ANCIENT HISTORY 2012/13
PATHWAYS AND MODULES: YEAR 3
(1) Pathways/programmes
Major Honours. FOUR modules from those listed below, i.e. either four of the Special-Subject modules or three
of them plus (in lieu of a semester-2 module) the free-floating dissertation AHY3040. See further below.
Joint Honours. THREE modules from those listed below, i.e. either three of the Special-Subject modules or two of
them plus (in lieu of a semester-2 module) the free-floating dissertation AHY3040. See further below.
Minor Honours. TWO modules from those listed below, i.e. either two of the Special-Subject modules or one of
them (in semester 1) plus the free-floating dissertation AHY3040. See further below.
(2) Modules
(i) SPECIAL SUBJECTS. Each is a linked pair of modules, one in semester 1, the other in semester 2. This creates
the opportunity for, in effect, double-module courses lasting all year, but each module is self-contained and has
its own end-of-semester exam.
AHY3062 Rome under the Early Emperors 1 [semester 1] and AHY3066 Rome under the Early Emperors 2
[semester 2] (Prof Brian Campbell) An examination of the history of Rome under the Julio-Claudian emperors,
based on detailed analysis of the ancient sources. (Augustus and Tiberius are covered in 3062, their successors in
3066.) The construction of a plausible history of the period with special reference to the imperial family, foreign
policy, the army, and social, economic and political developments.
NB: 3062 is normally a prerequisite for 3066; so 3062 can be taken alone but 3066 cannot.
AHY3065 Athenian Law and Society 1 [semester 1] and AHY3069 Athenian Law and Society 2 [semester 2]
(Prof David Whitehead) An in-depth study of Athenian society in the classical period, with particular reference to
the laws and legal institutions it devised and lived by. 3065, after introductory sessions on society, sources, the
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constitution, and the overall shape of Athenian law and judicial procedure, covers the main branches of “public”
law: prosecutions for illegal proposals, impeachments, citizenship law(s), religion and propriety. 3069 addresses
“private” law: homicide, family and property, assault and injury, slander, etc. Both modules include close
readings of surviving lawcourt speeches which illuminate these areas.
NB: 3065 is normally a prerequisite for 3069; so 3065 can be taken alone but 3069 cannot.
AHY3070 The Rise of Christianity 1 [semester 1] and AHY3071 The Rise of Christianity 2 [semester 2] (Dr John
Curran). 3070 (‘The Jewish Background’) covers the emergence of Christian ideas from within the social, political
and cultural institutions of ancient Judaism. Students examine the state and credibility of the available evidence,
the significant historical themes in Jewish society of the period c.164 BC to AD 70, and the appearance and
character of early Christianity. 3071 (‘The Conversion of the Roman Empire’) studies the growth of the Christian
community within the Roman world from the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (AD 70) to the death of
Constantine the Great (AD 337). Students assess the variety and character of early Christian teaching; the
appearance and definition of heresies; literary interaction between upholders of Roman religio and Christians;
the nature and extent of persecution within the Roman Empire; and the conversion of Constantine (c. AD 312)
and its significance for the Empire.
NB: 3070 is normally a prerequisite for 3071; so 3070 can be taken alone but 3071 cannot.
(ii) INDEPENDENT-STUDY MODULE
The “default” option is the taught modules (above). However, students may, if they wish, replace one taught
second-semester module by a project undertaken, with advice, in their own time: AHY3040 Dissertation 1
(word-limit c.6000). Students considering this need to understand clearly what is involved. Prof Whitehead will be
sending out an email about it to all concerned.