Course Catalogue

The Roman Historical Imagination for Postgraduates CLASSIC5098

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course is a research-led exploration of Latin historiography, based on the study of texts in translation. it focusses on the three major Roman historians, Sallust, Livy, and Tacitus, and on the literary, ideological, and historical context for their writings.

Timetable

Two 1 hour seminar per week on separate days over 10 weeks of one semester

Requirements of Entry

Standard entry to Masters at College level

Excluded Courses

CLASSIC4045 The Roman Historical Imagination

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Oral presentation and discussion: 35%

■ Essay will be a research topic of the student's own choice (3500 words) - 65%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ Recorded presentation and written script/lesson plan as alternative to oral presentation.

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ Familiarity with three major Latin Historians (Sallust, Livy, Tacitus) 

■ An understanding of the relationship between historical writing and the period in which it was produced 

■ An introduction to historiographical theory, both ancient and modern 

■ An awareness of the intersection between historiography and other literary genres (poetry, philosophy/theory) and beyond (i.e. monuments) 

■ Experience of close reading and analysis of historical narrative 

■ Experience in carrying out research and presenting it orally and in writing

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Reflect critically on the function of historical writing within Roman culture

■ Exhibit an awareness of the importance of foundation narratives and cultural conservatism at Rome

■ Show an awareness of the major theoretical currents in the study of historiography

■ Show an understanding their ideological and formal aspects of historical writing through close reading and analysis

■ Define and execute a research project in the field with due regard to recent scholarship, and demonstrating a close engagement with ancient texts

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions