The essay topics give you the topic for the essay: you must come up with the arguments you will use and the main sources on which you will base your essay.

In no more than 500 words, set out the main ancient evidence you will address in your essay, your key argument (i.e. a succinct response to the issue) and the three main propositions you will make, each supported by examples taken from the evidence. The propositions should be a paragraph each. An accompanying bibliography should provide full references for the ancient sources you will use, as well as a separate list of full references to any modern sources you refer to.

Refer in the first instance to the general works in the unit Leganto list, reading the companion and handbook entries or general works relevant to your topic to see what sources are cited by the authors, then consult the sources themselves to form your arguments. You may also look at the sources set for tutorials, but should attempt to go beyond these sources.

Your key argument and your three propositions should answer ‘how’ or ‘why’ questions, not merely describe what happened. You should only have an argument or proposition based on what happened if there is disagreement between sources or scholarly interpretation of them, and you are assessing the sources to make an argument about what you believe took place; even then, you should address how or why this happened, not merely provide a narrative.

The essay plan will be marked on the quality of questions or propositions developed, the suitability to the topic of the sources found, and written expression, including the format of references and bibliography. A Rubric will be provided o the iLearn site.

The major essay must be 2000 words (+/- 10%), and should develop the key arguments and propositions set out in your Essay plan (subject to any feedback on that task) into a full essay. 

In its approach to argument and sources, the essay should mirror the instructions for the Essay plan: it should have a key argument about the topic, and at least three main propositions (which all contribute to the key argument) which are argued within the essay. These arguments should be based on your own reading of the ancient sources, except where you are assessing the argument made in a modern discussion (which will still be done on your own reading of the evidence). Do not cite modern sources where they are simply citing an ancient one: read the ancient source and cite that yourself. Cite modern sources where you are referring to the arguments they have made, and to provide references to where issues you are addressing are discussed in the modern literature.

Remember: your essay should answer ‘how’ or ‘why’ questions, not merely describe what happened. You should only have an argument or proposition based on what happened if there is disagreement between sources or scholarly interpretation of them, and you are assessing the sources to make an argument about what you believe took place; even then, you should address how or why this happened, not merely provide a narrative.

Essays must be accompanied by a bibliography of the ancient and modern sources used. They must be referenced according to one of the accepted conventions, that is, footnotes, endnotes, or ‘in-text’ referencing. In general, footnotes are the preferred and usual method for such work. The presentation of the essay should follow accepted scholarly practice. A guide to ‘Essay Presentation & Conventions: Style Guide’ is available, and this should be followed.

Essays will be assessed on the quality of the arguments, the use of ancient and modern sources, and written expression, including referencing and bibliography. A Rubric will be made available the unit iLearn page.

There will be a two (2) hour examination during the exam period at the end of semester. Further guidance on the exam will be provided during the session.

Fifteen percent (15%) of your mark will be based on your participation in Tutorials and Seminars. "Participation" is not assessed on the quality or length of the contribution, but simply on your participation in our discussions. Active participation which demonstrates your preparation and engagement with the themes of the tutorials and seminars is the best way of ensuring full marks for this task, which helps build crucial communication skills.

For internal students, it is naturally impossible to participate in the discussion if one does not attend the tutorials or seminars. Attendance of Tutorials and Seminars is thus required. External students will be assessed based on their posts to the discussion fora for each tutorial and seminar. Note that internal students cannot fulfil their participation requirements by posting on the iLearn discussion fora.