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2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CLAS3880 Society and Culture under Nero

20 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Dr Steven J Green
Email: S.J.Green@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module is suitable for Level 2 or 3 students with some basic knowledge of the Roman world. It offers an opportunity to study in detail the reign of the Emperor Nero, AD 54-68/69, one of the most memorable and controversial figures of ancient Rome. As Nero was a patron of the arts, there is a particularly rich range of literary sources from this period - historical, philosophical, tragic and comic - which paint a fascinating picture of a young man who, from promising beginnings, gradually created around him a tense atmosphere of suspicion and scandal. The module is worth 20 credits and runs over both semesters, with one lecture per week and a total of four seminars. For further information, see the School of Classics Undergraduate Courses site or contact the School of Classics via e-mail, telephone (0113-343-3537), or in person: the Department Office is situated on the first floor of the Parkinson Building (south end).

Objectives

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- discuss, both orally and in writing, the major issues relating to Nero and his reign, from the social, political, cultural and literary perspectives;
- demonstrate a range of subject-specific skills, including: an ability to analyse critically various forms of literature and material evidence as historical sources and relate them to each other where appropriate; an ability to appreciate different forms of literature, and engage with the relationship between literature and the society in which it was produced;
- demonstrate a range of transferable skills, including verbal and written expression, the organisation of personal study and the use of IT resources.

Syllabus

Artist, visionary, tyrant or madman? This module offers an opportunity to study in detail the reign of the Emperor Nero, A.D. 54-68/69, one of the most memorable and controversial figures of ancient Rome. Approached via a range of literary and material evidence, students will gain an insight into the political, social and cultural life of Neronian Rome, as well as the personality and ideologies of the Emperor himself. As Nero was a patron of the arts, there is a particularly rich range of literary sources from this period - historical, philosophical, tragic and comic - which paint a fascinating picture of a young man who, from promising beginnings, gradually created around him a tense atmosphere of suspicion and scandal.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture181.0018.00
Seminar21.002.00
Private study hours180.00
Total Contact hours20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

72 hours - reading for lecture (18 x 4 hours)
32 hours - reading for seminar (4 x 8 hours)
32 hours - essay
44 hours - exam preparation

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Seminar participation and essay

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay1 x 2,500 word essay40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)40.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)2 hr 00 mins60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)60.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 13/03/2009

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