HS4367: The Roman Army

School Ancient History
Department Code SHARE
Module Code HS4367
External Subject Code 100786
Number of Credits 20
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Professor Kate Gilliver
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2014/5

Outline Description of Module

As one of the first professional standing armies in history, the Roman army has been the object of much admiration and study. This module will cover the changing organization and role of the army and its fighting techniques from the mid-Republic to the later Imperial period, the lives of the soldiers who served in the various branches of the army, and its effectiveness as a fighting force. Particular attention will be paid to using archaeological and literary evidence in conjunction, and to local resources and evidence for studying the Roman army.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • demonstrate a knowledge and critical understanding of the archaeological and documentary evidence relating to the Roman army.
  • demonstrate an ability to identify Roman military evidence in the archaeological record and analyse it effectively to draw conclusions about the Roman army.
  • demonstrate a knowledge and critical understanding of modern views and interpretations of the Roman army and evidence relating to it, and an ability to evaluate the evidence with reference to these debates.
  • demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the organisation and roles of the Roman army, and its effectiveness in fulfilling its roles.
  • demonstrate an ability to analyse the effects of social and political change on the army and the role of the army in society and politics.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between textual and material evidence.
  • discuss these issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.

How the module will be delivered

20 lectures and 4 seminars; 3 workshops (optional); independent study; 1 coursework feedback tutorial

The lectures provide an introduction to a particular topic, establishing the key points of major course themes, identifying important issues, and providing guidance for more in-depth reading. They aim to provide a basic framework for understanding, and should be thought of as a useful starting-point for further discussion and independent study. Slides and, where appropriate, handouts are used to illustrate the material discussed.

The seminars provide an opportunity for students to analyse and discuss key issues and topics in the module, and to get feedback on their ideas from the tutor and their peers. Handouts with material for study and suggestions for preparatory reading will be circulated prior to the seminars.

Optional workshops provide students the opportunity to explore specific issues relating to the Roman army in more detail in the form of hands-on study of Roman military equipment, visiting Roman military sites in South Wales, and comparing the presentation of pitched battle in ancient descriptions and modern film.

Independent study enables students to familiarise themselves with the primary source material and the most important modern approaches and debates on the subject. A reading list is provided, with guidance on key items of reading for major themes and lecture topics.

Coursework feedback tutorials provide students with an opportunity to get feedback and guidance on all aspects of their written work.

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • observation and visual analysis
  • assimilating and synthesising complex information and ideas
  • critical thinking skills, such as analysing and evaluating evidence, critiquing interpretations or arguments, and challenging assumptions
  • constructing and defending arguments based on evidence
  • clear, accurate and effective communication of ideas and arguments in writing and in debate
  • employing basic skills and conventions in the presentation and use of literary and material evidence
  • bibliographic and referencing skills
  • contributing to group discussions
  • using IT resources as appropriate
  • independent working and time management

How the module will be assessed

The module will be assessed through a 2000-word essay and an exam consisting of one essay question and one source criticism exercise, weighted 70:30.

The essay and exam questions will require knowledge and critical deployment of evidence and critical understanding of modern scholarship to answer questions and construct arguments relating to the Roman army.

In the source criticism exercise, specific written or material sources relating to the Roman army will be set, and students will have to assess their significance, thus deploying their knowledge of the issues and their interpretations.

Type of assessment

%Contribution

Title

Duration
(if applicable)

Approx. date of Assessment

CW

50

Coursework - essay

 

spring semester

EXSP

50

The Roman Army

1.5 hours

spring semester

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Students who fail the module will normally be expected to resit the failed component(s) in the summer resit period.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 50 Course Work - Essay N/A
Exam - Spring Semester 50 The Roman Army 1.5

Syllabus content

·        military organization and equipment

·        developments during the Republic and Empire (c. 200 BC–AD 200)

·        the professionalization of the army and its role in politics and society

·        relations between army and society

·        garrison life

·        ancient military theory

·        logistics and campaign techniques

·        pitched battles & siege warfare

·        the conduct in war and behaviour in war

Essential Reading and Resource List

M.C. Bishop and J.C.N. Coulston, Roman Military Equipment (second edition, 2006)

B. Campbell, The Roman Army 31 BC–AD 337: A Sourcebook (1994)

Y. Garlan, War in the Ancient World (1975)

A.K. Goldsworthy, The Roman Army at War (1996)

L. Keppie, The Making of the Roman Army (1984)

J.E. Lendon, Soldiers and Ghosts (2006)

Plus a general historical book on the period, such as:

R. Alston, Aspects of Roman History AD 14–117 (1998)

M. Crawford, The Roman Republic (second edition, 1993)

H. Swain and M. Everson Davies, Aspects of Roman History 82 BC–AD 14 (2010)

H.H. Scullard, From the Gracchi to Nero (fifth edition, 1982)

C.M. Wells, The Roman Empire (second edition, 1995)

Background Reading and Resource List

See the module handout for the full reading list.


Copyright Cardiff University. Registered charity no. 1136855