Units of Study

The following units are offered within the discipline of Classics and Ancient History.

Ancient History

ANCH109: Of Gods, Heroes, and Monsters

Many states begin with a story. Those of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East had narratives featuring gods, heroes, monsters and magic to explain their origins. You will have the opportunity to explore via literature, art, and artefacts, a wide range of ancient narratives, such as the foundation myths of Greece, Rome, and the Near East - including Nimrod’s Babylonian tower, Theseus and the foundation of Athens, and the twins, Romulus and Remus, raised by a wolf. Through digital storytelling, podcasts, and interactive workshops this unit builds your knowledge and passion for the ancient world. As you compare foundation myths from the different states and cultures that bordered the Mediterranean, you will also critically examine and practise the skills that underpin Classics and Ancient History. Learn from UNE’s internationally regarded academics in classics and ancient history. Develop your critical thinking and basic research skills.

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ANCH110: From Solon to Socrates

This unit introduces you to the history and culture of the two leading centres of the classical Greek world: Athens and Sparta. It considers a wide variety of aspects of their society and political structure and provides you with an exemplary in-depth study of political events from the archaic through to the classical periods (ca. 600 to 390 BCE). You will explore various topics, including the society and culture of both cities, the development and practice of democratic government in Athens, the Spartan constitution and military ethos, the Persian Wars, Athenian imperialism in the fifth century, and the Spartan victory over Athens in the Peloponnesian War and the rise and fall of the Spartan hegemony. Emphasis is placed on literary as well as material sources of information, to ensure you gain a broad range of knowledge and a well-rounded understanding of ancient Greek society and history as exemplified in its leading cities. The unit also provides you with the opportunity to develop a first level of historical critical thinking and evaluation skills.

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ANCH111: Introduction to Ancient Rome

This unit provides you with a well-rounded exploration of Ancient Rome, from its rise to power on the international stage to the death of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. Emphasis is placed on the literary and material evidence that survives for this period, and the analytical skills historians use to interpret that evidence. You will gain insights into the significant issues of Roman Republican history and deepen your understanding and interpretation of human behaviour in a historically different context. Additionally, you will develop your basic research skills and your ability to apply critical analysis to ancient evidence.

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ANCH307/507: Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic World

Alexander the Great is one of the most famous rulers in the history of mankind. Although his reign lasted only 13 years, his achievements had immense impact on the ancient world. Following his murdered father as king of Macedonia in 336 BC, he soon started a campaign during which he conquered the biggest empire of that time: the Persian realm spanning from western Anatolia to the borders of the Indian subcontinent. This unit explores the enigmatic person of Alexander, his Macedonian background, his Greek allies and enemies, the Persians and their empire and the famous battles Alexander fought against them. Attention will also be paid to the events after his sudden death in 323 BC culminating in the long struggles between his generals.

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ANCH312/512: Rome of the Caesars

This unit explores the highs and lows of life under the Roman imperial system of government, beginning with the Julio-Claudian period. Students will explore the varied source material available and weave their own path through rumour, fact and fantasy as they examine the evidence for life in the empire under some of the most notorious figures in Roman History.

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ANCH313/513: Augustus and the Roman Revolution

In 31BC Augustus emerged as the undisputed master of Rome, but the battle for the hearts and minds of Rome's citizens remained. This unit examines by what means Augustus brought about the reconstruction of Rome after nearly a century of civil war. Particular attention is paid to the language of leadership in the Triumviral Period (44-31BC), the mechanisms of power and persuasion used by Augustus to establish and maintain his Principate (31BC-AD14), the strategies by which he secured the cooperation or coercion of Roman society, and the visual and verbal language developed to express and legitimate the new order. The unit draws on a variety of ancient literary and archaeological evidence to illuminate Augustus’ impact on Roman politics and society, and to assess his achievements.

