Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module ARCH2091: MEDITERRANEAN EXPANSION: ROME AND NATIVE SOCIETIES

Department: ARCHAEOLOGY

ARCH2091: MEDITERRANEAN EXPANSION: ROME AND NATIVE SOCIETIES

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2006/07 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Discovering World Prehistory (ARCH1121) OR From Roman Empire to Nation State (ARCH1101) OR Introduction to Archaeology (ARCH1071).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To enable students to gain a broad understanding of (a) the archaeological information and historical information for Iron Age and Roman societies in western Europe and the Mediterranean.
  • and (b) current theories and debates about this evidence.

Content

  • This module considers the character of Iron Age and Roman societies in western Europe (Gaul, Britain, Iberia) and the Mediterranean and the relationships between them between c.600 BC-AD400.
  • Particular emphasis is laid on the context within which Roman expansion occurred, the different processes involved, and their varying impact on native societies across the region.
  • The evidence for changes in settlement, social and political organisation, exchange and chronology is examined using a range of case studies, whilst recent changes to our understanding are assessed through an evaluation of this archaeological information in its wider historical context.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • At the end of the module, the student will have: Developed a sound knowledge of a range of artefacts, sites, and landscapes in the defined geographical areas.
  • Related this evidence to a wider framework.
  • Interpreted this information in the context of recent theoretical developments.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Developing a broad range of core interpretive skills pertaining to knowledge of the Roman world
Key Skills:
  • Accessing library and WWW resources
  • Undertaking independent study, reserach and problem solving
  • Preparation and effective communication of research methods, data, and arguments in written and visual form.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The mode is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
  • Lectures will ensure the effective communication of key information and theoretical ideas.
  • seminars will provide closer engagement with the material and its interpretation.
  • The short answer section of the exam will test students' grasp of critical information, whilst the unseen essay will test their ability to evaluate current ideas and debates.
  • students' abilities to analyse data and place it in a wider framework of understanding will be assessed by the evidence-based essay.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 19 1 Per Week 1 Hour 19
Seminars 6 Every 3 Weeks 1 Hour 6
Preparation and Reading 175
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Assessed essay Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 3,000 words 100%
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Examination 2 hours 100%

Formative Assessment:

Preparation of an essay summarising the evidence for a particular topic and the main problems with the data (approx 1,500 words) submitted in the Michaelmas term; participation in seminar discussions.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University