University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: See http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/history/infoug/ugtimetable

This module explores the political, social and cultural history of the Empire of New Rome, centred on Constantinople, in the sixth century. Themes covered will include: external relations with established neighbours (Sasanian Persia) and recent arrivals (Ostrogoths in Italy, Slavs and Avars in the Balkans); contemporary theological controversies; society and economy in Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean; plague and holy men; artistic and literary culture (primarily through the works of the historian Procopius); faction, riot and urban disorder; imperial ideology; gender and representations of Theodora. Translated extracts from sources in Greek, Latin, Syriac, Armenian and Coptic will be studied. Some material, numismatic and papyrological evidence will also be introduced.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass at least 60 credits from {ME1003, ME1006, ME2003, HI2001, MH2002} or pass at least 60 credits from {AN1002, AN2002, AN2003, CL2004}

Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take this module if you take ME3228

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour seminar, plus 1 office hour.

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 280

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 60%, Coursework = 40%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 60%
Practical examinations : 8%
Coursework: 32%

Re-assessment: 4,000-word essay = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor T W Greenwood
Module teaching staff: Dr T W Greenwood