Undergraduate Course: Roman Imperialism (ANHI10018)
Course Outline
| School | School of History, Classics and Archaeology |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Ancient History |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | 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 dure, 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 (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | A pass in two Level 2 Ancient History courses (Ancient History 2A and Ancient History 2B), or at the discretion of the course organiser.
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| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should usually have at least 3 courses in Classics related subject matter(at least 2 of which should be in Ancient History) at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this) for entry to this course. We will only consider University/College level courses.
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| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
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 discussion:
- an understanding of the complexity of the topic and its interrelatedness with other important topics and periods;
- an ability to use critically a variety of different categories of material, epigraphic and literary evidence;
- an 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;
- an awareness of some of the differences and similarities between ancient and modern imperialism;
- bibliographical research skills to find independently additional information on aspects of the study of imperialism in different periods and regions.
The student will also 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. |
Assessment Information
One essay (30%); one (2-hour) degree examination (70%).
Visiting Student Variant Assessment
One essay - 30%.
Subject Area administered Exam/Exercise in lieu of Degree Examination $ú to take place in Week 12 (see the current course handbook for further details) - 70%. |
Special Arrangements
| The maximum number of students that can be accommodated on this course is 40. In order for a student from outwith Classics to be enrolled, contact must be made with a Course Secretary on 50 3580 in order for approval to be obtained. |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Ulrike Roth
Tel: (0131 6)50 3586
Email: U.Roth@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Elaine Hutchison
Tel: (0131 6)50 3582
Email: E.Hutchison@ed.ac.uk |
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