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ANCH315/515: The Shadow of Vesuvius: Pompeii and Herculaneum

On 24 August AD79 Mount Vesuvius erupted. Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Campi Flegrei (fields of fire) were buried in the mass disaster. Excavation of the disaster site began in 1748 and in 1997 it received World Heritage status. Today the Vesuvian region hosts millions of tourists annually. This unit is a multi-disciplinary study of the Vesuvian mass disaster, and controversies arising from the excavation, conservation, and display of its sites, artefacts, and human remains. The core modules investigate the Forensics and Volcanology of the disaster. Optional modules enable students to explore Pompeii and Herculaneum from a range of disciplinary perspectives and to appreciate the contribution of forensics to the study of this mass disaster.

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ANCH322/522: Bronze Age Greece and the Aegean

This unit provides you with advanced insights into mainland Greece, the Aegean islands, and Crete in the Bronze Age (ca. 3000-1100 BCE). These cultures are synonymous with the mythical minotaur, the frescoes of Knossos and the Trojan War, as well as the near-mythical tycoons who ‘discovered’ these civilizations, such as Heinrich Schliemann and Arthur Evans. How do we study these peoples beyond the myths? In this unit you will examine archaeological and literary evidence to deepen your understanding of the rise of cities, social complexity and hierarchies, religion, writing, art and trade. You will consider the links with Egypt, western Asia and Europe. Additionally, you will consider how later authors (like Homer) can be used to understand the Aegean Bronze Age.

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ANCH326/526: Art and Architecture of the Ancient World

This unit introduces you to the major achievements of art and architecture in the ancient world. It involves a study of public and private space in ancient cities and of the functions of funerary monuments, religious architecture and domestic art and architecture, as well as the attitude of ancient civilisations to both the arts and their environment.

Moreover, it involves a study of relevant artefacts in the UNE Museum of Antiquities and the ways specific artefacts and museums can contribute to an understanding of the ancient world. Civilisations studied may include Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Bronze Age, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic Greece, the Etruscans, Rome, the Celts, Late Antiquity and Early Byzantium.

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ANCH328/528: Towns and Cities of the Ancient World

This unit studies the urban history of key towns and cities of the ancient world. Students examine the social fabric, political structure, history, archaeology, economy, art, architecture, and other essential features of ancient towns and cities. Concepts of urbanisation, and the city as a social, economic, religious, cultural, architectural, and political institution, will be examined. Detailed consideration will be given to the role of the ancient town and city as the pivotal focus of ancient civilisations, and what these towns and cities have contributed to human culture. Literary, archaeological, and material evidence is emphasised.

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ANCH380: Culture and Society in Ancient Greece and Rome

The unit is an essential part of studying Greece and Rome and is a capstone experience for the Bachelor of Arts Ancient History Major. It provides you with the opportunity to study a seminal part of Ancient History: the society and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. These civilisations not only fought famous wars and established huge empires, but had rich daily lives with distinctive economic, familial, intellectual and religious structures.

You will explore topics including family, slavery, sexuality, cults and religion, education and literacy, and culture. You will also critically analyse modern debates.

A major research project allows you to collect, analyse and interpret evidence through a lens of current historical thinking, and demonstrate your skills and learning. UNE provides you with a wide choice in research topics, with a broad coverage in periods and materials, giving you a range of areas to explore.

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ANCH400H: Honours in Ancient History

Honours in Ancient History is an enriching opportunity to develop a specialised understanding of your academic discipline and gain advanced research, critical thinking and communication skills to position you for success in your chosen profession.

Honours in Ancient History is a one-year (full-time) program that follows on from a standard bachelor's degree where you will undertake independent but supervised research on an approved historical topic.

In the first half of the year, you will complete a coursework program examining historical methodology and practice. You’ll participate in a seminar series (run both on campus and online) and attend an intensive school, held in Armidale during Intensive Period One. In the second half of the year, you will write up your research dissertation under the guidance of your supervisor.

Whether you are preparing for further research or to improve your job prospects, completing your Honours in Ancient History is a rewarding path to new opportunities.

