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Ancient History

Stage I

Ancient Egyptian History

A broad overview of ancient Egyptian society and history. It encompasses the approximately 2000 years between the early period of formation of the state of Egypt and the end of the New Kingdom. A focus on political history forms the framework for discussions of the art, literature, and religion of the period.

Ancient Greek History

An introduction to Greek history and civilisation from the Archaic period to the death of Alexander the Great.

Roman History

An introduction to the civilisation and history of Ancient Rome, with particular reference to the Republic and Early Empire.

Stage II

Egypt in Dynasty XVIII

The cosmopolitan nature of ancient Egypt during the era of its imperial expansion and its consciousness as a world power. Topics covered include the social, political, and economic ramifications of this sudden change in Egypt's role in the ancient world. The emergence of new religious directions will also be discussed, among which are the state cults of Amun-Re and the religious monotheism of Akhenaton.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100

Restriction: ANCHIST 300

Greece and Persia

A study of the contacts and conflicts between Greece and Persia 560-323BC.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 102

Restriction: ANCHIST 302

Egyptian Language 1A

A study of the Egyptian language, hieroglyphic writing and selected documents up to Dynasty 18.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100

Egyptian Language 1B

Further study of the Egyptian language, hieroglyphic writing and selected documents up to Dynasty 18.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 210

Ancient Greek Tyranny

A study of the lives and achievements of individual tyrants in order to establish the causes and effects of the phenomenon of tyranny, and an evaluation of Greek views of tyranny.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 102

Restriction: ANCHIST 322

Egypt in Dynasties XI-XVII

Covers the history of Egypt during one major phase of unification, the Middle Kingdom, as well as the First and Second Intermediate Periods. Topics analysed include the rise of imperialism in the south (Nubia), the importance of literature of propaganda as a social bond of loyalty, the conquest of the north by the Asiatic Hyksos, and the new artistic style of portraiture.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100

Restriction: ANCHIST 330

Icon and Narrative: Egypt, Greece, and the Aegean

A study of key periods and cultural developments in the art and archaeological remains of Egypt (from the Predynastic Period to the New Kingdom) and Greece and the Aegean island cultures of the Bronze Age (from c. 4000 BC to c. 1000 BC).

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History or Classical Studies, or ARTHIST 106

Restriction: ANCHIST 351

Egyptian Religion

A study of ancient Egyptian religion from the Early Dynastic period through to the end of the Late Period. The course will examine religious practice as well as religious thought, and will consider the patterns of belief throughout the ancient period of Egypt's history.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100

Restriction: ANCHIST 352

Early Egypt

Covers the earliest periods of Egypt's development from the prehistoric period to the end of the Old Kingdom. This course focuses on the lead-up to state formation and the great Pyramid Age that followed.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100

Restriction: ANCHIST 353

Early Rome

A study of the earliest development of ancient Rome using written sources but with special emphasis on archaeological evidence.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 103

Restriction: ANCHIST 354

The Later Roman Empire

A study of the Roman empire between the third and sixth centuries CE. Topics covered include the social, economic and political crises of the period, encounters and struggles between Romans and barbarians, the conflict between Paganism and Christianity, and the emergence of the barbarian kingdoms in the West and the Byzantine empire in the East.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 102 or 103

Restriction: ANCHIST 355

The Ancient World at War

Provides an in-depth analysis of the role of the military in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The physical evidence of warfare as well as chronological development of warfare within each society will be discussed. An additional theme will be the interweaving of the social and cultural impact of warfare and the army upon these civilisations.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100 or 102 or 103

Restriction: ANCHIST 356

Special Topic in Egyptian History

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100

Restriction: ANCHIST 357

Fifth Century Athens

The social, economic, political, and ideological development of Athens and Athenian democracy in the fifth century BC; the course will consider both literary sources and archaeological material.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 102

Restriction: ANCHIST 358

Special Topic in Roman History

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 103

Restriction: ANCHIST 359

Roman Revolutions

Covers the history, politics, society and culture of Rome during the late Republic and early Imperial periods. Topics include the army, religion, family, sexuality, literature, art and the life of the provinces, set against the dramatic breakdown of old systems of government and their replacement with a new model of rule.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 103

Restriction: ANCHIST 203, 213, 360

Special Topic

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100

Restriction: ANCHIST 361

Special Topic

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 102

Restriction: ANCHIST 362

Special Topic

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 103

Restriction: ANCHIST 363

Stage III

ANCHIST 300 Egypt in Dynasty XVIII

The cosmopolitan nature of ancient Egypt during the era of its imperial expansion and its consciousness as a world power. Topics covered include the social, political and economic ramifications of this sudden change in Egypt's role in the ancient world. The emergence of new religious directions will also be discussed, among which are the state cults of Amun-Re and the religious monotheism of Akhenaton.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100 and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History

Restriction: ANCHIST 200

Greece and Persia

A study of the contacts and conflicts between Greece and Persia 560-323BC.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 102 and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek

Restriction: ANCHIST 202

Egyptian Language 2A

A study of the historical inscriptions covering the key pharaonic records of Dynasty XVIII, for example, of Thutmose III and Amunhotep II and non-royal individuals of the XVIIIth Dynasty. Texts include the war records, building inscriptions, the Hymn to the Aten and the various sphinx stelae.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 220

Historians of Rome

A study of the Greek and Latin writers on Roman history in English translation; writers will include Livy, Sallust, Caesar and Tacitus.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 103 and 15 points at Stage II in either Ancient History or Classical Studies, or 30 points at Stage II in Latin

Restriction: ANCHIST 753

Ancient Greek Tyranny

A study of the lives and achievements of individual Greek tyrants in order to establish the causes and effects of the phenomenon of tyranny, and an evaluation of Greek views of tyranny.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 102 and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek

Restriction: ANCHIST 222

Historians of Greece

A study of the Greek writers on Greek history in English translation; writers will include Herodotus, Thucydides and Xenophon.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 102 and 15 points at Stage II in either Ancient History or Classical Studies, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek

Restriction: ANCHIST 752

Egypt in Dynasties XI-XVII

Covers the history of Egypt during one major phase of unification, the Middle Kingdom, as well as the First and Second Intermediate Periods. Topics analysed include the rise of imperialism in the south (Nubia), the importance of literature of propaganda as a social bond of loyalty, the conquest of the north by the Asiatic Hyksos, and the new artistic style of portraiture.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100 and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History

Restriction: ANCHIST 230

Egyptian Language 2B

A study of the main literary texts of the XIIth Dynasty such as The Story of Sinuhe and Cheops and the Magicians. Emphasis is placed upon various literary elements of these compositions such as folktale elements, the use of propaganda, the individual in society and the exotic foreign settings to the tales.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 220

Icon and Narrative: Egypt, Greece and the Aegean

A study of key periods and cultural developments in the art and archaeological remains of Egypt (from the Predynastic Period to the New Kingdom) and Greece and the Aegean island cultures of the Bronze Age (from c. 4000 BC to c. 1000 BC).

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History or Classical Studies, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek

Restriction: ANCHIST 251

Egyptian Religion

A study of ancient Egyptian religion from the Early Dynastic period through to the end of the Late Period. The course will examine religious practice as well as religious thought, and will consider the patterns of belief throughout the ancient period of Egypt's history.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100 and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History

Restriction: ANCHIST 252

Early Egypt

Covers the earliest periods of Egypt's development from the prehistoric period to the end of the Old Kingdom. This course focuses on the lead-up to state formation and the great Pyramid Age that followed.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100 and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History

Restriction: ANCHIST 253

Early Rome

A study of the earliest development of ancient Rome, using written sources but with special emphasis on archaeological evidence.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 103 and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Latin
Restriction: ANCHIST 254

