School brochure classics

discover. The School of

Classics

www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Why study the ancient world?

Greek and Roman civilisation has an enduring hold on our minds and imaginations. Influencing much of modern Western civilisation and yet maintaining a sense of otherness, these ancient civilisations seem both familiar and alien.

A degree concentrating on the ancient world allows us to understand these fascinating cultures in their entirety, broadening our horizons and enabling us to better and more objectively understand the history and culture of both our own societies and those with which we interact.

“Being here at UWTSD Lampeter campus has enabled me to develop personally, meet many people and make great friends, invoked my passion for Ancient History and brought me that little closer to my future dreams and aspirations.”

Why study the ancient world at Trinity Saint David?

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David is a dynamic organisation providing great opportunities and added value to all its students. The University has a rich history; it was founded in 1822 as Saint David’s College and is the oldest degreeawarding institution in England and Wales after Oxford and Cambridge.

We have been teaching Classics at Lampeter since the opening of Saint David’s College in 1827, which makes us the oldest Classics department in Wales. We offer courses on all aspects of the history and culture of the peoples of the ancient Mediterranean. We are one of the largest schools on campus and our students make up a significant part of Trinity Saint

David’s student body. But this does not mean that our students get lost in the crowd - there is a strong sense of community amongst our students and staff. There are currently seven full-time lecturers in the School of Classics, so the ratio of staff to students is such that students can have ready and easy access to all their lecturers. The smaller than average group sizes mean that our classes are always friendly and never intimidating; this allows staff and students to get to know each other on a friendly, informal and first name basis. Thanks to our ratio of staff to students, we can offer excellent support to all students.

Chantelle Moore, BA (Hons) Ancient History

91.5% of 2012 graduates were in employment or further study 6 months after graduation

2 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 3

Careers with Classics The study of the history, culture and languages of the ancient world imparts a wide range of extremely useful and highly-valued skills, such as research experience, close reading, problem solving, public speaking and presentational skills, as well as the ability to construct a logical argument and communicate it clearly and persuasively.

The skills acquired through the study of the ancient world are applicable and transferable to a very wide range of careers, for instance in media and publishing, business and commerce, library and information services, teaching, politics, and many others.

We are committed to providing all students with the best possible preparation for the world of work.

Our graduates work in diverse areas and subjects, both related and unrelated to the ancient world, from law and accounting to aviation. We seek to enhance our graduates' employability by providing assessments within modules tailored to enhancing skills sought by employers in a variety of sectors and working closely with the University's Career Service.

There is no one path for our graduates. The traditional routes of teaching, museum and heritage work, the civil service and research – governmental, academic and media – are still pursued by our graduating students. However, the programme of embedded employability offered by the School of Classics at University of Wales Trinity Saint David ensures that our graduates have the skill set and confidence to explore a wide variety of career paths.

Indeed, our graduating students have explored options from outdoor sports instructors to prison superintendents, from the Armed Forces to careers in the medical profession, with a good selection of graduates applying what they have learnt by going into business and setting up their own companies. Graduates from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David are equipped to follow their passions wherever they may lead.

4 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Anneka Daley, BA (Hons) Ancient History and Classical Studies

The Students’ Union and the Societies 90% of students in 2013/14 thought that the assessment patterns used by the School of Classics improved their skills

Life on campus and beyond The Lampeter campus is situated in the idyllic surroundings of rural West Wales. Life in Lampeter effortlessly combines a quiet environment for study with a vibrant student life revolving around the Students’ Union.

We support a very active Classics Society. In the past few years,

“As well as teaching me about the Ancient World, the seminars gave me the confidence to go and speak to potential employers and put myself forward for opportunities whilst in my current job.”

members of the Classics Society have organised movie nights and theatre trips and have put on plays themselves.

All students interested in the ancient world, whether studying in the School or not, are welcome to join in the Classics Society activities.

The Lampeter campus boasts an active student-run union. There is a Students’ Union activity going on every day (and often every night) of the year. From the varsity parties celebrating the success of the sports clubs in the university competitions, to live music nights, the Students’ Union offers activities for all.

For those interested in gaming and re-enactment, the Lampeter campus is filled with kindred spirits.

With several societies representing the genre, every interest in gaming and re-enactment can find a home and a dedicated group of enthusiasts to give it impetus.

Popular societies on the Lampeter campus:

Student societies are not only active but also very visible in campus life. Whether it is a historical re-enactment played out on the pitch by the Medieval Society, or the rugby teams returning from training, or the Singing Society performing for charity, there is always something going on around campus and town.

• • • • • • • •

LARP & RPG Society Medieval Society Cosplay Society Performing Arts Society Singing Society Viking Society LGBTQ+ Society Anime society

Many students engage in sports ranging from rugby and football to martial arts and archery. The university offers an excellent range of facilities to students, from the newly refurbished Sports Hall with its fitness suite, dance studio and dedicated martial arts rooms, to rugby and football pitches, as well as a swimming pool. Popular sports on the Lampeter campus are: • Fencing • Rugby • Football • Netball • Basketball • Archery • Badminton • Martial Arts

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 5

Out and about Lampeter is nestled in the historic heart of West Wales with a backdrop of medieval castles, Roman remains, and a natural environment that brings hundreds of thousands of tourists every summer. From the breath-taking great castles of Raglan and Laugharne, the university’s own archaeological dig at the Strata Florida Abbey and Britain’s only Roman gold-mine at Dolaucothi, lovers of the past have history on their doorstep in Lampeter.

Hiking and rambling opportunities abound, while nature lovers can experience a multitude of nature reserves and wild life preservation areas, both inland and on the coast.

The beauty of the environment means that West Wales is home to a variety of outdoor sporting opportunities. From canoeing and kayaking on the River Teifi, just a couple of miles from campus, to canyoning, coasteering and zorbing, there is always something new and exciting to try at the weekend.

Travel Opportunities & Study Abroad We offer our students the opportunity to visit archaeological sites, museums and libraries around the UK. Recent destinations for day and weekend trips have included the Roman town of Caerwent and the Roman fort of Caerleon in South Wales, and the Roman town of Corbridge and the Roman forts of Vindolanda and Housesteads on Hadrian’s Wall. Students in all our degrees have the opportunity to travel as part of their degree, for a week, a semester or a year. The university offers a series of bursaries to help students travel.

In the last few years we have been to Athens, Rome, the Bay of Naples, and Tarragona in Spain.

Study Abroad Many of our students take the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or longer, whether in the USA or with one of our Erasmus partners in Italy and Spain. Study abroad not only gives students the opportunity to experience very different environments, but also to diversify their learning experience through learning modern languages.

The annual fieldtrip Every year, in addition to weekend trips and visits around the UK, we organise a one-week fieldtrip to the Mediterranean for second- and third-year students. We travel to a different destination each year to study and explore the history and archaeology of specific regions of the ancient world.

“The best thing about Lampeter is the community spirit that we have.”

“The Erasmus exchange period has definitely changed me, allowing me to learn a language that I had never studied before as well as discovering subjects that I would like to study further in a Master’s course.”

