Students

AHIX820 – The Athenian Empire 510-404 BC

2019 – S2 OUA

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Gil Davis
gil.davis@mq.edu.au
Contact via 0439817299
Every day by appointment except Wednesdays
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit provides an in-depth study of Athens and its empire in the fifth century BC, commencing with Cleisthenes' reforms. Athens' role in the Persian wars will be discussed, and the evidence (documentary and literary) for the Delian League will be studied from the foundation of the league until its dissolution with the defeat of Athens in the Peloponnesian War. All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-dates/

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Study and interpret primary literary sources in translation relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Study and interpret published archaeological, epigraphic and numismatic material relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Read and evaluate modern academic studies of Athens and the Athenian empire in English
  • Present analytical and argumentative studies relating to important questions in ancient Greek history based on critical evaluation of different sources of information
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliography
  • Learn to work collaboratively on a group research project and present a combined report.

General Assessment Information

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE UNIT

To complete the unit successfully you need a minimum mark of 50% overall. You must attempt every piece of assessment.

 

GRADES:

F: 0-49% P: 50-64% CR: 65-74% D: 75-84% HD: 85-100%

 

ONLINE QUIZZES

You need to take a short quiz in weeks 2-13 inclusive based on information provided in the readings and seminar each week. The quizzes will consist of five multiple-choice or right/wrong questions and each quiz will be worth 2.5% of the total assessment. They are not designed to trick you. You may take the quiz whenever you like during the week up until Saturday evening. Each quiz may only be attempted once. 

 

GROUP REPORTS

You must participate in two group reports of material relating to a topic covered in each half of the semester. Each contribution should be included as part of the group's written report and be no more than 750 words with appropriate bibliography. It must be lodged through Turnitin together with a statement of the part you played in preparing the group's report by 10 pm on the day prior to the relevant seminar. The combined report must be submitted to me by the same time by a representative of the group. Each report is worth 15% of your overall mark. One third of the marks will be given for the quality of the combined report and two thirds for your individual section. Groups and topics will be assigned in Week 2 for the first report, and in Week 7 for the second report. Reports coinciding with seminars will be discussed in the relevant seminar. For weeks 8 & 9 I will circulate written feedback to all students by the end of Tuesday. Reports will be made available to all students and their contents and feedback in class discussion (recorded for external and OUA students) or my report will be part of the relevant quiz for that week.

 

MAJOR ESSAY

The MAJOR ESSAY is due by the end of Week 13, 5pm Friday 8 November, 2019. It must be submitted through Turnitin. It is worth 40% of your total mark for the unit. The essay question is:

How does evidence gained from material culture (archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics) change our understanding of the Athenian Empire derived from ancient literary sources?  Your answer must include two specific examples.

Your answer to the essay question should demonstrate extensive use of primary and secondary sources. Bibliographies provided give you a starting point for developing a reading list of secondary literature relevant to the essay topic. In order to locate further material on particular issues you should consult the footnotes and indices of modern works.

Your essay should be based on an analysis, weighting, and discussion of primary literary sources and any relevant archaeological, epigraphical and numismatic evidence. Secondary literature should be used to aid you in your analysis and interpretation and to place your interpretation within the context of previous scholarship. All opinions included in the essay, whether quoted directly or paraphrased, MUST be referenced according to the guidelines, Assignment Presentation Style Guide   https://www.mq.edu.au/public/download/?id=292059.. Don't footnote lectures or include anything in footnotes except citations, and remember to include every reference you have actually used in your bibliography. You must include a word count. Anything beyond the prescribed word limit will not be marked.

Marking criteria:

1. The range of primary literary sources and archaeological, epigraphic and numismatic evidence used and the way in which they are weighted and analysed.

2. The range of secondary works consulted and the depth of engagement with them.

3. Structure of argument and skill in presenting it

4. Formal presentation including correct referencing, bibliography, English language grammar, spelling and punctuation

 

EXTENSIONS AND PENALTIES

All due dates are firm. Permission to submit a late piece of work will only be granted in case of illness or other exceptional cases. Special approval for such late submissions must be sought in advance (where circumstances permit it). Late work will otherwise incur a penalty of 5% per day (including weekends), unless there are special circumstances (normally illness or serious misadventure) and unless an extension of time has been granted by the Unit Convenor or the Head of Department.

 

RETURN OF WORK

Presentation reports

I plan to return the presentation reports within two weeks of submission. 

