Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Special Subject B: How to build an Empire: Communication and Conflict (-Resolution)
School	History and Cultures
Department	Classics, AH and Archaeology
Module Code	09 37465
Module Lead	Dr Hannah Cornwell
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites	LH Special Subject A: How to build an Empire: Communication and Conflict (-Resolution) - (09 37464)
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module and its co-requisite (Special Subject A: How to build an Empire: Communication and Conflict (-Resolution)) will allow students to engage in in-depth research and study on a topic in Classics, Byzantine Studies, Egyptology, Ancient History, or Archaeology. Like Part A, Part B will involve students learning through research, critique and discussion. Part B aims to develop students’ independence in the application of the research processes and methodologies associated with the module topic and to enable students to deploy this independence in the analysis of key ideas, ideologies, interpretative approaches, or events. This module explores how negotiation shaped the Mediterranean world from a state of multipolar anarchy and interstate exchange to Rome’s monopoly of control and the creation and maintenance of the Imperial system. You will examine how social spaces were formed, transformed and experienced in respect to interstate relations as Rome grew as power within the Mediterranean from the mid third century BC to the mid 2nd century AD. Over the course of the module you will explore the following central themes: (1) formal processes through which Rome negotiated with foreign states, both in war and peace; (2) changing dynamics of diplomacy within the Mediterranean and then within the Roman Empire; (3) frameworks for communication as a tool through which Rome constructed its empire; (4) negotiation and diplomatic practices and what they reveal about Roman attitudes to their changing position in the Mediterranean.
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 offering where appropriate, an explicitly comparative perspective critically evaluate the scholarly context and trends of the subject under exploration summarise and evaluate the subject material with clarity and confidence, in writing
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x 3,000-word take home examination (100%) Reassessment: Resubmission of failed component(s)
Other
Reading List