Introduction to Ancient History (2026/2027: Periode 1)

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Cursusdoel

After successfully completing the course ‘Introduction to Ancient History’, you will have achieved the following learning goals:
  • describe and explain the most important events, structures and changes that took place during antiquity;
  • identify, name, and explain different types of source material used in the study of ancient history;
  • summarize and critically discuss several central scholarly debates in the study of ancient history;
  • identify and analyse thesis statements, arguments, and the use of sources in modern secondary literature on ancient history;
  • connect and integrate primary sources and secondary literature with knowledge provided in lectures and in the textbook;
  • apply relevant academic skills (see below) during assignments and oral (classroom) discussions.
After completion, you will also have practiced the following academic skills:
  • taking notes during lectures, summarizing key points, and posing relevant questions to lecturers;
  • placing material culture in a historical context;
  • using material culture as a primary source in historical research;
  • analysing relevant scientific debates and defending or explain a standpoint on scholarly grounds;
  • searching for (specialized) literature pertaining to a research question;
  • developing academic writing skills through a written assignment.

Vakinhoudelijk

This course explores the history of Graeco-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. Four transhistorical themes will be central: world history and globalization, cultural transformations and identity, politics and governance, and socio-economic processes.

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.

Werkgroep

Toetsing

Digitale toets

Verplicht | Weging 70% | ECTS 5,25

Knowledge and insight; analytical skills; speaking and writing skills; independent interpretation; contribution to the scientific debate; ability to structure and substantiate an argument; ability to formulate a research question; analysis of primary sources. NB This applies to all types of assessment.

To be announced.

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 (3rd edition, 2019).

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

dr. M.V.S. Hoo m.v.s.hoo@uu.nl

Docenten

dr. M.V.S. Hoo m.v.s.hoo@uu.nl
dr. A.S. Bosanquet a.s.bosanquet@uu.nl
dr. D.M.S.M. Natermann d.m.s.m.natermann@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.

Inschrijving
Van maandag 8 juni 2026 tot en met vrijdag 26 juni 2026

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