 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Online Quizzes 30% No Weeks 2-13
Group report 1 15% No Ist half of semester
Group report 2 15% No 2nd half of semester
Major essay 40% No 13

Online Quizzes

Due: Weeks 2-13
Weighting: 30%

Do twelve short quizzes in weeks 2-13 inclusive based on information provided in the readings and seminar each week. The quizzes will consist of five multiple-choice or right/wrong questions and will each be worth 2.5% of the total assessment. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Study and interpret primary literary sources in translation relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Study and interpret published archaeological, epigraphic and numismatic material relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Read and evaluate modern academic studies of Athens and the Athenian empire in English

Group report 1

Due: Ist half of semester
Weighting: 15%

Participate in a group report into the topic set for one seminar in weeks 4-7. Each student will provide a written section of the report with their findings into a discrete part of the topic with appropriate bibliography through Turnitin, together with a statement of the part they played in preparing the overall presentation of the report by 10 pm of the day prior to the seminar in which their report is given. A representative of the group must also submit the combined report to me by the same cut-off time. One third of the marks will be given for the quality of the overall report and two thirds for each individual contribution. Topics will be assigned in Week 2. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Study and interpret primary literary sources in translation relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Study and interpret published archaeological, epigraphic and numismatic material relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Read and evaluate modern academic studies of Athens and the Athenian empire in English
  • Present analytical and argumentative studies relating to important questions in ancient Greek history based on critical evaluation of different sources of information
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliography
  • Learn to work collaboratively on a group research project and present a combined report.

Group report 2

Due: 2nd half of semester
Weighting: 15%

Participate in a group report into the topic set for one seminar in weeks 8-11. Each student will provide a written section of the report with their findings into a discrete part of the topic with appropriate bibliography through Turnitin, together with a statement of the part they played in preparing the overall presentation of the report prior to the seminar in which their report is given by 10 pm of the day prior to the seminar in which their report is given. A representative of the group must also submit the combined report to me by the same cut-off time. One third of the marks will be given for the quality of the overall report and two thirds for each individual contribution. Topics will be assigned in Week 7. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Study and interpret primary literary sources in translation relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Study and interpret published archaeological, epigraphic and numismatic material relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Read and evaluate modern academic studies of Athens and the Athenian empire in English
  • Present analytical and argumentative studies relating to important questions in ancient Greek history based on critical evaluation of different sources of information
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliography
  • Learn to work collaboratively on a group research project and present a combined report.

Major essay

Due: 13
Weighting: 40%

Write an essay of no more than 2,500 words including footnotes but excluding bibliography.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Study and interpret primary literary sources in translation relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Study and interpret published archaeological, epigraphic and numismatic material relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Read and evaluate modern academic studies of Athens and the Athenian empire in English
  • Present analytical and argumentative studies relating to important questions in ancient Greek history based on critical evaluation of different sources of information
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliography

Delivery and Resources

Student support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student enquiry service

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

Equity support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

IT help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Unit Schedule

Week

Dates

Seminar topic

Assessment

1

 

29 July

Introduction to the unit, and overview of the Athenian empire

 

2

 

5 August

Nature of the evidence: literary, epigraphic, archaeological, numismatic

Quiz

3

 

12 August

How important were great men in Athenian history?

Quiz

4

 

19 August

Perils of leadership - ostracism

Quiz

Group reports start

5

 

26 August

Excavations in the Athenian Agora

Quiz

Group report

6

 

2 September

How decisions were made – election & lottery

Quiz

Group report

7

 

9 September

Dating imperialism; how ‘bad’ was the Athenian Empire?

Quiz

Group report

Session break

 

 

 

8

 

30 September

NB: No seminar

How far can we trust our literary sources? The Thucydides question

Quiz

Group report

9

 

7 October

NB: No seminar

Paying for empire – tribute, coinage & taxes

Quiz

Group report

10

 

14 October

Hubris & nemesis - the Sicilian expedition

Quiz

Group report

11

 

21 October

Inscription of the laws and sacred calendar

Quiz

Group report

12

 

28 October

Why did Athens lose the Peloponnesian War? The Perils of Athenian Democracy

Quiz

13

 

4 November

Wrap up – how certain is our reconstruction of the empire?

Quiz

Major essay due

Learning and Teaching Activities

Flipped learning

Students read and prepare material in advance of the seminar to facilitate deeper understanding and more meaningful discussion

Group presentations

Students jointly prepare and deliver material for the seminars

Policies and Procedures

Late Submission - applies unless otherwise stated elsewhere in the unit guide

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Extension Request

Special Consideration Policy and Procedure (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration)

The University recognises that students may experience events or conditions that adversely affect their academic performance. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.

