BA (Honours) in Altertumswissenschaften

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this degree, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• The political, social, and cultural history of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds.
• The different types of evidence and sources (literary, artistic, and archaeological) utilized in the study of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds.
• Key critical and theoretical approaches appropriate for the interpretation of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds and their surviving evidence.
• The basic logic, structure, and vocabulary of the Latin language, where these have been studied.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this degree, you will be able to:

• Analyse a wide range of sources
• Synthesise a wide range of different primary evidence and draw appropriate conclusions based on this evidence
• Evaluate challenges, debate information and arguments presented in academic scholarship and construct and communicate an independent argument and conclusion
• Employ knowledge and understanding of the Latin language to translate simple texts into English and to evaluate primary sources in the original language, where these skills have been studied.

Practical and professional skills

On completion of this degree, you will be able to:

• Consider and evaluate different sources of information, extract key points and present findings appropriately
• Plan and write essays and longer projects, following the conventions of scholarship in this subject area, and acknowledging the work of others
• Adapt working methods and monitor progress as a consequence of reflecting on the views of others and formal feedback.

Key skills

On completion of this degree, you will be able to:

• Communicate complex ideas and arguments clearly and in varied ways that are appropriate to the subject, purpose and audience
• Use information literacy skills in finding, evaluating and using data
• Demonstrate competence in the use of appropriate ICT tools
• Work independently, and develop your learning strategies.

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• You’ll start Stage 1 with a broad introduction to the arts and humanities followed by a choice of two modules.
• Next, in Stage 2, you can deepen your understanding of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, learn Latin and explore Latin literature. You can also choose a module in art history, philosophy, literature, history or religious studies.
• Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll complete your degree with two advanced modules – one explores Classical mythology, and the other examines the development and culture of the imperial Roman world.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll start your degree with:

• Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)

You'll complete Stage 1 with one from:

• Cultures (A112)
• Revolutions (A113)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You’ll choose one from:

• Classical Latin: the language of ancient Rome (A276)
• Exploring the classical world (A229)

You’ll also choose one from the list above or one from:

• Art and visual cultures in the modern world (A236)
• Early modern Europe: society and culture c.1500-1780 (A223)
• Art and life before 1800 (A237)
• Exploring religion: places, practices, texts and experiences (A227)
• Investigating philosophy (DA223)
• Literature matters (A240)
• The British Isles and the Modern World, 1789–1914 (A225)

Stage 3 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Greek and Roman myth: stories and histories (A350)
• The Roman Empire (A340)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.