Module description
This module introduces students to the material and visual culture of the ancient world from the second millennium BC to late antiquity. Semester 1 focuses on the Greek world, semester 2 on the Roman. We will study the built environment - from the great urban monuments to everyday domestic units (including temples, ‘homes’ for the gods). We will explore the art and iconography of the ancient world alongside the material residues of daily life and ritual. Students are introduced to the different perspectives and methods of both archaeologists and art historians in interpreting material remains and visual images. The module combines close study of individual pieces of evidence with an evaluation of how they illuminate the societies, cultures, institutions and economies of classical antiquity. The module draws heavily from the extraordinary collections in London, particularly the British Museum.
Students will be expected to do reading or other preparation (including museum-based work) in advance of classes. Course materials will be made available on KEATS.
Single semester 15 credit versions
Single semester versions of the module, split in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, are available to students from outside the Department. These 15-credit modules are assessed by 1 x 2,000 words essay (100%).
4AACAA1A Art & Archaeology of Ancient Greece (Semester 1)
4AACAA1B Art & Archaeology of Ancient Rome (Semester 2)
Assessment details
2 x 2,000 word essays (50% each)
Teaching pattern
20 x 2-hour lecture (weekly); 20 x 1-hour seminar (weekly)
Suggested reading list
Core reading
- Alcock, S. and Osborne, R. eds. Classical Archaeology (2nd ed.), (Chichester 2012)
- Burn, L. Greek and Roman Art in the British Museum (London, 1992)
- Claridge, A. Rome (Oxford Archaeological Guide (2nd ed.), (Oxford 2010)
- Neer, R. Art and Archaeology of the Greek World (London, 2012)
- Ramage, N. & Ramage, A. Roman Art: Romulus to Constantine, (London, 2013)
- Tuck, S. A History of Roman Art, (Chichester, 2015)
- Whitley, J. The Archaeology of Ancient Greece (Cambridge, 2002)
No mandatory book purchase is required but students may find that one or more of the above volumes help to support their studies. None of these costs more than £35 for a new print version and most cost considerably less; ebooks and used copies are much cheaper.