This seminar series offers an introduction to some of the key issues in ancient history. It covers the large processes of transformation that were a consequence of the political unification of the Mediterranean world under the aegis of Rome. In the process all parties concerned, the Romans included, were forced to find new balances in the political, social, economic, ideological and religious sphere. In the course, we will discuss subjects like the transformation of economic life, changes in civic life, processes of hellenisation, romanisation and acculturation, and changes in the religious sphere.
Time Table
First block of semester II, see timetables.
Method of Instruction
Literature seminar; attendance is compulsory ( see the rules and regulations of the Department of History, art. 2).
Course objectives
Students will acquire:
Knowledge of some of the key processes of transformation of the Roman world.
Insight into some of the major modern debates about Roman history
Required reading
See Blackboard [0910]The Rise of Rome for literature lists, essay questions, and further details.
Examination
48 hours before each session, students must hand in an annotated essay of 1500 words at maximum (excl. notes). Please note that this applies also to the first session. Each essay is marked; the average of these marks constitutes the final mark.
Information
With the coordinator: Dr. L.E. Tacoma
Blackboard/Website
Yes.
Remarks
Please note that from the academic year 2009-2010 onwards Ancient History offers in both semesters a different Literature Seminar. Students can choose between the two, or take both. MA- or MPhil-students outside the History Department can take the course as an optional course; it is however not possible to take either course for 5 ECTS.
Apart from registering through the normal procedure for admission to courses, students should also enrol themselves at the Blackboard site [0910]Roman social history before the start of the course.
The course consists of 6 sessions that each cover a different topic. Each week, students will have to read ca 175 pages of modern literature and a selection of ancient sources in translation on the basis of which they will have to write a short essay.
Enrolment
Please use this form to apply for MA courses.