You need to show that the circumstances:

  1. were serious, unexpected and unavoidable
  2. were beyond your control
  3. caused substantial disruption to your academic work
  4. substantially interfered with your otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of the unit requirements
  5. lasted at least three consecutive days or a total of 5 days within the teaching period and prevented completion of an assessment task scheduled for a specific date.

If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:

  1. Visit Ask MQ and use your OneID to log in
  2. Fill in your relevant details
  3. Attach supporting documents by clicking 'Add a reply', click 'Browse' and navigating to the files you want to attach, then click 'Submit Form' to send your notification and supporting documents
  4. Please keep copies of your original documents, as they may be requested in the future as part of the assessment process

Outcome

Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.

OUA Specific Policies and Procedures

Withdrawal from a unit after the census date

You can withdraw from your subjects prior to the census date (last day to withdraw). If you successfully withdraw before the census date, you won’t need to apply for Special Circumstances. If you find yourself unable to withdraw from your subjects before the census date - you might be able to apply for Special Circumstances. If you’re eligible, we can refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.

If you’re studying Single Subjects using FEE-HELP or paying up front, you can apply online.

If you’re studying a degree using HECS-HELP, you’ll need to apply directly to Macquarie University.

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Study and interpret primary literary sources in translation relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Study and interpret published archaeological, epigraphic and numismatic material relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Read and evaluate modern academic studies of Athens and the Athenian empire in English
  • Present analytical and argumentative studies relating to important questions in ancient Greek history based on critical evaluation of different sources of information
  • Learn to work collaboratively on a group research project and present a combined report.

Assessment tasks

  • Group report 1
  • Group report 2

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students read and prepare material in advance of the seminar to facilitate deeper understanding and more meaningful discussion
  • Students jointly prepare and deliver material for the seminars

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Study and interpret primary literary sources in translation relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Study and interpret published archaeological, epigraphic and numismatic material relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Read and evaluate modern academic studies of Athens and the Athenian empire in English
  • Present analytical and argumentative studies relating to important questions in ancient Greek history based on critical evaluation of different sources of information
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliography
  • Learn to work collaboratively on a group research project and present a combined report.

Assessment tasks

  • Online Quizzes
  • Group report 1
  • Group report 2
  • Major essay

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students read and prepare material in advance of the seminar to facilitate deeper understanding and more meaningful discussion
  • Students jointly prepare and deliver material for the seminars

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Study and interpret primary literary sources in translation relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Study and interpret published archaeological, epigraphic and numismatic material relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Read and evaluate modern academic studies of Athens and the Athenian empire in English
  • Present analytical and argumentative studies relating to important questions in ancient Greek history based on critical evaluation of different sources of information
  • Learn to work collaboratively on a group research project and present a combined report.

Assessment tasks

  • Group report 1
  • Group report 2
  • Major essay

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students read and prepare material in advance of the seminar to facilitate deeper understanding and more meaningful discussion
  • Students jointly prepare and deliver material for the seminars

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Study and interpret primary literary sources in translation relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Study and interpret published archaeological, epigraphic and numismatic material relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Read and evaluate modern academic studies of Athens and the Athenian empire in English
  • Present analytical and argumentative studies relating to important questions in ancient Greek history based on critical evaluation of different sources of information
  • Learn to work collaboratively on a group research project and present a combined report.

Assessment tasks

  • Group report 1
  • Group report 2
  • Major essay

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students read and prepare material in advance of the seminar to facilitate deeper understanding and more meaningful discussion
  • Students jointly prepare and deliver material for the seminars

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Study and interpret primary literary sources in translation relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Study and interpret published archaeological, epigraphic and numismatic material relating to Athens and Greece from 510 - 404 BC
  • Read and evaluate modern academic studies of Athens and the Athenian empire in English
  • Present analytical and argumentative studies relating to important questions in ancient Greek history based on critical evaluation of different sources of information
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliography
  • Learn to work collaboratively on a group research project and present a combined report.

Assessment tasks

  • Group report 1
  • Group report 2
  • Major essay

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students jointly prepare and deliver material for the seminars

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Learn to work collaboratively on a group research project and present a combined report.

Assessment tasks

  • Group report 1
  • Group report 2

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students read and prepare material in advance of the seminar to facilitate deeper understanding and more meaningful discussion
  • Students jointly prepare and deliver material for the seminars

Changes from Previous Offering

This time round there is a focus on how we know what (think) we know. Students must concentrate on weighing and evaluating different types of evidence in presenting their work for assessment.