Ancient History
Contents
Introduction
Ancient History at UNE encompasses the study of the major ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean world, including Egypt, Greece (Bronze Age, archaic, and classical), and Rome. All of these ancient societies are dealt with in depth, with full coverage of their social, cultural and political histories. The history of these ancient cultures is studied through their written records, and full attention is also given to the material evidence of these cultures.
Studying ancient civilizations is crucial for an understanding of the western tradition and the modern world as a whole. Ancient societies made fundamental contributions to the development of western civilization, which in turn has had a profound effect and influence on world history, both recent and contemporary. Modern political systems are all profoundly influenced by the practice and theory of government in the ancient world. The cultural legacy of the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece and Rome, in terms of art, architecture and literature, is a crucial and fundamental contribution to modern civilisation. Studying Ancient History enables students to gain both an awareness and understanding of the past's contribution to the present.
Why Study Ancient History at UNE?
Our own culture's preoccupation with ancient history is shown in the ongoing interest in all things ancient, especially in cinema, with recent films such as Gladiator and 300, to name but two examples. Studying Ancient History at UNE enables students to understand the actual histories behind popular representations of ancient societies. This contemporary interest in Ancient History is also indicated by the popularity of Ancient History as a subject at the HSC level.
UNE has a long tradition of teaching ancient history. The staff have a wealth of teaching experience, covering not only the content matter of Ancient History but also in teaching students how to approach the study of ancient civilizations. We are able, through our expertise, to guide students through the complexities of ancient cultures and societies. Our staff are international experts in their fields, having many monographs published by international presses. Students who learn with us are taught by staff with internationally recognised research and publications.
All Ancient History units are delivered online, with a full range of resources available electronically, with a specific website for each unit. Ancient History lectures are recorded live and can be downloaded as podcasts. The powerpoint presentations and all handouts are available on each unit website, and there is a wide range of essay readings available electronically via the Dixson Library website. Staff and students engage in discussion of key aspects of units via Discussion Boards on the unit websites. Ancient History makes use of a full range of the latest electronic pedagogical methods. Unit materials are also available in hard-copy.
Use the ‘play’ button below to listen to the audio.
Courses
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching
Bachelor Honours
Postgraduate Research
Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in World Religions
Graduate Diploma in Humanities
Course data provided by the 2008 Course and Unit Catalogue
Units
ANCH110 Introduction to Greek HistoryANCH111 Introduction to Roman History
ANCH304 Society and the Individual in Classical Greece
ANCH305 Greek Imperialism and Democracy 454-323 BC
ANCH310 Politics and Life in the Roman Republic, 201-31BC
ANCH312 The Caesars and the Roman Empire 49 BC-AD 193
ANCH314 Citizen and Society in Ancient Rome
ANCH322 Bronze Age Greece and the Aegean
ANCH324 Egypt in the Age of the Pyramids
ANCH325 New Kingdom Egypt
ANCH351 The Origins of Western Warfare
ANCH401H Ancient History Honours Coursework
ANCH402H Ancient History Honours Dissertation
ANCH404 Society and the Individual in Classical Greece
ANCH405 Greek Imperialism and Democracy 454-323 BC
ANCH410 Politics and Life in the Roman Republic, 201-31BC
ANCH414 Citizen and Society in Ancient Rome
ANCH422 Bronze Age Greece and the Aegean
ANCH424 Egypt in the Age of the Pyramids
ANCH425 New Kingdom Egypt
ANCH451 The Origins of Western Warfare
Careers
Students studying for a secondary school teaching qualification will find Ancient History a very important area to include in their degree. Ancient History is one of the most popular High School Certificate HSC subjects in NSW, with over 10 000 students studying ancient history in years 11 and 12. Teachers for this popular subject are always in demand.
For other students, Ancient History is a useful subject not simply because of the content it teaches but also because of the skills acquired during study. The staff teaching Ancient History emphasise the use of evidence and sources to build up an argument, and stress the use of writing as a means of expressing ideas. Ancient History focuses on all of the UNE Graduate Attributes, in particular information literacy, lifelong learning, and problem solving. These are all skills which any prospective employer looks for. Arts graduates who undertake Ancient History are well-equipped for any career needing these skills.
Partnerships and Networks
The University of New England is spearheading a new online program, Classics around Australia, aimed at teaching Latin and Greek into other Australian universities where the languages are not currently available.
Contacts
For further information about Ancient History please contact:
A/Prof Matthew Dillon
mdillon@une.edu.au
Ph: +61 2 6773 2049
Fax: +61 2 6773 3520
email: history@une.edu.au
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