Sofia Bianchi-Mancini, BA (Hons)Classics

Louise Windsor, BA Ancient History (JH)

From feeding rare red kites to enjoying the antics of puffins, or watching the sun setting into the Irish Sea at the estuary of the River Dovey, students and visitors have many opportunities to enjoy nature and all its wonders.

6 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

100% of students and graduates that took part in our annual fieldtrip between 2007 and 2012 would recommend it to future students.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 7

Teaching Excellence and Learning Enhancement We are dedicated to providing the best teaching possible to all our students, as well as creating a friendly and inspiring learning environment. In 2015 we were voted the Best Academic Department in the University’s student-led teaching awards for the second year running.

available to all our students. Our Virtual Learning Environment is a live forum through which students are able to revise and explore difficult topics and access the electronic resources available in the virtual world.

All our modules are taught by specialists in their field and their areas of research influence the The vast majority of modules are modules we offer. This enables taught through a combination of our students to learn from lectures, workshops and groupbased seminars. Language modules leading experts and to gain a key understanding of the latest are taught exclusively through scholarly trends and discoveries. In seminars. We aim to provide addition, our independent study students not only with valuable modules allow you to explore your knowledge on their chosen passion in its entirety. All students subjects but also the necessary have the opportunity to pursue skills for university study and the their own interests and conduct world of employment. On average their own research in the secondour students spend between 12 year independent project and the and 14 hours per week in lectures, third-year dissertation. seminars, workshops and one-toone sessions with the lecturers.

For those students with a love of Our courses are geared towards independent academic research, providing written and oral skills we offer a specialist third-year as well as training in analysing module where students become data and problem-solving. We are part of an existing research project committed to providing a high within the School. Third-year quality education to our students. students also have the opportunity to be trained in archival research In this age of technology, highin the University’s Roderic Bowen quality education means highLibrary and Archives, or undertake quality resources available to all an internship with a local museum. students, both residential and distance. In the interests of our All modules include an element students, we have invested in a of assessed coursework. We are range of electronic resources and committed to providing not only are heavily involved in projects traditional academic assessments and initiatives of interactive and through essays and exams, electronic learning, such as the but also a range of assessment vidcasting of undergraduate lectures, the use of a Virtual Learning methods designed to build skills and competencies, such Environment for all courses, and as gobbet work, presentations, an expanding range of speciallywikis, web-pages and taketailored electronic resources home examinations, so that the 8 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Admissions Requirements assessment reflects the student's performance as a whole. All our students are provided with key skills in our Academic Skills module in the first year, which is designed to offer one-to-one practical advice on note-taking, essay writing, oral presentations, critical reading and time management to ensure that students are able to make the most of their time with us.

Our Employability-Embedded Curriculum is a Higher Education Academy Future Directions example of Good Practice.

“Every step of the way you will find, as I did, that there are supportive academic staff who want to speed your progress on that journey and to achieve all you want – and all that you can – in higher education.”

Each year we welcome about seventy new students to our School. We share the University’s commitment to equal opportunities for all, and we welcome applications from mature students, overseas students, students with disabilities, carers, and careleavers. We are also happy to consider deferred entry. Prior qualification in a classical subject is not required. We accept applications from all educational backgrounds.

Candidates are selected based on merit and each candidate is assessed individually by our Admissions Officer. The vast majority of applicants are invited to a formal interview.

All candidates are welcome to visit UWTSD’s Lampeter campus and the School of Classics during Open Days, Visit Days, or in consultation with the Classics Admissions Officer. Visiting us will allow you to learn about the University and School, and will give you the opportunity to meet and talk to members of staff and our current students.

Languages For those with a desire to study an ancient language we offer Latin and Greek modules at all levels, from Beginners to Advanced.

These provide not only grammar and vocabulary guidance, but also enable students to engage with adapted and original Greek and Latin poetry and prose.

Jon Coles, BA (Hons) Classical Studies More than

70% “I found studying languages at TSD to be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience that I would most definitely recommend to anyone considering it!”

of Classics lecturers are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.

70% 100% of our students said in the NSS that staff are good at explaining things.

of the assessment in our courses is by coursework.

97% of our students said in the NSS that they received detailed comments on their work.

Natalie Cregan, BA (Hons) Classics www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 9

Supporting our Students We are committed to supporting every student taking our degrees.

All students are allotted a personal tutor, who is a member of academic staff, to give them advice and support in academic matters.

Our dedicated Student Support Liaison Officer is also on hand to provide help and advice with arrangements for extra support, and to assist students with disabilities and learning difficulties. We work closely with the University’s Student Services. The Student Services team offers advice on all issues from academic skills to finance, and can offer students one-to-one support from professional mentors. The university offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to assist students financially with issues ranging from childcare to studyrelated travel.

As well as saving money on university accommodation, our students enjoy generally lower costs of living and course-related expenses. With no need to commute from halls to university, our students can spend their money on travelling for fun, while our Learning Resources Centre provides access to thousands of books and journals (printed and online) for our students, so they do not have to buy highly specialised (and hence expensive) books.

“Another major point that I love about TSD, which was amazingly helpful in my studies, was the support for students who need help in academic matters. I have for the first time had a support tutor and had help in my exams, which has greatly benefited me.”

Carole King, BA (Hons) Ancient History and Classical Studies

91% of our students said in the NSS that they have been able to contact staff when they needed to.

Costs of living The cost of living in West Wales is considerably less than in the rest of Wales and the UK as a whole.

As a result, our students are able to study without incurring as much debt, or needing as much support from family or through working part-time, as students in other parts of the UK do.

Our university is committed not only to supporting all students academically and personally, but also assisting them financially.

All students have the option of living in halls for the duration of their studies, and all accommodation options include wireless internet and parking.

10 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

As the table below shows, the difference in accommodation fees between the halls of residence on our Lampeter campus, and the halls of residence at universities in other parts of the UK is considerable.

UK Average (outside London)*

UWTSD, Lampeter Campus

Savings

Books and equipment

£464

£358 (first year), £200 (later years)

£106264

Travel

£391

£75 (using a student travelcard)

£316

Rent (average)

£4,989

£3,184

£1,805

Total

£5,844

£3,617

£2,227

*Regional data from the latest NUS Accommodation Costs Survey (2012/13)

Postgraduate Opportunities

Average weekly rent according to accommodation category (latest NUS data, 2013)

Weekly rent in Lampeter campus accommodation, 2015/16

Savings Savings per week per year (38 weeks)

Self-catering single

£97.08

£68

£29.08

£1105.04

Self-catering en-suite

122.81

£84

£38.81

£1474.78

We offer a wide range of taught and research postgraduate degrees, available both residentially and at a distance. If you decide you want to continue with further study, we will provide you with information and support for pursuing your chosen course.

*UK Average data from the latest NUS Pound in Your Pocket (October 2013)

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 11

Explore our Degrees There are two main pathways into studying the ancient world: through its history, and through its literature and culture. The two are not mutually exclusive - it is possible to learn a great deal about historical events not only through historical texts but also from a range of other literature such as elegy and satire - while learning more about the wider historical and cultural background of these societies make for a deeper and richer understanding of many texts.

Of course, different people have different interests in the ancient world, and we offer different ways for students to follow their own interests.

One area of specialisation is Ancient History, which allows students to concentrate on the political, military and cultural history of the ancient world. Another is Classical Studies, which allows students to explore the literature of the Greeks and the Romans, as well as the culture and mythology of the ancient world.

“I could choose so many good things about my experience here, a scenic town, nights out with friends, the societies, but when it comes down to it my course is the reason I'm here. My degree constantly fascinates and amazes me, there's so much of the ancient world to choose from.�

Chantelle Moore, BA (Hons) Ancient History

Not only do we offer programmes in both Ancient History and Classical Studies, but also a programme that combines the two, Classical Civilisation. Furthermore, Classical Studies and Ancient History are combinable with a range of other subjects, from ancient Greek to anthropology.

This section of our prospectus introduces you not only to our degrees and the various combinations you can pursue, but also to the modules you could study by coming to UWTSD.

12 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 13

BA Ancient History UCAS Code: V110

Ancient History gives you the opportunity to explore the political, military and social history of the Graeco-Roman world, along with the main cultures of the ancient Mediterranean. Whether you are passionate about warfare, religion, social issues or the great leaders and thinkers of the ancient world, our Ancient History degree provides you with the opportunity to delve into the cultures that have shaped the western world for three millennia.

Seize the opportunity to study the growth of Rome into an empire, how Sparta became the legend that it is today, how religion shaped everyday life two thousand years ago, why Alexander conquered the known world and human imagination, or pursue your own interests in the ancient world through our independentstudy modules.

14 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

In lectures, workshops, seminars and one-to-one sessions, you will be taught by experts in the field, whether it is exploring the reign of Augustus through poetry, or discussing the intricacies of the Seleucid court, or discovering how the Greeks and Romans used magic and spells in their everyday lives.

“No matter the need or problem, the lecturers were always there to lend a hand, making studying at Lampeter an experience to be enjoyed.”

Modules to Look Out For: Defenders, Conquerors, Vanquished: Greek and Hellenistic History:

Infamous and Damned? The Emperor Nero and the JulioClaudian Dynasty:

Joshua Wilkinson, BA (Hons) Ancient History

This degree allows you to study a wide range of topics covering not only key events and people but also major themes such as warfare and the economy.

An introduction to the main historical events in the Greek Classical and Hellenistic periods, such as the Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War, the rise of the democracy in Athens, the impact of imperialism on Greek culture, the various hegemonies of the fourth century, the rise of Macedon, Alexander’s conquest of the Persian Empire, the creation and dissolution of the Hellenistic kingdoms, the interaction between Greek and nonGreek culture and the emergence of the ruler-cult.

This module examines Nero’s principate and the end of the JulioClaudian dynasty. The course will concentrate on the internal and external political affairs and to social and economic developments of the period. Throughout the course, Nero and his reign will be analysed in connection with his predecessors and with the major social and cultural characteristics of the JulioClaudian period.

In the first year, modules can be taken on a wide range of periods and themes; in the second and third years, the School offers specialised modules on all aspects of GraecoRoman history so that you can gain in-depth knowledge in areas of particular interest to you.

Britain in the Western Roman Empire: This module covers the history and archaeology of Roman Britain from Caesar’s invasion down to c. A.D. 400. It provides a case-study on how Roman imperialism affected the lives of people in a Roman province.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 15

BA Classical Studies UCAS Code: Q810

Do you love ancient literature and mythology? In Classical Studies you can explore Greek and Roman mythology, literature and culture, ranging from Homer’s epic heroes to the everyday lives of ordinary people. With an extensive collection of modules that cover great works of literature from the last three millennia - Homer, Vergil, Aristophanes and Euripides - to less well-known gems - Statius, Ovid, Martial and Apollonius - our Classical Studies degree gives you the opportunity to discover these wonders and how they have shaped our understanding of the ancient world. Starting in the first year with ancient mythology and art, a Classical Studies degree covers topics from religion and magic to women and the family in the Graeco-Roman world.

16 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

In lectures, workshops, seminars and one-to-one sessions, you will be taught by experts in the field, whether exploring how the Romans expressed love and desire to discovering the ancients’ favourite recipes. A degree in Classical Studies gives you the opportunity to study a wide range of material from mythology to religion and all genres of ancient literature, such as epic, tragedy, comedy and satire. Study of ancient language is an option but not compulsory.

“You might be interested in

Modules to Look Out For:

religion, art or literature: at Lampeter’s School of Classics you will have the chance to explore those interests and develop new ones”

Classical Mythology and Art:

The Muses’ Playground: Epic in Antiquity:

This module introduces the student to Greek and Roman mythology as well as its uses in art. The module will begin by setting out basic definitions of ‘myth’ and ‘mythology’, and will discuss the implications of working with ever-changing material like folk tales, as well as literary texts.

This module focuses on three epics (in any given year this may include Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, Apollonius Rhodius’ Argonautica, Vergil’s Aeneid, Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Lucan’s Pharsalia, Statius’ Thebaid and Achilleid, Silius Italicus’ Punica, Valerius Flaccus’ Argonautica, Quintus Smyrnaeus’ Posthomerica, Nonnus’ Dionysiaca or the Orphic Argonautica) and provides students with a detailed study of the genre of epic.

language, ancient warfare,

Jon Coles, BA (Hons) Classical Studies

“The small class sizes ensured that every student’s needs were met and also meant that we got to know lecturers very well.”

Natalie Cregan, BA (Hons) Classics

Art and Society in Rome: This module focuses on Roman art (in any given year this may include sculpture, painting, mosaics, architecture, coinage, gems, etc.) and provides students with a detailed study of art’s role in society.

Magic in Antiquity: This module draws on literary, documentary and archaeological evidence in order to explore ancient Greek and Roman understandings and uses of a range of different types of magic. We will consider the extent to which magic was believed to be a separate category of practice in the ancient world: how far, and in what ways, did it differ from religion, philosophy, science, or medicine?

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 17

BA Classical Civilisation UCAS Code: Q820

If you are interested in ancient Greece and Rome in their entirety their history, literature, mythology and societies - then a degree in Classical Civilisation is for you.

This degree combines the historical and literary focuses of the Ancient History and Classical Studies degrees. This scheme allows you to study a wide range of modules covering not only fascinating historical figures – Pericles the Athenian, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Nero – but also the great literary output of these worlds – the Homeric epics, the tragedies, Cicero’s speeches – as well as basic aspects of everyday life, such as the role of women, religion, warfare and the economy.

18 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

In the first year, modules can be taken on a wide range of literature, mythology and history; in the second and third years, the School offers specialised modules on all aspects of the Graeco-Roman world so that you can gain in-depth knowledge in areas of particular interest to you.

Options are also available to study select modules in the wider Faculty of Humanities, for example in Egyptian culture and history, English and Theology.

The culmination of the degree is the dissertation, where you are free to pursue a topic of your choice in line with our range of research and publication specialisms.

“The course modules are diverse in topic which means there is something for everyone, and you can choose to study more of Greece or of Rome depending on what you are more interested in, and they are all very exciting and involved modules.”

