This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module takes a critical and interdisciplinary approach to ancient history and archaeology and modern interpretations of the discipline. The module will develop a rich and detailed view of key themes in ancient history and archaeology (e.g. history and archaeology of gender, religion, childhood, propaganda, ethnicity, reception studies), with a focus on bringing various sub-disciplines into dialogue with one another. The module will train students to explore the ancient evidence for social life in all its complexities, to assess critically how the module's central themes are addressed in modern scholarship, and to use these insights to advance their knowledge and understanding of the ancient world.
Contact Hours: 20
Private Study: 280
Total: 300
Main assessment methods
Research Portfolio (3,000 words) – 80%
Presentation (30 minutes) – 20%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework (5,000 words)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
Indicative list:
Crawford, M. (ed.). (2010). Sources for Ancient History. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
The Cambridge Ancient History, Volumes 1–14. 2nd–3rd edns. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1970–2001).
Erdkamp, P. (ed.) (2013). The Cambridge Companion to Ancient Rome. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Gaskell, I. and Carter, S. A. (eds.) (2020). The Oxford Handbook of History and Material Culture. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Renfrew, C., and Bahn, P. G. (eds.) (2020). Archaeology: Theories, Methods and Practice. London: Thames and Hudson, 2020.
Shapiro, H. A. (ed.) (2007). The Cambridge Companion to Archaic Greece. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Show systematic critical understanding, through clear expression, of selected topics in ancient history and archaeology and the relevant sources in all their variety;
2. Demonstrate developed skills in critical analysis, interpretation, and assessment of a selection of artefacts and texts from the ancient world;
3. Show systematic understanding of the interpretations of and the relationships between topics covered in classes. These topics are likely to change from one year to the next, but may include studies about coinage and propaganda, material culture and gender, archaeology of death and study of religious cults and votive offerings in the ancient world;
4. Manage their learning through the use of primary sources and current research in ancient history and archaeology and related disciplines.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate academic material discussed in a classroom setting;
2. Apply their knowledge of methods of inquiry to new areas of knowledge;
3. Communicate clearly and logically using a variety of methods.
4. Manage time effectively, prioritise workloads and identify and manage stress
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