Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)
Module FOUD0197: INTRODUCTION TO ANCIENT HISTORY
Department: Foundation Year (Durham)
FOUD0197: INTRODUCTION TO ANCIENT HISTORY
| Type | Open | Level | 0 | Credits | 10 | Availability | Available in 2014/15 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None
Aims
- To provide an introduction and basis for further study of a specified period of Ancient History and culture
- To investigate central themes and topics of at least one ancient culture
- To gain familiarity with and develop a critical perspective of the studied historical period and the various sources of evidence.
Content
- Introduce historical sources, concepts and historiography
- Include a study of the history, literature, art and society of at least one ancient culture
- Study of a variety of source material and evidence including extracts from literature, art and ancient historians.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Have knowledge of the relevant issues and facts of the ancient history of at least one given period
- Communicate ideas effectively in writing
- Show awareness of continuity and change from the ancient past to the present
Subject-specific Skills:
- To be able to discuss and debate historical material in an academic manner
- To appreciate the problems associated with evaluating evidence from other cultures, particularly in translation
- Be able to analyse historical texts
Key Skills:
- Be able to communicate effectively in writing
- Be able to synthesise evidence into a clear and coherent argument
- Make good use of information resources
- To be able to analyse, interpret and critically evaluate different source materials
- To identify and distinguish between primary and secondary sources
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- All teaching will take the form of seminars with a view to encouraging the active participation of all students.
- Throughout the programme students will be given a range of exercises designed to develop their ability to understand, analyse and formulate arguments.
- The assessment methods aim to take account of the need for students to be able to make effective use of primary and secondary sources and to express their ideas both verbally and in writing.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seminars | 10 | weekly | 2 hours | 20 | |
| Research | 10 | weekly | 1 hour | 10 | |
| Student Preparation and Reading Time | 70 | ||||
| 100 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Essay | Component Weighting: 40% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Essay | 2000 words | 100% | Resubmission |
| Component: Test | Component Weighting: 60% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Test using "seen" historical source and essay | 2 hours | 100% | Resit |
Formative Assessment:
Throughout the course students are expected to consolidate their learning through background reading. Exercises and library research will be set to enable students to measure their progress and confirm understanding of the material.
■ 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