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.

• 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

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.

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

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

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