Module ARCH52930: RESEARCH TOPICS IN ROMAN ARCHAEOLOGY (SINGLE MODULE)

Department: Archaeology

ARCH52930: RESEARCH TOPICS IN ROMAN ARCHAEOLOGY (SINGLE MODULE)

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a specialised aspect of Roman archaeology chosen from a list of topics representing the main areas of research in the Department and the strands within the MA in Archaeology.

Content

• One of the following topics as available:
• Roman archaeology and mythical history: Mythical history and images of Rome; The relationship between classical archaeology and 'the classics'; The nature and variability of the image of Rome in Western society; The complex relationship between popular images, the media and archaeology; The factors that have lain behind the creation of the archaeological database; Museums and popular mythology; Public displays, the TV and linear concepts of history; The concept of progressive Romanization; Comparative frontier narratives across the empire and their social context; The definition of 'otherness' - barbarians in roman eyes; the uses of the native the hero (Vercingetorix, Boudica, Asterix, etc).
• Production, Exchange and consumption in the Roman World: Imperial interests; Feeding Rome and the army; Feeding the people; Local production and consumption; Mechanisms of exchange; Long-distance trade; Artisans and craftspeople; Retail outlets; Urban settlements as producers and consumers.
• Roman imperial discourse: The nature of Roman imperialism in a comparative context; The character of imperial discourse and how the Roman example fits with other forms; Variations in imperialism resulting from the chronology of Roman conquest, the uses of literature in imperial discourse; The use of the image of the barbarian 'other'; The roles of religion; The creation an maintenance of the imperial infrastructure and military aspects; The uses of elite culture; Native reactions (positive and negative); The Western Roman empire and multiple identities.

Learning Outcomes

• Using one of the following topics as available, students will have:
• Roman archaeology and mythical history: Developed a critical knowledge of the information for the ways that images of Rome have developed in various countries; considered the relationship between popular images of Rome and the Approaches of Roman archaeologists; Analysed comparable evidence from various areas of Europe and the world; Acquired an appreciation of the diversity of images that have developed and their relationship to archaeological discourses; Evaluated competing theoretical interpretations of this material; Developed their independent research and learning skills.
• Production, Exchange and Consumption in the Roman World: Investigated a series of topics relating to the subject of the module; Discussed and evaluated a series of case-studies within these topics, through the detailed study of material culture and landscapes; acquired an appreciation of the diversities and similarities in the processes evident in different regions; evaluated the archaeological evidence in the context of the historical sources; developed their independent learning and research skills.
• Roman Imperial Discourse: Developed a critical knowledge of the information for the ways that Rome operated in various parts of the empire at different times; Considered the complex relationship between ancient history and archaeology; Analysed comparable evidence from various areas of the ~Western empire; Acquired an appreciation of the native responses to Roman invasion and control; Evaluated competing theoretical interpretations of this material; Developed their independent research and learning skills.

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

• through a series of lectures and tutorials.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

■ 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