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ANCH402H: Ancient History Dissertation

Candidates complete an extended research dissertation on an Ancient History research topic of their choice (subject to availability of supervision). They will work under the guidance of a supervisor to write a 17-000-word dissertation, based upon the student's own question and independent research. This involves formulating a research question and utilising higher order independent research skills and advanced analysis to combine a broad range of research materials. Candidates will also demonstrate a broad knowledge of the overall subject area and an understanding of methodological issues relating to Ancient History.

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ANCH520: How To be Good: Greek and Roman Ethics

Throughout recorded history humans have worried about how to be good, how to treat each other, how to live their lives and, most importantly, what 'good' actually means. In this unit you will explore Greek and Roman ideas about ethics — one of the three traditional branches of Greco-Roman philosophy.

These ideas about ethics have informed the work of generations of thinkers and have infiltrated literature, law, government and popular culture. By reading the original ancient texts closely and comparing the ideas of Greek and Roman authors with the conventions of the societies in which they lived, you will interrogate the connections between philosophy and society and gain an advanced understanding of what it meant to be good, or bad, in Greece and Rome both in the classroom and in the marketplace.

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ANCH551: Warfare in the Ancient World

This unit provides you with an advanced examination of ancient military history and warfare. You will thematically examine ancient warfare by looking at the use of infantry, cavalry, siege equipment and the navies of a variety of cultures, in particular Greece and Rome. A particular focus is given to the developments in tactics, technology and socio-military influences between c.500 BC and AD 400. This unit also provides opportunities to develop your critical thinking, research and communication skills.

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Classics

CLLA101: Introduction to Classical Languages

An intensive introduction to Classical Greek and Latin, offered in two separate strands within the unit. Candidates must choose either Greek or Latin, and will normally remain with the language strand chosen in any further units taken in the sequence. No previous knowledge of the selected language is required. In addition to exposure to the grammar of the language and to reading continuous text, students will encounter a wide range of aspects of Greek or Roman culture and society. The unit will also improve control and understanding of English.

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CLLA102: Classical Languages Through Reading

This unit builds on the work undertaken in CLLA101, and focuses on developing students' ability to read ancient texts. Students must remain in the language strand already selected in CLLA101, either Greek or Latin. By the end of the unit students will have read a considerable amount of selected Greek or Latin texts, improved their command of the language and developed their ability to analyse both English and their chosen Classical Language.

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CLLA201: Intermediate Classical Languages

This unit builds on the study of Greek or Latin in CLLA101 and CLLA102 with the intention that all major constructions will be understood by the end of the unit. Practice is given in reading unseen passages. Increasingly, students will be exposed to original literary texts with attention given to content as well as syntax. Candidates must continue to follow the language strand selected in the first-year units.

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CLLA202: Intermediate Classical Texts

In this unit, students in each strand (Greek or Latin) will read original texts in order to achieve understanding of these texts at a linguistic level as well exploring their literary/historical significance. The texts set vary from year to year.

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CLLA301: Advanced Classical Languages

This unit provides further consolidation of Greek or Latin syntax and style at an advanced level. One major literary text will be read in detail with close attention given to content as well as syntax. Students will develop their understanding of the literary and historical features of their chosen language. Students must continue to follow the language strand selected in the first- and second-year CLLA units.

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CLLA302: Advanced Classical Texts

In this unit, students in each strand (Greek or Latin) will read substantial portions of key original texts in verse or prose in order to achieve understanding of them both at a linguistic level and for their literary and historical significance. Students will also engage with the tradition of scholarship around these works and develop their own critical engagement with the texts.

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CLLA303/403: Classical Prose Texts

In this unit students in each strand (Greek or Latin) will read prose texts in order to achieve understanding of these texts at an advanced linguistic level and develop an appreciation of their literary/historical significance. The texts sets vary from year to year and are shared with CLLA403.

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CLLA304/404: Classical Verse Texts

In this unit students in each strand (Greek or Latin) will read verse texts in order to achieve understanding of these texts at an advanced linguistic level and develop an appreciation of their literary/historical significance. The texts sets vary from year to year.

