Students will explore the way in which Romans used their own history to explore issues of identity. They will also examine the main currents of historiography in the Roman world.

Two hours per week; This is one of the honours options in Classics and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on mycampus.

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Coursework: one essay (2000 words) The essay will be a research project based on a topic chosen by the student, in consultation with the lecturer.- 40% of the final mark;  

■ Degree Exam: April/May, of year taught (two hours) - 60% of the final mark. 

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

■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but flexible deadlines/extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustment (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.  

It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.

[No exceptions]

This course aims to provide:

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

Opportunity to acquire expertise in the critical examination of ancient historical writing

Opportunity to improve verbal expression, particularly in writing

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

Understand the function of the historical imagination within Roman culture
Draw links between historiography and other aspects of their understanding of Rome (literary and non-literary)
Demonstrate awareness of the importance of foundation narratives and cultural conservatism at Rome
Reflect upon the differences between Roman and modern uses of the past
Comment upon passages taken from the key historians and demonstrate an understanding their ideological and formal aspects
Formulate a research question relating to Roman historiography
Carry out research with due regard to recent scholarship, and demonstrating a close engagement with selected ancient texts