Ancient History and Archaeology - BA (Hons)

Durham University

Immerse yourself in the ancient world and study all aspects of ancient history and archaeology. Gain a greater understanding by combining these interrelated areas, and then focus on what interests you the most.,This Joint Honours degree enables you to combine Ancient History modules from the Department of Classics and Ancient History with archaeology modules in the Department of Archaeology. The balance is broadly equal, but as you progress through your course you will have several opportunities to follow your particular interests in one or both areas. Your dissertation provides a further opportunity to concentrate your studies in an area that captures your imagination. Studying on this course will give you a wider perspective on these related subject areas, allowing you to fully explore the connections between archaeological discovery and historical context. The course offers an optional study abroad element, where you may spend the third year of a four-year course studying at a European university. You can also put your learning into practice by applying to add a placement year to your degree.In Year 1 you will be introduced to the world of the ancient Greeks and early Imperial Rome, seen from a variety of perspectives and through different forms of evidence. This will prepare you for a wide range of topics including more specifically historical modules about politics and society in the ancient world, and more specialist modules on material culture and archaeology.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Monuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus provides an introduction to, and a basis for further study of, Roman history and culture and Latin literature. It investigates a central, transitional epoch in the history of ancient Rome from an interdisciplinary perspective.Introduction to the Greek World introduces ancient Greek history, society, and thought, by focusing on how classical Athenians engaged with their past. It explores the central themes, topics and terminology in the study of Archaic and Classical Greece.Archaeology in Britain gives you a wide-ranging introduction to how archaeologists work, how sites are found and excavated, how archaeological information is generated, theorised and interpreted, and the issues facing archaeology today. It will give you the study skills needed for library work, essays, tutorials and computing. The module also gives a brief overview of British archaeology by period, from the Neolithic to the present day.Cities in Antiquity gives you a broad overview of the archaeology of the Greco-Roman world from 800 BC to AD 400. It also gives you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and to practice your evaluative skills through essay writing and a written examination.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Intermediate Latin/GreekEarly Greek PhilosophyLanguage, Translation, InterpretationThe Craft of the Ancient HistorianLives of Objects – Greek and Roman AntiquityAncient Civilisations: Sources, Approaches and MethodsDiscovering World PrehistoryAncient Civilisations of the EastMedieval to Modern: An Introduction to the Archaeology of the Medieval to Post Medieval WorldYear 2 modulesOptional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Ancient Political Thought and ActionEmperors and DynastiesLiving in the Classical WorldThe City of AthensBeginners’, Intermediate or Advanced Latin/GreekInterpreting Greek Tragedy TodayClassical Receptions and Contemporary CulturesDialogues with AntiquityPrehistoric Europe: From Foragers to State FormationBecoming Roman: From Iron Age to Empire in Italy and the West.Professional Training (Archaeology)Year 3 modulesCore modules:Dissertation In your final year, you will design and carry out your own Dissertation which will develop your skills of independent research and project management by pursuing a substantial research