Carole King, BA (Hons) Ancient History and Classical Studies

Modules to Look Out For: Athens and Rome: Life and Culture in Classical Antiquity: This module provides a wideranging discussion of the social, cultural and economic aspects of the Graeco-Roman world by concentrating on the two great periods in ancient history: classical Athens and imperial Rome.

The Ancient Family: This module draws on literary, documentary and archaeological evidence in order to explore the family in ancient Greece and Rome.

We will consider the different types of family in the ancient world, and the different family members.

The Legends of Alexander:

The Empires of Iran: The module examines the rise and fall of the empires that controlled Iran in antiquity, such as the Achaemenid, Alexander, Seleucid, Parthian and Sasanian empires.

The Rise of Rome: Studies in Roman Imperialism: The module examines Rome’s rise to hegemony in the Mediterranean world. It will not only look at many of the important wars which the Romans waged with neighbouring peoples, but it will also give some consideration to Roman diplomacy and to the way in which the Romans justified their campaigns and their empire.

Alexander the Great’s conquest of the Persian Empire left a longstanding impression on the world.

This course will analyse the different historical and literary traditions that developed around his successes. www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 19

MClass Integrated Masters in Classical Civilisation UCAS Code: H3N9

The Integrated Masters in Classical Civilisation (MClass) is the best option for those who wish to extend their study of the ancient world beyond undergraduate level, and further develop their own academic interests.

This four-year degree means that you will graduate with a Masters’ level qualification, while having received four years of undergraduate funding. Like the BA in Classical Civilisation, the Integrated Masters degree gives you a unique opportunity to study modules in political and military history and modules in ancient literature, culture and society, in whatever combination you wish.

As a student on this degree, you

20 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

will take a taster module in either Greek or Latin, and then have the opportunity to continue your studies in either language, or both, if you so wish.

This degree focuses very much on independent research, offering expanded opportunities for students to pursue their own personal interests through an independent project in the second year of study, an extended independent project in the third year of study, and culminating in a Masters’ dissertation in the fourth and final year. Students that wish to study abroad will have ample opportunities as part of this degree, whether on the annual Classics fieldtrip (over the last few years

we have visited Pompeii, Athens, Tarragona, and Rome), or through an academic exchange with one of our international links in the USA, Canada, Spain, or Italy.

Modules to Look Out For: Power and Culture in the

Ancient Medicine: Myth

Women, Witches and

Hellenistic East:

and Practice:

Witchcraft in Antiquity:

This module focuses on dynastic issues and on the interaction between cities, native populations and rulers of the Hellenistic East (the former Persian Empire) from the death of Alexander the Great until the absorption of the Ptolemaic kingdom by Rome. It uses both Greek and native source material to analyse the character of these varied interactions and their impacts on both sides.

‘Scientific’ Greek and Roman medicine was based on a mixture of fixed ideas, misconceptions and (sometimes) enlightened thinking.

Some people preferred to rely on divine aid or home-made remedies.

This module explores the main medical and pseudo-medical writers and some of the specific health issues which they faced. It investigates in depth aspects of the history of Ancient Greek and Roman medicine.

This module builds on students’ basic knowledge of the myths and religions of Greece and Rome to introduce them to the area of advanced studies in ancient magical belief and practice and its role in ancient societies. It explores not just the origins of ancient magical belief and practice, but also how the ancients themselves used and understood myth, religion, and superstition.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 21

Language is Culture BA BA BA BA BA BA BA

Classics Ancient History with Latin Ancient History with Greek Classical Civilisation with Latin Classical Civilisation with Greek Classical Studies with Greek Classical Studies with Latin

Understanding a culture, ancient or modern, is best accomplished through immersion in its literary and material culture. We offer a series of degree schemes for those who want to learn, or improve their existing knowledge of, Greek and Latin.

The BA in Classics is ideal if you want to focus on the languages of the Classical world. You will also get the opportunity to study and explore the literatures and cultures of Greece and Rome through their literature, as well as your own research. This degree has an initial requirement of an A Level (or equivalent) in either ancient Greek or Latin. You will develop your skills in both languages and thus gain direct access to some of the most famous works in world literature.

The culmination of the degree is 22 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

-

UCAS UCAS UCAS UCAS UCAS UCAS UCAS

Code: Q800 Code: 38C3 Code: T54N code: 2SS8 Code: K3B2 Code: 39BR Code: 436P

the dissertation, where you are free to pursue a topic of your choice in line with our range of research and publication specialisms.

You can also combine Ancient History or Classical Studies with either Greek or Latin. Greek provides the skills to explore first-hand the culture that shaped the Western world. The Greeks were the primary influence on Western literature, architecture, art, science and medicine. Through the study of original texts, you will be able to access a wealth of material to help you expand your knowledge of both the language itself and all aspects of Greek culture. You can start your study of ancient Greek at any level, including beginners, and you will continue with it throughout your degree.

Knowledge of Latin gives you direct access to some of the greatest works of Latin literature, such as Vergil’s Aeneid, and also provides you a unique foundation for studying modern languages, for example French, Italian and Spanish.

With first-hand knowledge of Latin, you can also explore all aspects of the Roman world and its heritage in the medieval and modern periods.

At Trinity Saint David you will study Latin starting at any level, including beginners, and continue it throughout your degree.

Modules to Look Out For: Advanced Greek: Verse: Students study a work of Greek literature in the original language.

The module focuses on verse (e.g. a Euripidean tragedy, a selection from Homer’s Iliad). A different text is chosen each year.

Intensive Latin I: This module introduces the study of Latin to students with no previous knowledge of the language. The module gives a basic grounding in the basics of Latin grammar, vocabulary and syntax. Knowledge of Latin opens up a wealth of great literary works, developing students’ independence to read Latin sources without having to rely on translations.

Making Sex: Genders and Sexualities in the Ancient World:

Teaching Texts: Didactic Poetry and Prose in the Ancient World

The module discusses genders and sexualities in the ancient world, Greek and Roman. Views of gender and sexuality are to a large extent culture- and society-specific. The Greeks and Romans had a layered understanding of both gender and sexuality and their place in society, which informed most aspects of life from marriage and the family to political ambition and success.

Flirting and farming, philosophy and study of the firmament – what is a genre like that can accommodate such a range of topics and themes?

This module traces the history and artistic development of ancient didactic texts.

“I really enjoyed the variety in authors and often current students can have some input on what texts will be studied next year.”

Natalie Cregan, BA (Hons) Classics www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 23

MClassL Integrated Masters in Classical Languages UCAS Code: U378

The Integrated Masters in Classical Languages (MClassL) is the perfect opportunity for those who wish to specialise in Greek and Latin and acquire an in-depth knowledge of classical antiquity.

If you have completed a GCSE or A Level in Latin or Greek, you can continue your existing studies, but if you did not have the opportunity to study an ancient language at school or college, you can start learning Latin and Greek once you get here.

