exploring the range of lived experience in imperial Rome and be critically aware of their strengths and weaknesses. They will have explored a diverse range of topics including population size and composition, housing, entertainment, ritual and religious experience and will be introduced to some of the key research themes current in Roman archaeology.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Show a comprehensive knowledge of the range of sources used to study the people, monuments and material culture of Imperial Rome and be able to evaluate their use critically;


• Demonstrate an understanding of the value of an interdisciplinary approach by integrating diverse forms of evidence in their exploration of lived experience in Rome;


• Relate the evidence and arguments presented in the lectures and seminars to additional information assembled during their own research;


• Articulate their arguments effectively and illustrate them with relevant evidence.

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:

Forming the political, cultural and religious heart of the Roman world, Rome has provided an incredible wealth of iconic monuments and buildings whose legacy is still felt today. Employing an interdisciplinary approach and through a combination of lectures and seminars, we will attempt to recover something of the lives of those ‘without history’. Students will explore a range of sources (literary, historical, epigraphic, archaeological) and examine the role of the latest scientific and theoretical approaches (eg. Bioarchaeology; sensory archaeology) in reconstructing the city and the lives of its inhabitants. They will address a diverse range of topics including population size and composition, housing, entertainment, ritual and religious experience and will be introduced to some of the key research themes current in Roman archaeology.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact hours: Teaching will comprise a weekly lecture followed by a seminar developing ideas touched upon in the lecture and in preparatory reading. This Preparatory reading will be mandatory for every session (lectures and seminars).

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars	10
Guided independent study:	180
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	60
Portfolio	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will write a portfolio of 2000 words (worth 40%) and one essay of 3000 words (worth 60%). 

Formative assessment methods:
Seminar presentations and participation in seminar discussions will provide opportunity for immediate feedback.

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:  

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  

4) Printing and binding:  

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  

Last updated: 22 September 2022