Introduction to Ancient History (2025/2026: periode 1)

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Cursusdoel

By the end of the course ‘Introduction to Ancient History’ the following goals will be achieved:
  • The student has an insight into - and understanding of - the most important events, structures and changes that took place during the era.
  • The student is familiar with different types of source material used in the study of ancient history.
  • The student is familiar with several central scholarly debates in the study of ancient history.
  • The student is able to recognise thesis statements, arguments, and use of sources in modern secondary literature on ancient history.
  • The student is able to connect primary and secondary literature with information provided in lectures or in the textbook.

By the end of the course the students will have:
  • an overview and knowledge of the most important events, structures and changes that took place during the era.
  • developed the following academic skills:
      • Taking notes during lectures, summarizing, and posing relevant questions to lecturers
      • Placing material culture in a historical context.
      • Using material culture as a primary source in historical research.
      • Analysing important scientific debates, and the ability to verbally explain and defend a certain standpoint.
      • Giving and receiving peer feedback.
      • Researching literature pertaining to a research question.
      • Further developing writing skills by way of a written assignment.
      • Familiarity with giving presentations (academic posters/ films).
      • Cooperate with fellow students in the second assignment.

Vakinhoudelijk

Please note! This course is exclusively intended for:
- Students of the History track in English
- Exchange students.

It is not necessary to indicate a preference for a seminar group; the degree programme will assign you to a seminar group.

This course explores the history of Greco-Roman civilization within the larger cultural context of the ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern worlds. Students will be offered an overview of the main political, socio-economic, religious and cultural developments in this epoch between ca. 800 BCE and 500 CE. The course consists of three elements.

First, the historical information provided by the textbook will be expounded and supplemented with visuals during the lectures, while specific themes and events will be explored in greater depth during the seminars. Throughout the course students will employ a combination of primary sources and modern literature to gain an understanding of the themes discussed. Furthermore, the seminars will provide insights into current scientific debates.

Second, the course addresses the importance of archaeological sources for the study of the ancient world. The students will participate in a workshop on material culture (in class or, circumstances allowing, at the Utrecht University Museum), following which they will prepare a written assignment. In the second part of the course students will prepare a second assignment (short film/ academic poster) on a specific archaeological site, placing it in relation to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Lastly, the course will provide an insight into the relevance and importance of ancient history for the present: from fully grasping the background of political conflicts, such as Greece and North Macedonia, to comprehending themes in popular culture, such as the tv-series "Barbarians" and the "Assassin's Creed Odyssey" game.

Aanvullende informatie

Werkvormen

Hoorcollege

Werkcollege
Bijdrage

Contribution to group work: students will be expected to display an active, participatory attitude during the sessions. Students will provide peer-feedback on each other's work.

Voorbereiding

Preparing for sessions: students will be expected to prepare the course materials thoroughly, so that they can then be effectively processed and discussed during the seminar. Students will also be expected to submit several assignments and to do so on time.

Toetsing

Digitale toets

Verplicht | Weging 70% | ECTS 5,25

Opdracht

Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Er is geen informatie over verplichte ingangseisen bekend.

Voorkennis

Er is geen informatie over benodigde voorkennis bekend.

Voertalen

  • Engels

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Thema's

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • BOEK
    L. de Blois and B. Van der Spek, An Introduction to the Ancient World (Bussum 2017), seventh edition.

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Opmerkingen

This course is open to students of the BA History and exchange students.

Coördinator

dr. O.P. Saar O.P.Saar@uu.nl

Docenten

dr. A.S. Bosanquet a.s.bosanquet@uu.nl
dr. F. van den Eijnde F.vandenEijnde@uu.nl
dr. O.P. Saar O.P.Saar@uu.nl

Inschrijving

Deze cursus is open voor bijvakkers. Controleer wel of er aanvullende ingangseisen gelden.

Naar OSIRIS-inschrijvingen
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