For those of you who have pursued independent study in either Greek or Latin, we offer a specialised placement test to place you at the correct level when you start your studies. This four-year degree means that you will graduate with a Masters’ level qualification,

24 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

while having received four years of undergraduate funding. Upon completion, you will not only have been studying Latin and Greek for four years, you will have studied a range of different ancient authors and works in the original languages.

In addition to studying Latin and Greek, you will have the opportunity to take a variety of non-linguistic modules, which will enable you to explore different aspects of antiquity according to your own personal interests.

second year of study, an extended independent project in the third year of study, and culminating in a Masters’ dissertation in the fourth and final year. Students that wish to study abroad will have ample opportunities as part of this degree, whether on the annual Classics fieldtrip (over the last few years we have visited Pompeii, Athens, Tarragona, and Rome or through an academic exchange with one of our international links in the USA, Canada, Spain, or Italy.

In addition to ancient language acquisition, this degree focuses very much on independent research, offering expanded opportunities for students to pursue their own personal interests through an independent project in the

This degree has an entrance requirement of a GCSE (Grade C or above) in a foreign language (including an ancient language).

Modules to Look Out For: Erotic Poetry in the

Myth in Greek and

Ancient World:

Roman Epic:

The module focuses on erotic poetry in the ancient world. It explores the different contexts of erotic poetry and surveys the realisation of erotic elements in different literary genres (e.g. lyric, epigram, elegy and didactic poetry). Throughout the module, literary analysis is underpinned by critical consideration of gendered behaviour and sexuality, as well as of the historical and literary background relevant to the period.

This module examines the use and function of myth in epic across a period of some twelve centuries, and provides students with a detailed study of the epic genre.

In any given year this will include approximately 7-10 epics and epyllia such as, though not limited to, the Homeric Iliad and Odyssey, Apollonius Rhodius’ Argonautica, Moschos’ Europa, Theocritus’ Little Heracles, Catullus 64, Vergil’s Aeneid, Valerius Flaccus’ Argonautica and Quintus Smyrnaeus’ Posthomerica.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 25

From ancient to medieval to modern BA BA BA BA

Ancient and Medieval History Medieval Studies and Classical Studies History and Ancient History Conflict and War

-

UCAS UCAS UCAS UCAS

Code: Code: Code: Code:

V115 VQ18 V112 9C3R

History is a series of changes and evolutions, from one period to the next, from one civilisation to its successors.

have the opportunity to widen your studies into a variety of different areas of interest from Homeric warfare to the Cistercians.

basic aspects of everyday life, such as myths, politics, warfare (both on land and at sea) and the economic and trading networks.

We offer two degree schemes that give students the opportunity to study not only the ancient world, but also the medieval one.

Combining Ancient History or Classical Studies with Medieval Studies offers the opportunity to explore broad sweeps of time allowing students to consider how the societies, particularly of Western Europe, evolved in the period of change from the ancient world to the medieval one. Further, students can delve into events and moments of seminal change in the medieval world (Wars of the Roses, the Cistercians). The first year aims to provide the necessary basis of knowledge on the history of the ancient and medieval worlds and an introduction to ancient and medieval societies and cultures. In the second and third years, you will

Further, students have the opportunity to pursue the study of all periods of history in the BA Ancient History and History, which offers modules from Troy to the Iraq War. This programme offers a range of modules which cover several millennia (Ancient times, Medieval Europe, 1066-1452: Modern China, 1650-2000) allowing students to consider how societies alter and change, the long-term impact of war, economic upheaval and political radicalism, and the rise and fall of great powers. In addition the programme offers modules based upon depth, drilling down into events and moments of seminal change. Students can study a wide range of modules covering all aspects of the past from fascinating historical figures like Julius Caesar, Thomas Becket or Napoleon, to

Those with an interest in military history have the opportunity to pursue their studies in a specialised course combining the history, philosophy and ethics of war, the BA in Conflict and War. The course is wide-ranging in its scope and will include studies drawn from the ancient world, the medieval, early modern and modern periods. The programme is based upon a broad collection of expertise from across several Schools and subjects, which include Philosophy, History, Ancient History, Archaeology, English, Theology and Medieval Studies, to create an innovative, broadly-based and interdisciplinary course.

26 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Modules to Look Out For: Knights and Castles: The emphasis in the module is on the social, cultural and military development of knighthood in Western Europe, and includes essential features such as chivalry, tournaments and warfare.

A History and Theory of Genocide: This module seeks to introduce students to the history of this distressing but nonetheless profoundly significant feature of the twentieth century. Although the main focus of the module is genocide in the twentieth century, it roots our understanding and explanation of this modern phenomenon within a longer historical context that draws upon earlier precedents and instances, from the Medieval period through to the late nineteenth century.

Armies and Navies: Studies in Ancient Warfare:

The Cistercians and their World:

The module explores the changes and subsequent evolution of tactics, ships, armour and weapons and how these influenced the conduct and consequences of war, such as the hoplite reform, the use of mercenaries, Marius’ reforms or the increased use of auxiliaries in late Roman warfare.

Initially conceived as self-governing retreats from the world, monastic houses became, ironically perhaps, an integral part of medieval society.

This module focuses on the most revolutionary and influential monastic movement of the twelfth century, the Cistercian order, which spread from its centre in Burgundy to the whole of western Europe.

War in History: The module introduces students to various aspects and examples of warfare from the pre-historic period through to the modern age, and will include war in the classical period, medieval warfare, the military revolution of the seventeenth century, the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, the First and Second World wars, and the small wars of the 1950s and 60s.

“I originally came to UWTSD because it just seemed exciting and different. And overall the past three years have been absolutely fantastic.�

Sabena Preece, BA (Hons) Ancient and Medieval History

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 27

Explore People, Explore Materials BA Ancient History and Archaeology BA Classical Studies and Archaeology BA Ancient History and Anthropology

The ancient world is characterised by what still survives from it, in its literature that has inspired poets and writers for two millennia, in its material remains that have captured the imagination of generations, and in its people that still remain some of best known figures in human history.

Archaeology involves the study of material remains of past societies. We offer two degree schemes that combine studying the ancient world, its history, culture, or literature, with in-depth study of its material remains and the methodologies needed for excavation, preservation and conservation. Archaeology is the study of the human past through an examination of physical remains such as stone tools, pottery and bones, through to buildings, structures, monuments and landscapes. It attempts to reveal how both contemporary societies and past societies are organised, 28 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

- UCAS Code: VVD4 - UCAS Code: QV84 - UCAS Code: LV61

how humanity interacts with the environments and landscapes, and how ideas about the world are visible in the objects people have created. To be able to understand the past in any depth engagement with theoretical and ethical issues is needed. You will study the historical and literary documents along with the material remains of ancient and classical sites and their associated artefacts.

ideas and assumptions about right and wrong and good and bad by giving ethically sophisticated consideration to the sustainability of human practices.

This makes anthropology one of the most dynamic, challenging and rewarding discipline one can study in the humanities.

