Key facts

UNE unit code: ANCH328

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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This unit provides you with valuable insights into the urban history of key towns and cities of the ancient world. You will examine the social fabric, political structure, history, archaeology, economy, art, architecture and other essential features of ancient towns and cities. Additionally, you will explore concepts of urbanisation and the city as a social, economic, religious, cultural, architectural and political institution.

Detailed consideration is 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, with an emphasis on literary, archaeological and material evidence.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
any 12cp in ANCH, ARPA, HINQ, HIST or RELS; or candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
ANCH528 or HIST512
Combined units

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Matthew Dillon
Matthew DillonProfessor, Classics and Ancient History - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

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

  1. conduct independent research into the important features of the social, political, cultural, and architectural features of ancient towns and cities, and thereby demonstrating pedagogical autonomy, well-developed judgement, and responsibility as a learner;
  2. demonstrate a broad understanding, and conceptual knowledge, of the key themes concerning ancient towns and cities;
  3. present a properly documented argument addressing an historical problem or issue relating to an ancient town or city, demonstrating a sound knowledge of the ancient evidence;
  4. select and synthesise ideas and arguments from modern sources, showing an understanding of modern scholarship on ancient towns and cities; and
  5. demonstrate an ability to articulate and communicate in written form the main themes and intellectual problems involved in understanding ancient towns and cities by writing structured prose and framing arguments at an undergraduate level.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes45%All offerings

Essay

No. Words: 2000

Assessment 2Yes5%All offerings

Quiz: 10 objective response questions

No. Words: 500

Assessment 3Yes50%All offerings

Essay

No. Words: 2500

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Referenced material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Ancient Cities: The Archaeology of Urban Life in the Ancient Near East and Egypt, Greece and Rome

ISBN: 9780367232214

Gates, C., Routledge 3rd ed. 2024

Note: E-book available from Dixson Library

Text refers to: All offerings

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