You are here: UNE Home / Subject Areas / Ancient History

Ancient History

Study Ancient History at UNE

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.

Attention: Second and Third Year History Students - Professional Historians Association (NSW) Prize 2010

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.

Matthew DillonUse the ‘play’ button below to listen to the audio.

Courses

Undergraduate

Advanced Diploma in Arts
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 of Historical Inquiry and Practice

Bachelor Honours

Bachelor of Arts with Honours

Postgraduate Research

Master of Arts with Honours
Doctor of Philosophy

Postgraduate

Graduate Certificate in Arts
Graduate Diploma in Humanities
Master of Arts
Master of History

 

Units

ANCH110     Introduction to Ancient Greece 
ANCH111     Introduction to Ancient Rome 
ANCH304     Society and the Individual in Classical Greece
ANCH305     Greek Democracy and its Enemies
ANCH310     The Art of Roman Government
ANCH312     Rome of the Caesars 31BC-AD193
ANCH313     Augustus and the Roman Revolution 
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
ANCH326     Art and Architecture of the Ancient World
ANCH351     Warfare in the Ancient World
ANCH401H   Ancient History Honours Coursework
ANCH402H   Ancient History Honours Dissertation
ANCH504     Society and the Individual in Classical Greece
ANCH505     Greek Democracy and its Enemies
ANCH510     The Art of Roman Government
ANCH512     Rome of the Caesars 31BC-AD193 
ANCH514     Citizen and Society in Ancient Rome
ANCH515     The Shadow of Vesuvius: Pompeii and Herculaneum
ANCH522     Bronze Age Greece and the Aegean
ANCH524     Egypt in the Age of the Pyramids
ANCH525     New Kingdom Egypt
ANCH526     Art and Architecture in the Ancient World
ANCH551     Warfare in the Ancient World 

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 13 000 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

  Future Student Enquiries   Current Student Enquiries  
  AskUNE
Search for information or ask a question 24/7.

AskUNE Chat
Speak to one of our advisors live via web chat.

Facebook
KateUNE is your link to UNE on Facebook, available to chat and answer your questions.

Future Student Site
Browse for information on our Future Students web pages.

International Students
Find course information, make an application or submit an enquiry.
  AskUNE
Find answers to your questions 24/7.

Contact Us
Contact staff directly via AskUNE.

Current Student Site
Browse for information about your studies on our Current Students web pages.