“Whilst at Lampeter I found the departmental Anthropology is also a good partner staff incredibly encouraging to studying the ancient world, as it and the study environment explores the fundamentals of what highly conducive for personal it means to be human. It takes the development.” whole world as its point of interest and brings one face to face with Tom Derrick, the eye-opening variety of human behaviours both in the present and BA (Hons) Ancient History from the past. Anthropologists examine the daily and mundane, the rare and ‘exotic’, and the local alongside the global to help address the pressing social issues our world faces nowadays. Doing a degree in anthropology forces you to question

Modules to Look Out For: Introducing Archaeology: This module will provide an introductory outline to archaeology, with particular reference to the archaeology of Britain, from the earliest evidence for human occupation to the modern period.

Excavation and Fieldwork Experience: This module offers students the experience of excavation which retains a central role within archaeological fieldwork. Students will be involved in the whole excavation process (15 days) including the excavation and recording of the site, as well as learning survey, mapping and finds processing.

Art, Culture and Society in Archaic Greece:

Regional Archaeology and History (Fieldtrip Module):

This module discusses the world of archaic Greece, concentrating on its society, art and culture. The module covers the evolution from geometric to classical art, and the parallel evolution of literary genres in the archaic period.

The module discusses a region of the ancient world, such as Athens or the Naples area (Pompeii, Herculaneum etc), in relation to its history, archaeology and heritage.

The module is based on a fieldtrip, which enables the students to get first-hand experience of the archaeological remains, heritage concerns and conservation and preservation of sites and artefacts.

Pharaohs, Phoenicians, and Peoples of the Sea: This module introduces students to some of the key civilisations of the ancient Mediterranean. The module explores the rise of urban civilizations and state systems in the East Mediterranean, focusing on Egypt, the Aegean and the Levant.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 29

Discover Egypt and the World BA Ancient History with Ancient Egyptian Culture - UCAS Code: 2M6D BA Classical Studies with Ancient Egyptian Culture - UCAS Code: 4H25 BA Ancient Civilisations - UCAS Code: V901

Ancient Egypt was a core civilisation of the Mediterranean, not only in its heyday in the Pharaonic period, but throughout antiquity.

Our degrees combining Ancient History and Classical Studies with Ancient Egyptian Culture bring together existing staff expertise and research strengths from the School of Archaeology, History and Anthropology and from the School of Classics to offer students a very broad sweep of study specialisation on ancient Egypt, notably research on ancient Egyptian funerary rituals and management of the dead, ancient Roman trade through Thrace, ancient Egyptian medicine and medical practice, forensic archaeological techniques as applied to ancient Egypt and the Mediterranean world in its broadest sense. Along with studying the culture and society of Ancient

30 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

“Studying ancient history will give you an insight into the world which other subjects simply do not , and Along with studying the culture and employers and universities society of Ancient Egypt, students alike understand that.”

Egypt, students follow the main focus of either Ancient History or Classical Studies.

follow the main focus of either Ancient History or Classical Studies.

We also offer the BA in Ancient Civilisations, which gives students the opportunity to discover and explore ancient cultures from across the globe. Following a strong core of modules covering the ancient Mediterranean, from the Bronze Age Levant to Imperial Rome, students have the chance to study ancient China, Mesoamerica and Iron Age Western Europe.

Vicky Lyons, BA (Hons) Ancient History

Modules to Look Out For: Funerary Beliefs in Ancient Egypt: This module introduces students to the key elements and concepts of ancient Egyptian funerary beliefs as part of their religious thinking. The course is structured systematically and covers all periods of the Egyptian history with emphasis on the New Kingdom and Ptolemaic Egypt (c. 1550–1069 BC and 332–30 BC respectively) as periods with the most material evidence for these beliefs.

West Meets East: At the Borders of the Oikoumene and Beyond: An interdisciplinary module that explores the cultural, religious, political, diplomatic, military and economic exchanges of the Greeks and Romans with various eastern civilisations - notably with peoples from the Indian subcontinent, central Asia, the southern Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and the Far East.

Ancient Egypt: From Menes to Cleopatra: This course is an essential primer to the key elements and concepts in ancient Egyptian history, civilisation and culture, structured strictly chronologically. Using ancient Egyptian texts and material culture as a basis, this course surveys the political and social history of ancient Egypt from the Naqada period (c.4000 BC) to the end of the Roman era (AD 400).

The Life, Death, and Times of Cleopatra: This module draws on literary, documentary and archaeological evidence, and incorporates elements of Classical Reception, in order to explore the life and death of Cleopatra VII, the last queen of Egypt. www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 31

Thinking of Becoming a Teacher?

BA Ancient History with Education Studies - UCAS Code: VX13 BA Classical Studies with Education Studies - UCAS Code: Q801 BA Ancient History, Classical Studies, Education Studies - UCAS Code: VQL1

We offer a combination of Ancient History and Classical Studies with Education Studies that is designed to allow students to indulge their passion for the ancient world, while providing those interested in a teaching career with invaluable insights and understanding of the profession.

that combines elements of their Education Studies with their chosen Humanities subject.

Modules to Look Out For:

Students follow the main focus of either Ancient History or Classical Studies, while being trained in Education Studies.

Through a combination of lectures, seminars and the experience of a classroom setting, students will explore the political, philosophical and educational context of the humanities, including the origins, background, nature and scope of the humanities in education, and the relationship between humanities, arts and sciences.

“The lecturers’ expertise and friendliness has always made me feel that I can ask any question no matter how silly I may feel and receive support.”

The Education part of the degrees comprises two modules of study per year over all three years of your degree. Typical modules within the education part of the degree will cover a range of themes from the historical development Chantelle Moore, of education, learning cultures BA (Hons) Ancient History and approaches to learning, the philosophy of learning and education, and the legal frameworks within which education operates today. In addition, during the second year of study students will undertake a 20-credit teaching observation in a local school.

In their third year they will undertake a 40-credit dissertation 32 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Humanities in Education:

Slavery in Antiquity: Slavery is a fascinating topic which raises a variety of questions as well as raising awareness for modern forms of unfree labour. Because of the significance of slave and forced labour in ancient societies, the topic offers itself as a valuable introduction to the study of the ancient world as a whole and to the study of slavery as a historical phenomenon.

Learning, Knowledge and Education:

The Roman Provinces: Life, Culture, Economy & Religion:

This module is an exploration of the conceptual and analytical tools with which students can develop a theoretically-informed understanding of the relations between education, learning and the production of knowledge.

An introduction to educational, sociological and cultural theory which will provide students with opportunities to reflect on, and locate theoretically, their own educational experiences and histories.

The aim of this module is to explore and analyse how Roman imperialism affected the lives of people in a Roman province. Apart from an introduction to the material culture of the Roman Empire, the main topics considered in this module are the introduction and diversity of the Roman provincial system and notably the impact of incorporation into the Roman Empire on the culture, religion, society, economy and landscape of the conquered population.

You can also combine Ancient History, Classical Studies, Education Studies with a variety of other subjects.

