CL3RNW-The Romans and the Natural World

Module Provider: Classics
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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Andrew Fox
Email: a.fox2@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Romans had an intimate relationship with the world around them. The seven hills and its river were integral in the city’s foundation, and central to its development from a collection of huts to the sprawling imperial cosmopolis of the early Imperial period. Even as the hills were obscured by residential developments and dominated by ambitious imperial building programmes, they retained importance in the neighbourhood structure of the city. Meanwhile, the river was bridged so many times it became an inconsequential barrier but remained a vital artery of trade. The respect Romans kept for their natural surroundings was evident across the city plan and throughout its literary scene, compital shrines, neighbourhood names, and monumental trees reminding Romans of the city’s wooded proto-cityscape. This module’s lectures will examine Roman relationships with their immediate natural environs on four key fronts: the hills, the river, the trees, and the stone of the city. It will explore themes of conquest and cultivation in the natural cityscape, the delicate balance between utility and luxury, and the potential of Romans to overreach in their aim to dominate the natural world around them. The seminars will focus on the theoretical approaches deployed by academics in approaching ancient relationships with the natural world, and the necessity of interdisciplinary methodologies.

Aims:

This module aims to equip participants with an understanding of the contribution of the natural world to the social, economic, political, religious and cultural lives of Romans in the Early Imperial period.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Assess the economic importance of proper management of the natural world and resources in key areas of the Roman world;


• Understand the relationship between the urban landscape and the natural world around and within it;


• Appraise the symbolic power and cultural value of natural features in shaping ancient identities;


• Analyse the variety of ancient evidence which historians must use to reconstruct this area of ancient life; and


• Be aware of key themes and controversies which have shaped scholarship in this field

Additional outcomes:

The module aims to encourage the development of skills in written communication and in oral communication to other members of a group.

Outline content:

Topics this module will cover include:

• The seven hills of Rome and their role in urban development


• Rivers and trade


• Trees and gardens


• The economics of exploitation


• The natural world in myth and cult


• The aesthetics of nature and rus in urbe

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will be taught by lectures and seminars, with two contact hours per week.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	18
Seminars	2
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	36
Wider reading (directed)	36
Advance preparation for classes	36
Preparation for seminars	36
Essay preparation	36
Total hours by term	200	0	0
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:

1. A detailed proposal for the essay, of about 1000 words, due in by 12 noon on Friday week 6. (10%)


2. An essay of about 3000 words, due in by 12 noon on the first Monday of Spring term. (90%)

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: 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:

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module. 

Reassessment arrangements:

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 12 October 2023