Interpreting the Ancient World

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

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.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Ancient World Studies encourages a broad approach to the interpretation of the past, integrating both texts and material remains to understand past cultures, thinking, and behaviour. These remains consist of fragmentary archaeological remains, including the ordinary debris of daily life, luxury items, art, architecture, and texts. Texts, which are also sometimes fragmentary, include the literary, historical, political, and religious documents of the Classical world and the ancient Near East in translation. This subject 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, symbolic, and archaeological evidence in both historic and in prehistoric periods. Students will also be given practical advice in preparing for the future, whether they are planning a non-academic career, or for honours and post-graduate study.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• have a unified knowledge of and experience of classical studies, art, and archaeology;
• gain knowledge of methods and approaches for studying literary and historical texts, archaeological remains, and ancient art;
• have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural contexts in studying the past and present;
• gain a practical foundation in critical thinking, writing, and communication for undertaking employment, research or graduate study pathways;

• Nine weekly 200-word critiques (mini-essays) based on the required readings, and one 200-word resume or curriculum vitae, due throughout the semester (4.5% per item = 45%),
• A research essay of 2000 words, due during the end of semester examination period, a 400 word outline of the essay will be due earlier in the semester (45%)
• Class discussion on the readings and lectures during weekly tutorials, or on the online discussion board during the semester (10%)

Hurdle requirement:

• Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials ( i.e., 8 out of 11 weeks) in order to pass this subject
• All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day; after five working days, late assessment will not be marked.

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

Additional Subject readings will be available on line

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Interpreting the Ancient World is the capstone subject for Bachelor of Arts students taking the major in Ancient World Studies, or the Graduate Diploma in Arts specialization in Classical Studies and Archaeology.