The Later Roman Empire

A study of the Roman Empire between the third and sixth centuries CE. Topics covered include the social, economic and political crises of the period, encounters and struggles between Romans and barbarians, the conflict between Paganism and Christianity, and the emergence of the barbarian kingdoms in the West and the Byzantine empire in the East.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 102 or 103, and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek or Latin

Restriction: ANCHIST 255

The Ancient World at War

Provides an in-depth analysis of the role of the military in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The physical evidence of warfare as well as chronological development of warfare within each society will be discussed. An additional theme will be the interweaving of the social and cultural impact of warfare and the army upon these civilisations.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100 or 102 or 103, and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek or Latin

Restriction: ANCHIST 256

Special Topic in Egyptian History

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100 and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History

Restriction: ANCHIST 257

Fifth Century Athens

The social, economic, political, and ideological development of Athens and Athenian democracy in the fifth century BC; the course will consider both literary sources and archaeological material.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 102 and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek

Restriction: ANCHIST 258

Special Topic in Roman History

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 103 and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Latin

Restriction: ANCHIST 259

Roman Revolutions

Covers the history, politics, society and culture of Rome during the late Republic and early Imperial periods. Topics include the army, religion, family, sexuality, literature, art and the life of the provinces, set against the dramatic breakdown of old systems of government and their replacement with a new model of rule.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 103 and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Latin

Restriction: ANCHIST 260, 303, 313

Special Topic

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 100 and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History

Restriction: ANCHIST 261

Special Topic

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 102 and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek
Restriction: ANCHIST 262

Special Topic

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 103 and 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Latin

Restriction: ANCHIST 263

Ancient History Study Abroad

Study abroad on archaeological sites in Greece, Italy and the Mediterranean area.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Ancient History and permission of the Head of Department

Restriction: CLASSICS 377

Postgraduate 700 Level Courses

Egyptian Civilisation Topic 1

A study of key periods or important themes in the development of ancient Egypt.

Graeco-Roman Egypt

A study of Egypt from 331 BC, focusing on government, society and religion under the Ptolemies.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 702 A and B

Roman Imperialism

A study of ideas which motivated and justified imperial expansion under the Roman Republic.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 703 A and B

Egyptian Civilisation Topic 2

A study of key periods or important themes in the development of ancient Egypt.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 704 A and B, or ANCHIST 704

Art and Propaganda in Egypt

A detailed study of the wall reliefs and accompanying inscriptions from Ancient Egypt, from Unification to the Ptolemaic period.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 707 A and B

Topic in Greek Civilisation 1

A study of key periods or important themes in the development of ancient Greece.

Topic in Greek Civilisation 2

A study of key periods or important themes in the development of ancient Greece.

Topic in Roman Civilisation 1

A study of key periods or important themes in the development of ancient Rome.

Topic in Roman Civilisation 2

A study of key periods or important themes in the development of ancient Rome.

Athenian Revolutionaries

Studies the personalities who revolutionised Athenian politics, society and culture in the late fifth century BC, through close reading of contemporary historical, philosophical and dramatic texts. Discusses figures such as Alcibiades and Critias who provoked political crises in 411 and 404, the underlying moral revolution linked to the Sophists and Socrates, and its expression in Euripides' and Aristophanes' radically new theatre.

Picturing Archaic Greece

Examines a wide range of visual images from the archaic period in Greece, with particular reference to vase painting, in an attempt to gain a deeper understanding of the time from the seventh into the early fifth century for which there is little textual documentation. Will be of value to those interested in the history of art, archaeology, and the history of ideas, as well as ancient history and classical studies.

Special Topic

Roman Britain

Explores the Roman period in Britain utilising both the archaeological record and literary sources. In addition to particular topics (for example, religion, warfare), special attention will be given to analysis of Britain's position within both a wider Mediterranean empire and an Iron Age, northern European world.

Special Study

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 719 A and B, or ANCHIST 719

Special Topic

Study Abroad on archaeological sites in Egypt.

