HS4336: Pots, Poems and Pictures: Using Evidence for Ancient History
School | Ancient History |
Department Code | SHARE |
Module Code | HS4336 |
External Subject Code | 100298 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Level | L6 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Dr Ruth Westgate |
Semester | Autumn Semester |
Academic Year | 2013/4 |
Outline Description of Module
If we wish to study the ancient world effectively, we have to be able to use a wide range of sources, from literature to inscriptions, archaeology to art. This module introduces students to the different technical and analytical skills they will need for successful evidence-based study of the ancient world at degree level. Students will learn how to find and evaluate evidence, including different literary genres, archaeological material, coins, inscriptions, and art. There will be hands-on opportunities to study evidence and discuss it in practical classes, to evaluate and attempt to reconcile contradictory evidence, and to consider how different versions of the past can be constructed from different interpretations of evidence. The module will prepare students for confident and independent employment of sources in their other ancient history modules.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Locate literary and archaeological evidence relevant to a range of different periods and topics
- Evaluate the reliability and value to the historian of different types of evidence
- Employ basic skills and conventions in the presentation and use of literary and archaeological evidence
- Demonstrate skills in observing and analysing individual pieces of evidence and collections of evidence
- Select and employ different types of evidence in a critical and effective way to construct arguments
How the module will be delivered
1 x 1 hour and 1 x 2 hour classes per week; 1 half day field trip to Caerleon Roman Legionary Museum
Classes will typically comprise of a mixture of lectures and ‘hands-on’ examination and analysis of different types of evidence.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Knowledge and understanding of the variety of sources from the ancient world and their survival
Locating evidence relevant to a variety of ancient historical topics in the library, museum collections and on the internet
Understanding the sources used by authors and artists in the past, their purpose, and the ways in which genres and bias affect their value as evidence
Recognising conventions and topoi in literature and art
Working with translations of original sources
Particular transferable skills:
Observational skills, looking critically at texts and artefacts and describing them accurately
Understanding maps, plans and other forms of data
Organising data effectively in catalogues, tables, charts and diagrams
Synthesising complex data effectively in written reports
Skills in source criticism
Awareness of ambiguities and different interpretations of the same evidence
Ability to construct arguments through finding, selecting and critically examining a variety of different forms of relevant evidence.
Evaluating and critiquing interpretations of the evidence in secondary works
Team working
How the module will be assessed
Report |
50% |
Paired passage comparison |
Report |
50% |
Corpus report |
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Written Assessment | 50 | Pots, Poems And Pictures: Using Evidence For Ancient History | N/A |
Written Assessment | 50 | Pots, Poems And Pictures: Using Evidence For Ancient History | N/A |
Syllabus content
Sources of literary and material evidence
Finding evidence
The fragmentary nature of ancient sources
Working with translations
Types of material evidence: archaeological evidence and survey, inscriptions and other documents, coins, visual evidence
Observational skills
Conventions and topoi in literature and art
Sources used and referred to by ancient writers
Genre, purpose and bias
Different evidence-based interpretations
Skills at source criticism
Understanding maps, plans and conventions
Compiling catalogues and presenting data
Essential Reading and Resource List
Indicative Reading and Resource List:
A. Barchiesi & W. Scheidel (eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Roman Studies (Oxford 2010) DG209.O9
E. Bispham, T. Harrison & B.A. Sparkes (eds.), The Edinburgh Companion to Ancient Greece and Rome (Edinburgh 2006) DE59.E3 (2 in Short Loan)
G. Boys-Stones, B. Graziosi & P. Vasunia (eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Hellenic Studies (Oxford 2009) DF235.O9
M. Crawford, Sources for Ancient History (Cambridge 1983) DF12.S6
C.W. Hedrick, Ancient History: Monuments and Documents (Oxford 2006) D56.H3
D.M. Schaps, Handbook of Classical Research (London 2010) DE71.S2