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Archaeology of the Roman World (ANCW20025)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
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This course concentrates on the development of Rome from a small village into the center of a vast Empire, through the lens of artworks and archaeology. It examines a wide variety of themes (urbanism, public and private architecture, religion, economy) and sources of material evidence (pottery, coins etc.) to provide insight into the Roman World.
Focus will be both on the overall structures, as well as on regional variation, and we will examine various groups within Roman society, from the upper levels to the common man. Specific emphasis will be placed on a number of key sites, both in Italy (Rome, Pompeii, Ostia) and in the Roman provinces. Furthermore, we will deal with the enduring importance (and misuse) of the Roman past in modern-day society.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Integrate key topics (daily life, public and private architecture, religion, social practices, economy) relating to the Roman World from the Early Republic until the Fall of the Roman Empire
- Outline the key sites and types of material evidence and how they inform us on Roman society
- Evaluate and contrast these forms of evidence and assess their limits and credibility
- Analyze and interpret archaeological evidence, such as artifacts, structures, and human remains, to reconstruct various aspects of Roman society
- Examine the role of archaeology in shaping our understanding of the Roman World and its contribution to our knowledge of ancient civilizations.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Develop critical thinking skills to analyse and evaluate concepts, beliefs, considering multiple perspectives, and supporting evidence
- Communicate effectively in writing and synthesis an argument in cogent form
- Evaluate the impact of social, ethical, and cultural contexts
- Acquire greater confidence in tackling unfamiliar problems
- Reflect on the communication conventions of another culture
- Conduct independent research and effectively manage information.
Last updated: 18 February 2025