University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: TBC

What makes an event in history an event? What role does plot play in narrative history? What problems arise from approaching history as 'text'? Do literary texts and sub-literary texts (e.g. inscriptions, papyri, shopping lists) tell the same story? These questions engaged writers of history in Greece and Rome, and continue to engage historians today. This module will examine the role of narrative in ancient history and the theory and practice of historiography in selected Greek and Roman texts. It will also look at the impact of debates in historiography, from the 1960s to the present, on the study of ancient history. Among other topics, the module will focus on time and tense, foresight and hindsight, chaos and plot, and fact and fiction. Students will acquire a broad range of skills that will enable them to read ancient historians closely, critically, and knowingly.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact:

Scheduled learning hours: 33

Guided independent study hours: 267

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews:

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Personnel