Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Special Subject A: Far-flung corners: being Roman in the late Roman world, c. 200-c.550
School	History and Cultures
Department	Classics, AH and Archaeology
Module Code	09 37460
Module Lead	Dr Daniel Reynolds
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites	LH Special Subject B: Far-flung corners: being Roman in the late Roman world, c. 200-c.550 - (09 37461)
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module and its co-requisite (Special Subject B: Far-flung corners: being Roman in the late Roman world, c.200-550) will allow students to engage in in-depth research and study on a topic in Classics, Byzantine Studies, Egyptology, Ancient History, or Archaeology. Working in a small group format under the guidance of the module co-ordinator, students will engage with key primary material and with research findings, interpretative approaches, and methodologies associated with the module topic. The module will help students to develop and exercise advanced research skills and to learn through critique and discussion, as well as to acquire knowledge and expertise in their chosen topic. At the turn of the third century, the Roman Empire stretched from the borders of Scotland to the fringes of the Arabian desert. Such a huge territorial space encompassed a vast range of environmental and human geographies, as well as very different responses to the realities of Roman rule across the empire’s population. Nevertheless, the experiences of those situated on the peripheries of the empire, far away from the imperial centres of Rome and Constantinople, were often marginal to the interests of Late Roman writers. How, then, might we understand what it was like to ‘be’ Roman in a provincial context? Examining a number of provincial case studies, from Britain to North Africa, Syria-Palestine, Egypt and Hispania, this course will explore what daily life and society looked like for individuals and communities situated in the far-flung corners of empire. Drawing together textual, archaeological, epigraphic, papyrological and visual evidence, this module will address themes such as urbanism and city life, village life, elites and governors, gender and family life, the Late Roman army, Christianity and Judaism, and ‘Barbarians’ and Post-Roman worlds.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: analyse and appraise key findings, interpretative approaches, and methodologies relevant to the material under discussion analyse and evaluate a wide range of relevant primary source material critically evaluate the scholarly context and trends of the subject under exploration summarise and evaluate the subject material with clarity and confidence, in writing and in oral presentation
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x 2,000-word essay (50%) and 1 x 10-minute individual presentations (50%) Reassessment: Resubmission of failed component(s)
Other
Reading List