This module covers the period from the second century CE to the sixth century CE, which marks the transition from the ancient world to the early medieval period, and is commonly labelled Late Antiquity. The period is marked by the dominance of the Roman and Persian empires, but also witnesses key transformations, with the emergence of the Sasanid dynasty, the political and religious recasting of the Roman empire, and the rise of so-called ‘barbarian’ kingdoms associated with the early medieval period. The module is particularly concerned with the exercise and expression of imperial power, the nature of government and administration, elite and local identities and communities, interstate relationships, civil unrest and civil war, and the fundamental political and cultural transformations of the period. Drawing on the rich range of sources for the period (both literary and material), it conveys the vibrancy and historical significance of this critical period. You will learn about contemporary analytical approaches to the period and its sources, and the evolving scholarly traditions which have characterised it.  

LO1: Display a detailed knowledge and understanding of the history and culture of the Mediterranean, Europe and the Near East from the second century CE to the sixth century CE.  

LO2: Demonstrate critical awareness of current scholarly debates in the study of the Mediterranean, Europe and the Near East from the second century CE to the sixth century CE.  

LO3: Identify and analyse key themes in the history of various cultures in the Mediterranean, Europe and the Near East in this period.  

LO4: Critically evaluate and compare a collection of diverse sources relating to a key theme in the period.  

LO5: Engage with modern scholarship and deploy primary evidence to present a sustained critical analysis of key themes relating to the period.  

The module will be taught by flipped learning. Students will be asked to study materials (such as pre-recorded lectures, podcasts, publications, media clips or primary sources) in advance of the classes. The pre-class materials will provide students with introductions to key themes, along with the relevant evidence and main scholarly debates, and will serve as starting-points for further exploration of topics either through independent study or in class. In the classes students will work collaboratively to explore topics by problem-solving, researching and discussing evidence, and debating modern interpretations.  

Independent study is expected of the student, enabling them to explore and consolidate their understanding of the period. Independent study enables students to familiarise themselves with the primary source material and the most important modern approaches and debates on the period. A reading list is provided, with guidance on key items of reading for major themes.  

Academic skills:  

• assimilating and synthesising complex information and ideas  

• critical thinking skills, such as analysing and evaluating evidence, critiquing interpretations or arguments and challenging assumptions  

• constructing and defending arguments based on evidence  

• clear, accurate and effective communication of ideas and arguments in writing and in debate  

Subject-specific skills:  

• analysis of a variety of different types of historical evidence, such as literary texts and material evidence  

• bibliographic and referencing skills  

• employing basic skills and conventions in the presentation and use of evidence, including appropriate practices for attribution and issues around copyright  

Transferable skills:  

• coherent articulation of ideas  

• problem-solving  

• creative and independent thought  

• development and defence of evidence-based argument  

• communication and presentation skills (oral and written)  

• IT skills  

• independent working and time management  

The module will be assessed by a 1500-word report analysing a collection of evidence (50%) and a 2000 word essay (50%).  

Analysis of evidence (1500 words)  

For this exercise, students will be provided with a small collection of evidence relating to a specific topic, including a variety of textual and material sources, along with instructions and some introductory information, and will be asked to write a short report presenting this material in a clear and logical manner, analysing the information that it provides and considering its value (or otherwise) as historical evidence (LO2; LO3; LO4).  

Essay (2000 words)  

The essay will require knowledge, critical deployment of evidence and critical understanding of modern scholarship to answer questions and construct arguments relating to the interpretation of key aspects of the period (LO1; LO2; LO5).  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:  

Reassessment will take the form of a reassessment of the failed component(s) unless further specified. Students will be required to choose a different essay question or evidence collection for the resit submission.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment are only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Topics covered may include:  

Periodisation  

Key sources for the period  

Dynasty: imperial families  

The exercise and expression of power  

Government and administration  

Local identities and communities  

Interstate relationships  

Trade and trade routes  

Civil unrest and civil war  

Political transformations  

Cultural transformations  

Courts and court culture  

The built environment  

Gender identities