This module and its co-requisite (Special Subject A: 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. 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.
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 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%)