University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 8

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: 4.00 pm Tue and 4.00 pm Thu

This module deals with the human settlement and material culture of the entire Mediterranean World throughout classical antiquity. Over its long span - that covers much of the first millennium BCE and the first millennium CE - the Mediterranean was transformed from a world of tiny peasant and tribal communities first into a world of cities. Urbanism, diasporic colonisation and the appearance of complex societies and states were followed by regional hegemonies, then empires and finally a single world empire centred on Rome. This story is the rise and fall of classical civilisation and it emerges more clearly through material culture than any other evidence.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass at least 40 credits from {any levels matching mo1, any levels matching me1, any levels matching an1, any levels matching sc1} or pass at least 20 credits from any levels matching an1 and pass at least 20 credits from any levels matching cl1

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 lectures (x 11 weeks), 6 tutorials and 2 practical workshops across the semester.

Scheduled learning hours: 30

Guided independent study hours: 170

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Intended learning outcomes

• Describe key features of the physical environment and ecology of the ancient Mediterranean, and the distinguishing features of a range of different types of settlement, modes of colonisation and modes of economic exchange.
• Describe and evaluate key modern theories of state formation, urbanism, and economy as they apply to the ancient Mediterranean.
• Describe the key features of a range of archaeological survey techniques and evaluate their suitability for particular tasks.
• Analyse and critically evaluate published research.
• Interpret, evaluate and apply archaeological evidence to address overarching historical questions
• Construct coherent and critically-aware arguments using models and evidence and communicate them in writing and orally