Between Narrative and Interpretation:  Writing History in the Ancient World

Module Code:

MAH8120

When taught:

Lent

(residential students)

Credit points:

20

Method of Assessment:

1 x 5,000 word essay

Teaching Methods:

Seminars; module pack

Availability

Residential and distance students

Lecturers:

E. Bissa & James Richardson

Contact hours:

20

Syllabus:    

The module studies the historiography and historiographical tradition in the Greek and Roman worlds from the sixth century BC to the third century AD. The focus will be mainly on the evolution of history as a discipline and a tradition first in the Greek and in the Roman world.  The module will concentrate on the main extant and fragmentary historians of the period aiming at analyzing and discussing the main characteristics of their method and works. Our knowledge of Greek and Roman history depends to a large extent on the information provided by the Greco-Roman historians; thus, understanding the motives and aims of these historians is paramount in expanding our knowledge of Greco-Roman antiquity. Further, the module will explore the connections and influences between Greco-Roman historiography and the primary philosophical movements of the period, mainly the sophistic movement and Stoicism.

Learning outcomes:  

Students will:

• Demonstrate a broad and analytical understanding of Greek and Roman historiography.
• Be able to discuss in depth the methods, motives and aims of the main extant and fragmentary historians of classical antiquity.
• Understand and discuss major issues of historiographical methodology and modern scholarship on the subject.
• Demonstrate the ability to construct an independent and methodologically informed argument, based on independent research, synthesizing material relevant to the module.

Transferable and other skills involved:  

• Sophisticated writing skills
• Independent research skills
• Skills of extended oral presentation

Main recommended texts:  

• Momigliano, A. (1977, Oxford)  Essays in Greek and Roman Historiography
• Hornblower, S. (ed., Oxford 1994), Greek Historiography
• Marincola, J. (2001, Oxford) Greek Historians
• Kraus, C. S. – Woodman, A. J. (Oxford, 1997), Latin Historians
• Momigliano, A. (Cambridge, Mass. 1971), The Development of Greek Biography

Evaluation (including student evaluation):  

Students will be asked to complete a questionnaire at the end of the module. This will be used by the Department in its annual review of all its teaching to help evaluate the module’s success. The external examiner will also have the opportunity to make comments and results of the questionnaires will be discussed in the SSCC.