Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Special Subject A: The Spartan kosmos 545-371 BCE
School	History and Cultures
Department	Classics, AH and Archaeology
Module Code	09 37469
Module Lead	Dr Andrew Bayliss
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites	LH Special Subject B: The Spartan kosmos 545-371 BCE - (09 37470)
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module and its co-requisite (Special Subject B: The Spartan kosmos 545-371 BCE) 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. The period from 545-371 BCE the ancient Greek world was very much – as Herodotus puts it – “the kosmos of the Spartans”. The Spartans dominated the mainland Greek landscape politically and militarily, and their two-century long attempt to impose their will more widely had a profound impact across the Greek-speaking world and beyond. This module will draw together a range of literary, historical, and visual material to explore the unique institutions of the Spartans and their extraordinary way of life. It will also closely examine the history of the wider Greek world in the period of Sparta’s greatest power, as much as possible from the Spartan perspective, rather than that of their better-known Athenian rivals.
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	37469-01 : 2000 Word Essay : Coursework (50%) 37469-02 : 10 Minute Presentation : Presentation (50%)
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