Interpreting the Ancient World

Subject ANCW30017 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 8.5 hours per week: Total time commitment 102 hours
Prerequisites: This subject is only available to students completing the final year of a major in ancient world studies, or those in the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Classical Studies and Archaeology). Completion of 37.5 points of level 2 subjects in ancient world studies and enrolment in the Bachelor of Arts or Graduate Diploma in Arts.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Louise Hitchcock

Contact

Dr Louise Hitchcock lahi@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

Ancient World Studies encourages a holistic approach to the interpretation of the past, integrating both texts and archaeological remains to understand past cultures, thinking, and behavior. These consist of fragmentary archaeological remains, including the ordinary debris of daily life, luxury items, art, architecture, and texts. Texts include the literary, historical, political, and religious documents of the Classical world and the ancient Near East in translation. This course will draw on students previous academic experience of these diverse categories of data in teaching them appropriate methods and theories drawn from literary studies, anthropology, archaeology, and art history required to promote an integrated and balanced approach to the combined interpretation of textual and archaeological evidence in historic periods. It will also teach the anthropological and art historical theories and methods required to interpret the symbology of cultures where texts are minimal or lacking.

Objectives:

Have a unified knowledge of and experience of the discipline. Gain knowledge of methods and approaches for studying the cultural remains of the ancient world. Have a foundation for undertaking employment, research or graduate study pathways.

Assessment:

A journal assignment of 250 words 10% (due Week 4 of semester), a class paper/essay of 2000 words (including a 7-10 minute presentation) 45% (presentations during semester, and papers due at end of semester), a take-home examination of 1750 words 35% (due during the examination period).

Hurdle requirement: students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day; after five days, no late assessment will be accepted. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.


Prescribed Texts:

Hitchcock, L.A. (2008) Theory for Classics. London: Routledge

A subject reader will be available.

Recommended Texts:

None

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be skilled in critical thinking and analysis.

  • possess effective written communication skills.

  • have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.

Notes: Interpreting the Ancient World is the capstone subject for students taking the major in ancient world studies
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Ancient World Studies
Classical Studies and Archaeology Major

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