BA Archaeology, Ancient History, Education Studies - UCAS Code: VVL3 BA Philosophy, Ancient History, Education Studies - UCASCode: VVL5 BA English, Ancient History, Education Studies - UCAS Code: QVL3 BA Ancient History, Religious Studies, Education Studies - UCAS Code: VVL2 BA Ancient History, History, Education Studies - UCAS Code: VVL1 BA Ancient History, Anthropology, Education Studies - UCAS Code: VLL1 BA Classical Studies, Anthropology, Education Studies - UCAS Code: QLL8 BA Classical Studies, Archaeology, Education Studies - UCAS Code: QVL8

“I came to Lampeter because of the Classics department. The lecturers are brilliant here.”

Louise Windsor, BA (Hons) Ancient History

BA Classical Studies, History, Education Studies - UCAS Code: QVL9 BA Classical Studies, Religious Studies, Education Studies - UCAS Code: QVL0 BA English, Classical Studies, Education Studies - UCAS Code: QQL3 BA Philosophy, Classical Studies, Education Studies - UCAS Code: VQL5

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 33

Love the Past?

Discover the Future!

BA Ancient History with Digital Humanities BA Classical Studies with Digital Humanities

Study the Ancient World, its histories, its people and its cultures, in a radically new, innovative and exciting programme, using digital technologies and software to help you analyse, understand, quantify and interpret knowledge of the ancient world. You can combine either Ancient History or Classical Studies with Digital Humanities in stimulating programmes of study that look to introduce students to a relatively new field of scholarship, whereby interest in the Humanities is married to various computational technologies in innovative and highly creative ways.

The programme of study in Digital Humanities looks to build upon an emerging new sub-discipline that brings together experts from computing science, digital media, and the Arts and Humanities and seeks to draw much of its

34 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

innovatory energy from the introduction and application of new technologies. The programme aims to investigate how such new, digital methodologies can enhance an understanding of and research into the ancient world.

Our Digital Humanities programme is based on the University’s significant expertise in the various computational and technological fields needed for such a course of study and strengthened by the presence of the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives (RBLA) on the Lampeter campus, with its strategic focus on the digitising of its collection. In addition the programme can draw upon the setting up at the National Library in Wales of a centre of excellence for the Digital Humanities. The programme aims to give a strong grounding in both the necessary

- UCAS Code: 0P23 - UCAS Code: 293R

technical skills and in the scholarly methods used in the Humanities and combines as such within one programme of study both practical and theoretical skills.

Modules to Look Out For: Sparta: An Extraordinary City

Geocomputation for the Humanities:

The module discusses Spartan history and society concentrating on important events, such as the creation of the rhetra or the victory in the Peloponnesian War, which had a clear influence on the evolution of this extraordinary polis.

The theme that permeates through this module is critically evaluating data in a spatial context and using geographical insight to improve understanding of a wide range of humanities data.

All About Ovid: This module focuses on the poet Ovid and encompasses detailed study of all his works, reaching from Ovid’s early erotic poetry through to the poems written during Ovid’s exile. Ovid’s use and development of existing poetic genres are explored in the context of Greek and Roman literary, artistic, and historic developments.

“I feel my undergraduate degree and the overall study experience I gained at Lampeter was instrumental in my own success to date.”

Tom Derrick, BA (Hons) Ancient History

Exhibiting Egypt: Digitising Material Culture: The module introduces the students to the key issues of setting up (online) exhibitions and covering all stages of preparation, management and creation with special focus on the intended audience.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 35

Thinking of Working in the Heritage Sector?

BA BA BA BA

Ancient History and Heritage Studies Ancient History with Heritage Management Classical Studies and Heritage Studies Classical Studies with Heritage Management

For those students interested in pursuing a career in the Heritage sector, we offer combinations of Ancient History and Classical Studies with Heritage Studies and Heritage Management. Thus, you can explore the culture, literature, history and society of the ancient world, while getting practical training and knowledge of the Heritage sector.

Running through all the modules is clear emphasis on enhancing the employability potential of our students, notably through a compulsory work placement, and for those that wish, the opportunity to do a practice based, work related Dissertation. Students also acquire an understanding of heritage marketing and various data management and analysis methods.

Heritage Management is concentrated in 40 credits or two modules per year. This part of the programmes is specifically designed to enhance a student’s knowledge of Heritage in its broadest sense and to provide an appropriate set of skills and understandings applicable to a broad range of employments in the Heritage sector or cultural industries more generally.

In Heritage Studies, on the other hand, students can take a range of modules that explore different aspects of Heritage and Heritagerelated agencies, institutions and subjects. The programme does this in an innovative way that combines study of general and broadly-based Heritage issues with more specialist or particular aspects of the field.

36 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

-

UCAS UCAS UCAS UCAS

Code: Code: Code: Code:

32N7 4N6X 635L 7G34

The programme equips students with an understanding and appreciation of the wider field of Heritage, which includes a compulsory work placement in the second year of study and time in the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives in the third year of study.

“Studying Classics was something I always wanted to do. I found myself lucky enough to do this at Lampeter which was both vibrant and friendly.�

Jordan Fortune, BA (Hons) Ancient History

Modules to Look Out For: Roderic Bowen Centre: Archives and Research:

The City of Rome: People, Power and Politics:

The module will introduce students to the methods and practice of archive management with a special focus upon the Humanities.

Students will utilise the resources and facilities of the Roderic Bowen Research Centre where they will undertake a short work placement.

This module will examine key issues in the history of the ancient city of Rome and its inhabitants. The module will range widely over a number of diverse themes, such as citizenship and foreigners, slavery and freedom, conquerors and the conquered, life and death.

Fantasy in Greek Literature:

Heritage and the Heritage Industry:

This module explores what the Greeks defined and understood as fantasy and the fantastical, as well as the supernatural, through a discussion of the literature that can be classified as fantasy in modern terms or contains elements that can be classified as fantastical.

The module explores the evolution and development of Heritage as a concept and practice, and the growth of various agencies and mechanisms charged with its protection. The module examines through case-studies, various

heritage sites, events and material culture, from across the world, the management and organisation of those sites and artefacts, and some of the wider national and global issues and challenges facing them today.

Museums, Heritage and Community: The module explores the evolution and development of community Heritage as a concept and practice.

Through case-studies, various local and community heritage sites, events and material culture, are explored. Students are introduced to the different regulatory bodies shaping various aspects of local and community Heritage, such as CADW and English Heritage.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 37

Explore Ideas and Beliefs BA Philosophy and Classical Studies BA Classical Studies and Religious Studies BA Classical Studies and Theology

The Greeks and the Romans, as much as any society ancient or modern, had a complex system of understanding the world around them, the people that they met and the supernatural. We offer a number of degree schemes that allow you to explore the literature and culture of the ancient world, while also studying religion and philosophy.

Philosophy is different from other academic disciplines in that it teaches you not what to think, but how to think. Philosophy explores the big questions – Who are we? What is our place in the world? How should we live? What is reality? Philosophy approaches such questions through argument, but also through vision and imagination. Philosophy concerns every aspect of our lives, practical as well as theoretical. Through its grounding in real social relations and human activities, it seeks 38 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

to understand and address the whole spectrum of social, ethical, environmental and political issues of today.

Religious Studies offers students the opportunity to explore Religion as it relates to all aspects of human life.

