Classical Studies and Ancient History

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.

Restriction: ANCHIST 100

Ancient Greek History

An introduction to Greek history and civilisation from the Bronze Age to the death of Alexander the Great utilising both archaeological evidence and literary sources.

Restriction: ANCHIST 102

Roman History

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

Restriction: ANCHIST 103

Dynasties, Democracy, Empire

Explores the history and cultures of three civilisations in the ancient Mediterranean: Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Uses ancient evidence, from the newest archaeological discoveries, to the works of classical literature, to present major historical events in the Mediterranean against the backdrop of the everyday lives of the people who lived in these societies.

Restriction: ANCHIST 110

Classical Mythology

A study of ancient mythology – its gods, heroes and monsters – through the works of major writers and artists from Greece and either Rome or Egypt.

Restriction: CLASSICS 110, 110G

Love and Death in Greek and Roman Literature

A study of selected literary texts from ancient Greece and Rome that deal with two themes that continue to be relevant today.

Restriction: CLASSIC 130

Greek and Roman Epic Poetry

A study of the beginnings of European epic poetry: especially in Homer and Virgil.

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, Classical Studies and Ancient History, or GREEK 101 or LATIN 101, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCIENT 300, CLASSICS 210, 310

Egyptian Language 1A

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

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies or Classical Studies and Ancient History and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCHIST 210

Ancient Greek Language 1

An introduction to the study and use of the Ancient Greek language.

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies or Classical Studies and Ancient History and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCIENT 221, 311, 321, GREEK 100-310

Special Topic: Ancient Barbarians and Others

Examines the history of the idea of the barbarian in the ancient world, case-studies of late Roman barbarian kingdoms such as the Vandals and Goths, and modern receptions of ancient ideas about barbarians and barbarity from the nineteenth century to the present.

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or GREEK 101 or LATIN 101, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCIENT 314, HISTORY 254, 354

Special Topic: Hellenistic Society

Examines the Hellenistic Period from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra VII as an era of cultural contact and exchange. Considers the narrative of this dynamic period. Develops understanding of the intersection of Greek, Egyptian, Achaemenid, Near Eastern, and Roman traditions in the vast regions ruled by Alexander’s successors through the lenses of structures, places, ideas, and anxieties.

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or GREEK 101 or LATIN 101, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCIENT 315

Sex and Power in Greece and Rome

Many Greek and Roman literary works and historical sources deal with sex and power. This course will explore a range of ancient literary representations of women, men, femininity, masculinity, sexual practices and sexual prejudices. Students will study how ancient authors were influenced by the socio-political context and the constraints of different literary genres. All texts will be read in translation.

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, Classical Studies and Ancient History, Gender Studies, or GREEK 101 or LATIN 101, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCIENT 316, CLASSICS 216, 316

Special Topic

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Classical Studies and Ancient History, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCIENT 317

Egyptian Language 1B

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

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 210 or ANCIENT 210

Restriction: ANCHIST 220

Ancient Greek Language 2

Builds on skills and approaches to the Ancient Greek language developed in ANCIENT 211.

Prerequisite: ANCIENT 211 or GREEK 100

Restriction: ANCIENT 311, 321, GREEK 100-310

Greek and Roman Comedy

A study of the comedies of Aristophanes and Menander, Plautus and Terence.

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, Classical Studies and Ancient History or GREEK 101 or LATIN 101, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCIENT 325, CLASSICS 220, 320

Ancient Egyptian Art: Icon and Narrative

A chronological study of the art and architecture of ancient Egypt, from the predynastic period to the end of the New Kingdom, examining trends and styles in all forms of ancient art in Egypt.

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, Classical Studies and Ancient History or Art History, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCHIST 251, 351, ANCIENT 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: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCHIST 252, 352, ANCIENT 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: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCHIST 253, 353, ANCIENT 353

Early Rome

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

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCHIST 254, 354, ANCIENT 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: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCHIST 255, 355, ANCIENT 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: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCHIST 256, 356, ANCIENT 356

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: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCHIST 203, 213, 260, 360, ANCIENT 360

Art and Society in Ancient Rome

A study of the art and architecture of the ancient Romans. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the visual arts as vehicles for the expression of social values and political and imperial ideas.

