This module will look at the evolution of family structures from the end of the Roman Empire through the early middle ages. It will look at what makes up a family/household; the roles of parents, children and other significant players; gender aspects. To do this a wide range of source material will be consulted - from law codes, histories, biographies, hagiographies and personal letters to visual imagery and archaeology. The module will also look in depth at the historiography of the subject and the various methodological approaches that have been used by historians of the family in different periods.