CEH10010 Interpreting Evidence

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module provides an introduction to some of the concepts, approaches and methodologies commonly utilised in academic study within the disciplines of Classics, English and History. It examines a series of case-studies designed to illustrate the types of evidence on which interpretations are based, and also how this evidence may be subjected to critical analysis. Students will also be introduced to some of the wider theoretical frameworks and academic debates that underlie such analysis. Each of the module's case-studies will consider the inter-relationship between events and texts relevant to the module theme . In 2022-23 the module theme will be 'Empire'. From the Ancient world of Greece and Rome up until modern times the idea of Empire has featured prominently in the work of political theorists and historians, playwrights , poets and artists. Several issues have recurred in such discussions and representations including the question of legitimacy , the source of authority, the struggle for power , the interaction with representative institutions, and the projection of imagery. Such concerns retain their relevance today. 'The age of empire' is generally thought to have ended in the twentieth century, but the notion of empire and the figure of an emperor - or at least an autocratic all-powerful leader - persists.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
- Understand, analyse and evaluate different kinds of evidence.
-  Make use of evidence to understand and analyse broader historical and cultural questions.
- Distinguish the different disciplinary methodologies of Classics, English and History and make inter-disciplinary connections.
- Synthesize concepts and context.
- Articulate arguments and express informed views orally.
- Write interrogatively and imaginatively in a scholarly fashion.


Indicative Module Content:

1. Introduction
EMPIRE IN CLASSICAL ANTIQUITY
2. The foundation of the Roman Republic, 509 BCE
3. The Ides of March, 44 BCE
4. The Death of Augustus, 14 CE
EMPIRE IN MEDIEVAL EUROPE
5. Charlemagne: warlord and conqueror
6. Charlemagne: ruler and administrator
7. The Coronation of Charlemagne , 800 CE
EMPIRE IN RENAISSANCE DRAMA
8. 'Julius Caesar'. The play and its politics.
9. ' Julius Caesar'. Sources and history writing.
10. 'Julius Caesar'. Renaissance England and Roman histories.




Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

8
Seminar (or Webinar)

6
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

46
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is based around a combination of lectures and seminars. Strong emphasis is placed on student-led learning and peer review through problem-based learning in the form of case studies linked by a common theme. Students will also introduced to the practical use of bibliographic research tools. Assessment will be formative and summative and is designed to develop student skills in oral presentation and written critical analysis. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Presentation: In class power-point presentation. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

30
Essay: Essay ( 2000 words) uploaded on Brightspace. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

70

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

- Written feedback will be provided on presentations. Oral feedback will also be available. - Written and oral feedback will be available on essays.

Name Role
Dr Martin Brady Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Philip De Souza Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Jane Grogan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Annie Khabaza Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Alexander Thein Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Tues 14:00 - 15:50