Prerequisite: Departmental permission

Restriction: ANCHIST 377

A Topic in Spartan History

A study of a period of time or of selected topics in the history of Sparta 800-362 BC.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 722 A and B, or ANCHIST 722

Egyptian Language (Higher)

Passages in the original language will be set for translation, study and interpretation.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 724 A and B, or ANCHIST 724

Special Topic

Hellenistic Civilisation

A study of important developments in the Mediterranean area in the time after the death of Alexander the Great.

Topic in Late Antiquity

A study of key aspects of Late Antiquity.

Topic in Ancient Religion

A study of selected belief systems and/or practices in the ancient Mediterranean world.

Ancient Material Culture

A study of a selected category of material culture from the ancient Mediterranean world.

Topic in Ancient Thought

A study of key developments in the history of ideas in the ancient Mediterranean world.

Greek Language (Higher)

Passages in the original language will be set for translation, study and interpretation.

Egyptian Language Study

Passages in the Egyptian language relating to the thesis topic will be set for translation and explanation.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 740 A and B, or ANCHIST 740

Latin Language (Higher)

Passages in the original language will be set for translation, study and interpretation.

Greek Language Study

Passages in the Greek language relating to the thesis topic will be set for translation and explanation.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 742 A and B, or ANCHIST 742

Latin Language Study

Passages in the Latin language relating to the thesis topic will be set for translation and explanation.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 743 A and B, or ANCHIST 743

Internal Political History of the Ramesside Period

The historical and cultural background of Pharaonic Egypt during Dynasties 19-20 in which developments in kingship, religion (the Amun cult), and personal piety became the norms of society.

Restriction: ANCHIST 720

External History of the Ramesside Period

A concentrated study of the socio-historical changes in Dynasties 19-20 with emphasis upon the new political and military stresses experienced in these Dynasties.

Restriction: ANCHIST 720

Historians of Greece

A study of the Greek writers on Greek history. The authors will include Herodotus, Thucydides and Xenophon.

Restriction: ANCHIST 324

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 752 A and B, or ANCHIST 752

Historians of Rome

A study of the Greek and Latin writers on Roman history. The authors will include Livy, Sallust, Caesar and Tacitus.

Restriction: ANCHIST 314

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 753 A and B, or ANCHIST 753

Egypt: Research Essays 1

A study of key periods or important themes in the development of ancient Egypt.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 754 A and B, or ANCHIST 754

Egypt: Research Essays 2

A study of key periods or important themes in the development of ancient Egypt.

Restriction: ANTHRO 355

Greece: Research Essays 1

A study of key periods or important themes in the development of ancient Greece.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 756 A and B, or ANCHIST 756

Greece: Research Essays 2

A study of key periods or important themes in the development of ancient Greece.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 757 A and B, or ANCHIST 757

Rome: Research Essays 1

A study of key periods or important themes in the development of ancient Rome.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 758 A and B, or ANCHIST 758

Rome: Research Essays 2

A study of key periods or important themes in the development of ancient Rome.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 759 A and B, or ANCHIST 759

Research Essay

Research Essays in Ancient History

Guided individual study leading to essays on subjects related to other courses taken by the student in Ancient History.

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 774 A and B, or ANCHIST 774

Special Topic

Special Topic

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 780 A and B, or ANCHIST 780

Special Topic

Dissertation

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 790 A and B, or ANCHIST 790

Dissertation

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 792 A and B, or ANCHIST 792

Thesis

Prerequisite: A BA(Hons) in Ancient History with at least Second Class Honours, First Division, or equivalent

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 793 A and B

Thesis

Prerequisite: A BA(Hons) in Ancient History with at least Second Class Honours, First Division, or equivalent

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 796 A and B

Research Portfolio

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCHIST 797 A and B

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Source: The University of Auckland 2012 Online Calendar
Last updated on: Tuesday 1 November 2011
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