AA4003 The Archaeology of Ancient Rome

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

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 10

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.

Availability restrictions

Students will be required to enrol into the module in the first semester, to allow time for organising accommodation and transport to and in the city; they will need to pay a deposit before the beginning of the semester, as well as cover the costs of the trip, including flights, accommodation, and maintenance in Rome. The course will involve walking long distances and visits to archaeological sites with irregular terrain.

Planned timetable

To be confirmed.

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

Module coordinator

Prof C A Machado

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

Module Staff

Dr C Machado

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

Module description

Rome was the largest and most important city of the ancient world. From an unimportant group of hill-top settlements near the Tiber, it developed into a densely inhabited metropolis of one million people, equipped with magnificent baths, entertainment buildings, temples and palaces, as well as aqueducts, apartment blocks and a sophisticated sewage system. Rome’s archaeological record is uniquely rich, its structures – whether archaic huts or sophisticated concrete domes – and material culture documenting all aspects of ancient life. This module will provide an introduction to the archaeology of the city of Rome from its origins to the end of Antiquity, through the guided visit and discussion of key sites and museums. The module will be partially taught in Rome and in St Andrews.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

AS STATED IN THE SCHOOL OF CLASSICS UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK

Assessment pattern

Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework: 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Seven 2-hour seminars at St Andrews and one six-day field trip to Rome.

Scheduled learning hours

50

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

Guided independent study hours

254

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Identify the main sources for the study of the archaeology of Ancient Rome;
  • Identify key building materials and techniques relevant in the field of Roman archaeology;
  • Characterise the urban development of Ancient Rome in the context of ancient urbanism;
  • Describe and interpret aspects of Roman material culture;
  • Critically evaluate current scholarship on Ancient Rome.