Roman Imperialism (VS1) (U02878)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-3-VS1-RMIMP

The course aims to be an in-depth analysis of a major aspect of Roman history, namely that of Rome's drive for empire. In little over 2 centuries, Rome was transformed from an Italian city to mistress of the Mediterranean world, and the foundations of an empire were laid which was eventually to cover the Mediterranean basin and much of northern Europe and the Middle East. All this was achieved with institutions that remained those of a city-state. The course analyses the structures, social, economic, political, religious and military that allowed what can reasonably be described as one of the greatest success stories of imperialism in antiquity.
More precisely, the course will look at the workings of various aspects of Roman republican history that are essential for an understanding of the period as a whole. Individual lectures will focus on the distribution of power, the use and abuse of power, the role of political institutions vis-a-vis the powers maintained by individuals, the interplay between religion and politics, the social structures that fostered a competitive political elite, the economy that fuelled imperial expansion, the role of the military and its organisation in successful combat.
Furthermore, the course will analyse a range of aspects foregrounded by modern scholarship, e.g. the nature of Roman imperialism, the relationship between the study of individual happenings and that of a longue durie, the significance of various gender roles and their potential to have an impact on mainstream narratives, the historiography of the study of (Roman) imperialism, etc. The student should acquire familiarity with both seminal aspects of Roman history and its scholarly investigation. In doing so, the student will be exposed to a range of evidence, from archaeological, to epigraphic and literary sources, as well as to a range of approaches to the topic.

Entry Requirements

? This course is only available to part year visiting students.

? This course is a variant of the following course : U02651

? Pre-requisites : Experience in Ancient History, at discretion of course organiser.

? Special Arrangements for Entry : The maximum number of students that can be accommodated on the 'parent' course is 40. This course is only for visiting students in Edinburgh during the 1st Semester but NOT the 2nd Semester. In order for a student to be enrolled, contact must be made with a Course Secretary on 50 3580 in order for approval to be obtained.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

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

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	17:10	18:00	Central
Lecture	Thursday	10:00	10:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this course the student will have:-
- understanding of the complexity of the topic and its interrelatedness with other important topics and periods;
- ability to use critically a variety of different categories of material, epigraphic and literary evidence;
- understanding of some of the major methodological issues arising from the study of Roman imperialism;
- knowledge of some important aspects of Rome's drive for empire, especially socio-economic, political, religious and military structures;
- awareness of some of the differences and similarities between ancient and modern imperialism;
- bibliographical research skills to enable students to find independently additional information on aspects of the study of imperialism in different periods and regions.

Students will also be able to demonstrate:
- an ability to deal independently with a highly complex body of material;
- an ability to develop lateral thinking and to view things in a wider perspective;
- analytical skills;
- an ability to concentrate on important aspects, and to make use of these in a meaningful way;
- an ability to communicate own findings and opinions clearly and lucidly;
- written communication skills.