Roman World 1A
Roman World is technically a Classics course, however you can study it as part of a History or Archaeology Degree and it counts towards your 80 credit limit. It is split into two 20 credit courses, with 1A taking place in the first semester, and 1B in the second. 1A focuses on the formation of the Roman Republic, up to the early life and rule of the first Emperor, Augustus.
The subject is rather more formulated than other courses, with a higher focus on reading ahead for lectures and printing off notes in advance. You are also required to buy a textbook for the course. Best advice here is to buy them from older students: they’ll usually be in good nick, and be much cheaper than the high-street store. There are three lectures a week, at 2pm (a win for lazy Classicists everywhere). Tutorials happen every two weeks, and these are easily the highlights of the course. Every tutorial group is set the same work by the course organisers, meaning there is a much more uniformed style of learning. The material chosen is usually fairly interesting, in particular the very first tutorial where you receive ancient artefacts and have to make an educated guess on what they could be. Some are completely baffling and don’t be afraid of being wrong; everyone always is!
Rome 1A has a real mixture of material taught, and there are many lecturers who take different subjects. If you have a favourite lecturer that you wish could show up every day, you’re out of luck. One of the first things you are taught is that the study of early Roman History is problematic to say the least, with a lack of evidence and much inference and guess-work. The course can feel a little chaotic at times, leaping from Roman wars, to a description of Roman Government, to the study of Roman villas and artwork. On the positive side, there’s a huge exploration of the period; on the other, it can be hard to remember where exactly you are in Roman History.
Assessment isn’t too bad, you write a short assignment piece and an essay, and have an exam in December. However be warned: the Classics Department are very strict on how an essay should be written and presented. There’s a detailed guide on their website explaining how to use quotations and grammar. When you’ve finished your essay, don’t just hand it in! Check through carefully and make sure it’s all correct. This is annoying, but a sure-fire way to get a good mark.
Rome 1A is an adequate course. There’s bound to be something that will interest you, but there’s also a lot of boring stuff. If you’re up for stories of huge battles then perhaps Rome 1B is better suited for you.
5/10
The subject is rather more formulated than other courses, with a higher focus on reading ahead for lectures and printing off notes in advance. You are also required to buy a textbook for the course. Best advice here is to buy them from older students: they’ll usually be in good nick, and be much cheaper than the high-street store. There are three lectures a week, at 2pm (a win for lazy Classicists everywhere). Tutorials happen every two weeks, and these are easily the highlights of the course. Every tutorial group is set the same work by the course organisers, meaning there is a much more uniformed style of learning. The material chosen is usually fairly interesting, in particular the very first tutorial where you receive ancient artefacts and have to make an educated guess on what they could be. Some are completely baffling and don’t be afraid of being wrong; everyone always is!
Rome 1A has a real mixture of material taught, and there are many lecturers who take different subjects. If you have a favourite lecturer that you wish could show up every day, you’re out of luck. One of the first things you are taught is that the study of early Roman History is problematic to say the least, with a lack of evidence and much inference and guess-work. The course can feel a little chaotic at times, leaping from Roman wars, to a description of Roman Government, to the study of Roman villas and artwork. On the positive side, there’s a huge exploration of the period; on the other, it can be hard to remember where exactly you are in Roman History.
Assessment isn’t too bad, you write a short assignment piece and an essay, and have an exam in December. However be warned: the Classics Department are very strict on how an essay should be written and presented. There’s a detailed guide on their website explaining how to use quotations and grammar. When you’ve finished your essay, don’t just hand it in! Check through carefully and make sure it’s all correct. This is annoying, but a sure-fire way to get a good mark.
Rome 1A is an adequate course. There’s bound to be something that will interest you, but there’s also a lot of boring stuff. If you’re up for stories of huge battles then perhaps Rome 1B is better suited for you.
5/10