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, Classical Studies and Ancient History, Art History, or GREEK 101 or LATIN 101, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCIENT 380, CLASSICS 280, 380

Classical Tragedy

Tragedy as a concept, a means of interpreting events, and a literary genre, is central to the ancient Greeks' way of constructing their world. Through a close reading of a selection of ancient dramas, this course will explore the nature and interpretation of tragedy with particular reference to Aristotle's Poetics .

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, Classical Studies and Ancient History, Drama, or GREEK 101 or LATIN 101, and 30 points passed

Restriction: ANCIENT 385, CLASSICS 285, 385

Greek and Roman Epic Poetry

A study of the beginnings of European epic poetry especially in Homer and Virgil.

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

Restriction: ANCIENT 200, CLASSICS 210, 310

Directed Study

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

Egyptian Language 2A

This course carries on from ANCIENT 220, with reading extended historical, narrative, and religious texts.

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 220 or ANCIENT 220

Restriction: ANCHIST 310, 340

Ancient Greek Language: Intermediate

The analysis and description of Ancient Greek grammar, practice in the translation of Ancient Greek to and from English, vocabulary acquisition.

Prerequisite: ANCIENT 221 or GREEK 101

Restriction: ANCIENT 321, GREEK 200-310

Special Topic: Ancient Barbarians and Others

Examines the history of the idea of the barbarian in the ancient world, case-studies of late Roman barbarian kingdoms such as the Vandals and Goths, and modern receptions of ancient ideas about barbarians and barbarity from the nineteenth century to the present.

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

Restriction: ANCIENT 214, HISTORY 254, 354

Special Topic: Hellenistic Society

Examines the Hellenistic Period from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra VII as an era of cultural contact and exchange. Considers the narrative of this dynamic period. Develops understanding of the intersection of Greek, Egyptian, Achaemenid, Near Eastern, and Roman traditions in the vast regions ruled by Alexander’s successors through the lenses of structures, places, ideas, and anxieties.

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

Restriction: ANCIENT 215

Sex and Power in Greece and Rome

Many Greek and Roman literary works and historical sources deal with sex and power. This course will explore a range of ancient literary representations of women, men, femininity, masculinity, sexual practices and sexual prejudices. Students will study how ancient authors were influenced by the socio-political context and the constraints of different literary genres. All texts will be read in translation.

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Classical Studies, Ancient History, Classical Studies and Ancient History, Gender Studies, Greek, or Latin

Restriction: ANCIENT 216, CLASSICS 216, 316

Special Topic

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

Restriction: ANCIENT 217

Ancient Greek Literary Texts

Detailed study of prescribed texts with reference to their language and meaning, and critical appreciation of their literary, historical and/or philosophical qualities.

Prerequisite: ANCIENT 311 or GREEK 200

Greek and Roman Comedy

A study of the comedies of Aristophanes and Menander, Plautus and Terence.

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

Restriction: ANCIENT 225, CLASSICS 220, 320

Ancient Egyptian Art: Icon and Narrative

A chronological study of the art and architecture of ancient Egypt, from the predynastic period to the end of the New Kingdom, examining trends and styles in all forms of ancient art in Egypt.

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

Restriction: ANCHIST 251, 351, ANCIENT 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: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History

Restriction: ANCHIST 252, 352, ANCIENT 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: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History

Restriction: ANCHIST 253, 353, ANCIENT 253

Early Rome

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

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

Restriction: ANCHIST 254, 354, ANCIENT 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: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek or Latin

Restriction: ANCHIST 255, 355, ANCIENT 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: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History

Restriction: ANCHIST 256, 356, ANCIENT 256

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

Restriction: ANCHIST 260, 303, 313, 360, ANCIENT 260

Study Abroad (Rome)

Study abroad on archaeological sites in the Roman Empire.

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and approval of Academic Head or nominee

Restriction: ANCHIST 377, CLASSICS 377

Study Abroad (Greece)

Study abroad on archaeological sites in Greece.

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and approval of Academic Head or nominee

Restriction: ANCHIST 378, CLASSICS 378

Study Abroad (Egypt)

Study abroad on archaeological sites in Egypt.

Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and approval of Academic Head or nominee

Restriction: ANCHIST 379

Art and Society in Ancient Rome

A study of the art and architecture of the ancient Romans. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the visual arts as vehicles for the expression of social values and political and imperial ideas.

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

Restriction: ANCIENT 280, CLASSICS 280, 380

Classical Tragedy

Tragedy as a concept, a means of interpreting events, and a literary genre, is central to the ancient Greeks' way of constructing their world. Through a close reading of a selection of ancient dramas, this course will explore the nature and interpretation of tragedy with particular reference to Aristotle's Poetics .

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

Restriction: ANCIENT 285, CLASSICS 285, 385

Directed Study in Ancient Culture

Directed reading and individual study on a topic approved by the Graduate Adviser.

Prerequisite: Approval of Academic Head or nominee

Restriction: ANCHIST 719

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

Directed Study in Ancient Culture

Directed reading and individual study on a topic approved by the Academic Head or nominee.

Restriction: ANCHIST 727

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 727 A and B, or ANCIENT 727

Directed Study in Ancient Culture

Directed reading and individual study on a topic approved by the Academic Head or nominee.

Restriction: ANCHIST 728

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 728 A and B, or ANCIENT 728

Egyptian Language (Higher)

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

Prerequisite: ANCHIST 220 or ANCIENT 220 or placement test and approval of Academic Head or nominee

Restriction: ANCHIST 729

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 729 A and B, or ANCIENT 729

Greek Language (Higher)

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

Prerequisite: ANCIENT 221 or GREEK 101, or placement test and approval of Academic Head or nominee

Restriction: ANCHIST 739, GREEK 200-310

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 739 A and B, or ANCIENT 739

Latin Language (Higher)

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

Prerequisite: LATIN 101 or placement test and approval of Academic Head or nominee

Restriction: ANCHIST 741, LATIN 200-310

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 741 A and B, or ANCIENT 741

Greek Language (Higher II)

Passages in the original language will be set for translation, study and interpretation. The course will involve graduate level engagement with the content of the text, applying appropriate research techniques, and an intermediate level of incoming language competency.

Prerequisite: ANCIENT 311 or GREEK 200, or placement test and approval of Academic Head or nominee

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

Latin Language (Higher II)

Passages in the original language will be set for translation, study and interpretation. The course will involve graduate level engagement with the content of the text, applying appropriate research techniques, and an intermediate level of incoming language competency.

Prerequisite: LATIN 200 or placement test and approval of Academic Head or nominee

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

Greek Language (Higher III)

Passages in the original language will be set for translation, study and interpretation. The course will involve graduate level engagement with the content of the text, applying appropriate research techniques, and an advanced level of incoming language competency.

Prerequisite: 30 points from ANCIENT 321, GREEK 201-205, or placement test and approval of Academic Head or nominee

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 744 A and B, or ANCIENT 744

Latin Language (Higher III)

Passages in the original language will be set for translation, study and interpretation. The course will involve graduate level engagement with the content of the text, applying appropriate research techniques, and an advanced level of incoming language competency.

Prerequisite: 30 points from LATIN 201-205 or placement test and approval of Academic Head or nominee

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 745 A and B, or ANCIENT 745

Themes and Issues in Ancient Culture

A study of themes and issues in ancient culture.

Restriction: ANCHIST 749

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 749 A and B

Sources and Approaches for the Ancient World

A study of the evidence for the ancient world, as well as how to apply it.

Restriction: ANCHIST 750

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 750 A and B

Ancient Societies in the Mediterranean World

A study of the societies which developed around the ancient Mediterranean.

Restriction: ANCHIST 751

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 751 A and B

Research Essays in Ancient Culture

Guided individual study leading to essays in ancient culture.

Prerequisite: Approval of Academic Head or nominee

Restriction: ANCHIST 756

Dissertation - Level 9

Restriction: ANCHIST 792

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

Thesis - Level 9

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

Restriction: ANCHIST 793

To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 794 A and B

Thesis - Level 9

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

Restriction: ANCHIST 796

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

Research Portfolio - Level 9

Restriction: ANCHIST 797

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