AN2004 Ancient Societies: Gender, ethnicity, and inequality in the ancient world

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 8

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Lectures: 4pm Tuesday, Thursday Practicals: To be confirmed

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module offers a comprehensive overview of the history of ancient Mediterranean societies between the beginning of the Iron Age and the end of the Roman empire. Through a series of closely linked thematic studies, we will survey the fundamental divisions that gave shape to ancient social life, examining issues like gender, inequality, and ethnic identity. The course will analyse the nature of ancient social structures, how hey were experienced and how they changed over two millennia, exploring societies like classical Athens, Hellenistic Egypt, and imperial Rome. It will introduce you to a broad range of sources and methodologies for the study of marginalized voices in Antiquity, presenting an in-depth understanding of the complexity and diversity of the history of the ancient world.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

40 CREDITS OF 1000-LEVEL MODULES IN AN, ME, MO OR SC OR 20 CREDITS OF 1000-LEVEL MODULES IN AN AND 20 CREDITS IN 1000-LEVEL MODULES IN CL.

Assessment pattern

100% Coursework

Re-assessment

100% Coursework (revising and resubmitting failed items only)

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 lectures (x10 weeks) , 8 tutorials/practical workshops across the semester.

Scheduled learning hours

28

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

168

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Characterize the main social structures that marked ancient societies.
  • Identify the main types of evidence available for the study of ancient societies.
  • Discuss how marginalised groups were incorporated and participated in ancient societies.
  • Identify the impact of social divisions and their role in structuring ancient societies.
  • Interpret material and textual evidence as a source for the study of ancient social groups.
  • Identify and describe changes in the organisation and dynamic of ancient societies.