The Shadow of Vesuvius: Pompeii and Herculaneum (ANCH315)

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the Vesuvian Mass Disaster of AD79, and in particular of the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, from a variety of disciplinary perspectives;
2. research the Vesuvian mass disaster of AD79, thereby demonstrating the ability to work with self-direction, well-developed judgement, and responsibility as a learner;
3. review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise written and non-written evidence from Pompeii and Herculaneum, with particular emphasis on the application of forensic methodological approaches to that evidence with competence;
4. demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the volcanology of Mt Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei, and topography of Mt Vesuvius, Pompeii, and Herculaneum; and, an ability to evaluate the evidentiary limitations that affect the forensic investigation of the Vesuvian Mass Disaster of AD79;
5. analyse, generate, and transmit well-developed judgements about the forensic investigation, interpretation, preservation, and display/communication of the sites, artefacts, and human remains of the Vesuvian Mass Disaster with competence; and
6. construct and communicate a logical, evidence-based written argument demonstrating well-developed writing skills dealing with the complex problems involved in investigating the Vesuvian mass disaster.