Classical World 2d: Art, History and Power (U02631)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : HCA-2-SOCEPI

The course is an introduction to the material culture of the ancient world, specifically the use of art and architecture as an aspect of power, either of individuals, of rulers, of societies or of empires.
The course will concentrate on the propagandistic use of art and architecture in a wide variety of contexts and cultures, including the pre-Islamic Near East, ancient Greece, Republican and Imperial Rome and Late Antiquity. Students will be required to evaluate material sources as evidence for political and socio-cultural development. Other themes will include the representation of the individual in art, art in the provinces, women in ancient art, art and religion, art and text, monuments of power, and the reception of ancient art and power in later empires. The course will of necessity engage with both ancient textual and visual materials. Students will be asked to engage with theoretical approaches to art history, historiography and material culture.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : A pass in a Level-1 course in Ancient History or Classical Art/Archaeology

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Ancient History, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 2nd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
07/01/2008	12:10	13:00	Faculty Room North, David Hume Tower	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	12:10	13:00	Central
Lecture	Wednesday	12:10	13:00	Central
Lecture	Thursday	12:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this course the student will be able to demonstrate in written examination, course work and class dioscussion:
- an understanding of the complexity of this body of evidence;
- an understanding of ancient material culture and its importance for the historian;
- an understanding of social structures and their interrelatedness with the source material under investigation;
- the ability to use critically a variety of different methodologies and approaches to this disparate body of source materials;
- familiarity with real artefacts (in a museum context);
- bibliographical research skills to enable students to find independently additional information relating to the study of ancient material culture.

Transferable skills:-
- ability to deal independently with a highly complex body of material;
- ability to develop lateral thinking and to view things in a wider perspective;
- analytical skills;
- team work skills;
- ability to concentrate on important aspects, and to make use of these in a meaningful way;
- ability to communicate one's own findings and opinions clearly and lucidly;
- oral presentation skills;
- written communication skills.