Religion has impacted on politics, society and the environment, and through its historical and contemporary influence it has shaped the world around us. Indeed, we cannot truly understand the world, and even ourselves, without comprehending religions in all their diversity. The BA in Classical Studies and Religious Studies is designed to help students understand religions in their cultural, social, and historical contexts both ancient and modern.

Studying Classical Studies and Theology means to study of the major questions of life – Where do we come from? Why are we here?

- UCAS Code: VQ58 - UCAS Code: QVV6 - UCAS Code: QV86

Where are we going? Why do bad things happen? These questions are considered from the perspective of the Judeo-Christian traditions, and their Graeco-Roman context.

This scheme explore the sacred writings of Judaism and Christianity, as well as the teaching, practices and social impact of Christianity, both in the ancient world and in the modern one.

Modules to Look Out For:

“If you come to the Lampeter campus you aren’t a number, you’re an individual…part of a family. I enjoy the course and the School of Classics is full of characters that are friendly and welcoming.

They are always there with a helping hand.”

The World of Late Antiquity:

Ellen Slattery, BA (Hons) Ancient History

Dark Side of Greek and Roman Civilisation: The module introduces the student to aspects of Greek and Roman history and culture that conflict with the modern idealisation of the Greeks and the Romans as conforming to modern ideas of “civilisation”.

The module examines how the Roman Empire adapted during the third to seventh centuries AD , how it dealt with the emergence of new and threatening powers, both on its eastern and northern borders, and the rise of Christianity (its various branches) and its eventual preeminence, and the marginalisation and persecution of pagan and unorthodox sects.

Ancient Philosophy:

Religions in Antiquity:

This module lays out the context of emergence of ancient philosophy in the cultural, mythological and poetic horizons of the archaic world.

This approach is contrasted with those who have, in the analytic and continental traditions, given what will be deemed anachronistic interpretations of this emergence, e.g. either from the valuations of Plato and/or Aristotle, or from within the context of the criteria of 20th-21st century scientism.

This module explores the religious practices of the ancient world.

The module allows students to explore the day-to-day machinery of ancient religious practices and to relate these to the wider secular activities and contexts in which they are situated

Religion, Culture and Society: This module familiarises students with the importance of religion within the social and cultural realms.

Further it introduces students to a range of key issues and debates arising from the interaction of religion with society and culture.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 39

Literature Across Time BA Classical Studies and English BA Classical Studies and Creative Writing

The literature and languages of the Greeks and the Romans are, and have been, one of the great influences on poets and authors in the medieval and modern worlds in Europe and beyond. Students that have an abiding interest in literature, both its study, and its creation, have the opportunity to pursue one of our dedicated literary degree schemes.

The BA in Classical Studies and Creative Writing offers students the opportunity to study the great literary works of the Greeks and the Romans, from Homer to Late Antiquity, and explore their creative talent across a range of different forms including short stories, screenplays, poetry, drama and novels. The degree covers a number of genres, from epic and satire to the Gothic. You will also be able to take modules in research and archiving, following which you will create a major piece of work which may lead to publication.

40 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Throughout your three years, you will have regular contact with, and support from, a range of different writers, supported by other internationally renowned poets, playwrights, script writers and novelists.

The BA in Classical Studies and English is for you if you want to explore the cultures, literatures and languages of both the ancient and modern worlds. This joint honours degree attempts to reveal how ancient and modern societies talked about their worlds, how they lived, what they wrote, and how their literary and mythological outputs are embedded in and tell us about their lives. Both share an interest in ideas of identity, agency and representation, and will foster a critical and reflective understanding of ideas, language and cultural assumptions. You will get the opportunity to study a wide range of modules from mythology to religion and from classical literature

- UCAS Code: QQ38 - UCAS Code: 5GTS

to Tom Wolfe. You will also explore all genres of ancient, medieval and modern literature, such as epic, tragedy, comedy and satire.

“My time at Lampeter was unforgettable, and given the opportunity I’d do it all over again.”

Karen Sims, BA (Hons)Classical Studies

Modules to Look Out For: Augustan Lovers: This module surveys the history and background of the genre of Roman love elegy. A selection of authors of Roman love elegy will be studied in depth; authors may include Propertius, Tibullus and Ovid, but the module may also include significant emphasis on text to which Roman love elegy refers and responds, such as Hellenistic epigram.

Staging Antiquity: Drama in the Ancient World: This module explores the genre of ancient drama, that is ancient Tragedy, Comedy and Satyr-Drama, concentrating on a selection of set texts (in any given year this may include Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, Menander, Plautus, Terence or Seneca).

Reading Antiquity: A Survey of Ancient Literature: This module introduces students to the study of Greek and Roman literature by surveying the genre from the Archaic period to Late Antiquity. Drawing on a range of authors such as Aeschylus, Catullus, Homer, Vergil, Herodotus, Livy, Pausanias, and Pliny the Younger this module will study individual authors both in terms of their own significance and in light of the features that comprise various prose and poetic genres such as epic, lyric, drama, rhetoric, historiography and letters.

The Renaissance: This module will cover a range of dramatic and poetic writing from the Renaissance. It will examine this work in its historical and cultural context, in order both to provide students with a secure knowledge and understanding of the literature of the period and to demonstrate some of the theoretical currents flowing through contemporary Renaissance criticism.

Creative Writing – Imagination within Structure: Considering the relationship between imagination and structure, this module is structured around workshops which will explore a range of themes and topics introduced through a pattern of workshop exercises and group discussion feedback. www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 41

Academic Staff in Classics and Ancient History and their Interests Errietta Bissa, BA (Royal Holloway), MA, PhD (London)

Ralph Häussler, BA (Frankfurt), MA (London), MA (Oxon), Greek economy, universal PhD (London) historiography, Greek warfare, ancient gender and sexualities.

Matthew Cobb, BA, MA, PhD (Swansea) Roman trade with the East, particularly India, and the transfer of luxury goods into Rome.

Jane Draycott, BA, MA (Cardiff), MSc (Cranfield), PhD (Nottingham)

Graeco-Roman Egypt, health and healing in the ancient world, particularly medicine, pharmacology and palaeopathology, food and diet, and botany and horticulture.

Kyle Erickson, BA (UCLA), MA, PhD (Exeter)

The Roman world, particularly identity, ethnicity and religions, the Gallic world in the Roman Empire, the impact of imperialism on indigenous societies.

Magdalena Ă–hrman, MA (Gothenburg), PhD (Lund)

Roman poetry, especially elegy, epic and epigram, mythology in ancient literature, and ancient textiles and textile production.

Ruth Parkes, MA, MSt, DPhil (Oxon)

Latin literature, particularly Flavian epic and late Antique poetry, and the epic tradition and its reception.

The Hellenistic world, especially the Seleucids, Hellenistic religion, the legends of Alexander the Great, numismatics.

42 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 43

Further information For further information, please contact Dr Errietta Bissa, School of Classics, 01570 424896 e.bissa@uwtsd.ac.uk

@ClassicsUWTSD

School of Classics, University of Wales Trinity Saint David

classicsblog.tsd.ac.uk/

The information contained in this booklet is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change as part of the University’s policy of continuous improvement and development.