First Year
Compulsory modules
The Roman World (20 credits)
This module provides an introduction to the key aspects of ancient Roman civilisation, focusing on historical events and key processes, great works of literature, art, and archaeological evidence. It provides students with a chronological framework within which various themes and bodies of evidence will be examined.
Project A (10 credits)
Students taking this project meet weekly in small groups with their Personal Tutor to cover a topic of their tutor’s choice. This will typically be related to the overall goals of their degree programme. Group sizes will typically not exceed twelve; students will be expected to prepare material ahead of classes, either individually or in groups, and to take active part in discussion in class. Sessions are led by the tutor in the first instance, but may include student-led elements.
The module is particularly intended to ensure that all students gain a firm understanding of the workings of university life; what skills and qualities are expected of them, and what resources are available to help them develop these. In particular, time will be dedicated to the following areas:
- Identification and use of primary sources
- Secondary sources; importance of peer review;
- Library skills (ideally to include a library visit and bibliographical task);
- Standard reference and online resources; evaluating online material;
- Essay conventions, especially referencing; how to avoid plagiarism;
- Academic etiquette, including email conventions.
Project B (10 credits)
Students taking this project meet weekly in small groups to cover a topic prescribed by the instructor. This may be more or less closely related to the individual student’s degree programme; where options are oversubscribed, priority will be given to students on the most relevant programmes. Group sizes will typically not exceed twelve; students will be expected to prepare material ahead of classes, either individually or in groups, and to take active part in discussion in class. Sessions are led by the tutor in the first instance, but will include student-led elements.
The module is intended to reinforce and build on the skills and understanding of university life covered in Project A. In addition, students will be required to give group presentations on prepared topics. Instructors are encouraged also to organise an out-of-classroom activity, such as a visit to the Barber Institute, Eton Myers collection, Rare Books, or similar.
Rethinking the Ancient World A: Mythology and Identity (10 credits)
This course provides a survey of the disciplinary specialisations, topics and methodologies practiced or exemplified in CAHA. It seeks to problematise, decentre or encourage the rethinking of the attitudes and assumptions of first-year students. The first semester focuses on mythology and questions of ethnicity and gender in antiquity. Team-taught, with a maximum of four instructors, all of whom will also lead a seminar.
Rethinking the Ancient World B: Other Voices (10 credits)
This course provides a survey of the disciplinary specialisations, topics and methodologies practiced or exemplified in CAHA. It seeks to problematise, decentre or encourage the rethinking of the attitudes and assumptions of first-year students. The second semester focuses on archaeological approaches and economic histories, examining in particular the lives and voices of non-elite or marginalised groups. Team-taught, with a maximum of four instructors, all of whom will also lead a seminar.
Optional Modules may include:
- Greek 1 and 2 (20+20 credits)
- Greek World (20 credits)
- Latin 1,2 and 3 (20+20+20 credits)