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CLAS401H: Classics Honours Coursework

In this unit, you will read and study a variety of texts in Greek or Latin, studying one trimester in each language. You will explore a wide range of authors and genres, covering an extended chronological period, focusing on philological issues and literary interpretation of these texts as well as relevant modern scholarship. Through these texts, you will also build your understanding of the methodological issues essential for Classical Studies.

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CLAS402H: Classics Honours Dissertation

In this unit, under the supervision and approval of UNE’s Convenor of Classical Languages and a thesis supervisor, you will carry out your own research project concerning the ancient world or the Classical Tradition. In your thesis, you will be required to demonstrate advanced knowledge of Greek and/or Latin, as well as highly developed research skills and the ability to argue a sophisticated case.

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HIST337/537: History and Museums

Museums play a central role in collecting, conserving, interpreting and presenting our natural and cultural heritage, and in educating people from all walks of life. Their focus moves between the past, present and future. This unit prepares you to take an active role in the curatorial practices involved in presenting history and heritage in museums. It requires you to become familiar with the history of museums, and with the processes involved in researching, collecting, documenting, conserving, interpreting and presenting material culture. It also establishes your appreciation of the steps involved in evaluating and reviewing exhibitions about the past.

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HINQ303/503: Making Museums Digital

What does going to a museum mean if the visit is all online?
What can we learn from digital objects? How do we tell stories about the past and present through digital means?  
The Department of Archaeology, Classics and History is pleased to trial a new subject for Masters-level students in 2023 (Trimester 3). Making Museums Digital (offered under as HASS505), is especially suitable for students studying the Graduate Diploma of Local, Family and Applied History, the Master of History, or Master of Arts, but will be useful to any student interested in cultural heritage and digital humanities. UNE’s newly appointed Lecturer in Digital Innovation, Dr Alina Kozlovski, is a national expert in the application of digital methods to the study and presentation of material culture in public settings. In this unit she explores the effect digital technologies have had on how museums curate and catalogue their collections and how they make them interactive. Students will explore a variety of themes including authenticity, ethics, and activism, drawing on UNE’s own museum collections and others from around the world as well as case studies which feature natural history, archaeological, and fine art materials. The unit also offers a chance to curate your own online exhibition on a theme that is important to you.


HASS Museum Research Projects

A capstone project gives students the opportunity to investigate a field of research or specific project, and demonstrate the learning outcomes, graduate attributes, and skills acquired over the course of your degree.  A capstone research project is independent work on a topic of your choice conducted under supervision. These projects are intended to be the final or penultimate piece of work completed as part of your degree. The Museum of Antiquities (UNEMA) currently offers four different capstone project opportunities

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RELS384/584: Religions of the Ancient Near East

Many modern day social practices in many regions of the world have developed over centuries in response to the religious practices and beliefs of ancient times. In studying this unit, you will develop an appreciation of the religious history of the ancient near eastern region and deepen your understanding of these cultures. In this unit you will examine the religions of the three major areas of the Ancient Near East: Egypt, Mesopotamia and Canaan/Israel. You will look at the beliefs and practices of the Egyptians, Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Israelites. You will study the ancient myths, epic poetry, and afterlife spells and you will develop your ability to use primary and secondary resources as a basis for historical study.

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RELS388/588: Pagan Religions of Ancient Greece and Rome

This unit enables you to examine the religious practices of the ancient Greeks and Romans from c.800 BC-AD 330. You will study a wide range of topics, including magical practices, sacrificial systems, priesthoods, the role of women in religion, cults, religious architecture, the interplay between religion and politics, minority religious groups and mythology. The aim is to introduce you to the main themes of Greek and Roman religion, and to provide you with opportunities to consider the religious priorities of the Greeks and Romans. By completing assignments on both cultures, you will develop your understanding what motivated the religious practices of the Greeks and Romans as well as your research, communication and analytical skills.

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