Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Special Subject A: Carthage and Rome
School	History and Cultures
Department	Classics, AH and Archaeology
Module Code	09 37472
Module Lead	Dr Gareth Sears
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites	LH Special Subject B: Carthage and Rome - (09 37473)
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module and its co-requisite (Special Subject B: Carthage and Rome) 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 module introduces students to North African history and cultures between the founding of Carthage in the eighth century BC and the third century AD. The primary focus of the seminar will be the Carthaginian period and Roman Empire in North Africa. The seminar will examine major historical developments in the region. Important themes will be urbanisation, Romanisation, and political and religious change. The module will place the region in its Mediterranean context by exploring how developments in North Africa link in with changes in other areas. We will critically examine a wide range of primary source material (histories, letters, religious tracts, art, epigraphy and archaeology). By the end of the module students will have examined models for the study of Africa including colonialist, post-colonialist and Marxist approaches, as well as approaches based on cultural identity models, and critiques of empire and power structures.
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