Ancient World Studies

Ancient World Studies embraces the broad study of Classical Greece and Rome, as well as Egypt and the Near East from 3000 BCE to the 4th century CE. Students can choose a variety of subject streams, which combine the study of ancient languages and/or texts in translation such as myth, literature, history, and philosophy with the study of archaeology, art, and architectural monuments. In addition, students can focus on a particular time period, geographic region, technical specialisation such as myth or ceramics, or thematic area of study. Students will gain insight into and understanding of contemporary society by exploring how ancient cultures have contributed to the development of our modern world, with regard to gender and ethnic identity, warfare, colonialism and imperialism, the propagandistic power of literary and visual imagery, and technology and economy. They will develop skills in research, writing, analysis, and communication that promote career flexibility.

On successful completion of this major, students will be able to:

• demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the literary and material cultures of ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern civilisations, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Greece, and Rome; and
• apply appropriate critical skills and methodologies (including historical, literary, and archaeological) to the research and analysis of ancient histories, cultures and societies; and
• identify and engage critically with primary sources for the interpretation of ancient histories, cultures and societies; and
• identify and engage critically with scholarship in the field of ancient world studies; and
• approach all evidence about ancient histories, cultures and societies with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values; and
• work effectively, in groups and independently, to identify, discuss and critically analyse key issues in the interpretation of ancient histories, cultures and societies; and
• communicate interpretations of ancient texts and artefacts effectively, both orally and in writing.

A major in Ancient World Studies comprises eight 12.5-point subjects:

Level 1 (25 points)

• One Ancient World Studies subject
• One Arts Foundation subject

Level 2

• 37.5 points of level 2 subjects

Level 3

• 37.5 points of level 3 subjects, including the compulsory capstone subject ANCW30017: Interpreting the Ancient World

Total 100 points

A minor in Ancient World Studies consists of six 12.5-point subjects, totalling 75 points and comprising:

Level 1 (25 points)

• One Ancient World Studies subject
• One Arts Foundation subject

Level 2

• 25 points of level 2 subjects

Level 3

• 25 points of level 3 subjects

Total 75 points

The capstone subject is only available to students completing the major.

Level 1 Subjects

One Arts Foundation Subject and one of the following:

Level 2 Subjects

Level 3 Subjects

Level 3 Capstone Subject

The capstone subject is compulsory for students completing a major in Ancient World Studies, and is not available to students in the minor or as breadth: