Ancient History - BA (Hons)

Durham University

Unearth ancient history by immersing yourself in the political, social and cultural worlds of ancient Greece and Rome.,If you are fascinated by the history of the Greeks and Romans, this is the course for you. We will introduce you to the world of ancient Greece and Rome, and their interactions with each other and other Mediterranean societies. The course includes the option to start learning Greek or Latin, and if you have prior knowledge of these languages you can choose to study higher level modules. And if you wish, you can broaden your degree by selecting modules about ancient art, literature, science or philosophy, or by choosing other topics that interest you from other departments.In your first year you will focus on core topics in Greek and Roman history, at different points in their history. This will prepare you for a wide range of more specific historical modules about politics, culture and society in the ancient world in your second and third years. At least half of your course in your second and third years will concentrate on historical topics.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Monuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus gives you an introduction to Roman history and culture and Latin literature. You will investigate a central, transitional epoch in the history of ancient Rome, from an interdisciplinary perspective.Introduction to the Greek World examines ancient Greek history, society and thought. It will introduce you to the central themes, topics and terminology in the study of Archaic and Classical Greece, and equip you to use the basic intellectual resources available to assist that study.Empire and Religion in the Age of Constantine gives you an introduction to the world of late antiquity. This will help you understand how institutions, society and culture changed in the third and fourth centuries CE.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Beginners Latin or GreekIntermediate Latin or GreekEarly Greek PhilosophyLanguage, Translation, InterpretationLives of Objects – Greek and Roman Antiquity.Year 2 modulesCore modules:Living in the Classical World explores everyday life in ancient Greece and Rome, through case studies and documentary evidence. You will examine the relationship between different social structures within a society, and the ways in which individuals encounter and experience them.Ancient Political Thought and ActionEmperors and DynastiesThe City of AthensCrisis of The Roman Republic.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Traditions of Epic Ancient ScienceAlexandriaClassical Receptions and Contemporary CulturesDialogues with AntiquityFurther Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced Greek and/or Latin language.Year 3 modulesCore modules:Dissertation The dissertation is a significant piece of work in which you research and analyse a topic in depth.Examples of further ancient history modules: Greeks and Persians (c. 560-336 BC)The Later Roman EmpireAncient SlaveryThe History of Writing in the Ancient Mediterranean.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Roman Law and Latin Literature The Origins of CivilisationBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced or Higher Greek and/or Latin language.Additional Pathways Students can apply to be transferred onto either the with Year Abroad or with Placement pathway. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four or four to five depending on course.