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AHIX1210 – Studying the Past: An Introduction to Ancient History in the 21st Century

2023 – Session 1, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Ray Laurence
ray.laurence@mq.edu.au
Lecturer/Tutor
Peter Keegan
peter.keegan@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

The study of the past is constantly evolving and this unit sets out to introduce students to the changing nature of the study of antiquity and the on-going significance of the past in the modern world. This unit also introduces students to the study of primary sources, or evidence from Greek and Roman world, and the evaluation of how history is written through an analysis of a specific historical area. The unit also introduces students to research projects being undertaken by staff in Ancient History at Macquarie University (for example the Democracy and War).

The first section of the unit is focused on the study of ancient sources - what is our evidence and how did authors millennia ago write about major world events - pandemics, war, politics, and so on that continue to be a focus for us today. This section of the unit will give you a thorough understanding of the issues around the use of evidence in Ancient History.

The second section of the unit focuses on the writing of ancient history in the modern world. You will study a developing area of recent research and critically evaluate how this research is created, its limitations and its strengths, and its significance for those living in the modern world.

The third section of the unit introduces you to a series of projects that are currently being researched by staff at Macquarie University.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

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

  • ULO1: Engage with contemporary cultural perspectives and practices to contextualise historical knowledge from antiquity
  • ULO2: Explain the principles a processes by which historical and/or archaeological evidence from ancient Greece, Rome and Late Antiquity is analysed, evaluated and interpreted.
  • ULO3: Examine and critically evaluate historical data with initiative and judgement by presenting evidence based exposition of knowledge and ideas about the study of antiquity.

General Assessment Information

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – 5 marks out of 100 credit will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline.

Extensions for the submission for assessed work need to be submitted online (convenors and tutors are not permitted to grant you an extension). The link to locate relevant information and to request Special Consideration can be found via this link Special Consideration - Eligibility | MQ Sydney  

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Writing as an ancient author 40% No Week 4 - 17/03/2023, 11:59pm
Blog 1 Research Project 20% No Week 7 - 07/04/2023, 11:59pm
Blog 2: Ancient History - The Importance of Studying the Past 40% No Week 13 - 02/06/2023, 11:59pm

Writing as an ancient author

Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Week 4 - 17/03/2023, 11:59pm
Weighting: 40%

 

This assessment requires students to re-articulate a contemporary event utilising the literary techniques of an ancient author. The purpose of the exercise is to understand the construction of ancient sources and to engage with that format of writing to create a student's own narrative of a contemporary event.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain the principles a processes by which historical and/or archaeological evidence from ancient Greece, Rome and Late Antiquity is analysed, evaluated and interpreted.
  • Examine and critically evaluate historical data with initiative and judgement by presenting evidence based exposition of knowledge and ideas about the study of antiquity.

Blog 1 Research Project

Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 7 - 07/04/2023, 11:59pm
Weighting: 20%

 

Students will write a blog (300-500 words) in week three summarising the strengths of a research project.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Engage with contemporary cultural perspectives and practices to contextualise historical knowledge from antiquity
  • Explain the principles a processes by which historical and/or archaeological evidence from ancient Greece, Rome and Late Antiquity is analysed, evaluated and interpreted.

Blog 2: Ancient History - The Importance of Studying the Past

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Week 13 - 02/06/2023, 11:59pm
Weighting: 40%

 

Students will research a topic in ancient history and set out the significance of studying this topic in the form of a blog (maximum 1500 words) that is targeted at the contemporary public.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Engage with contemporary cultural perspectives and practices to contextualise historical knowledge from antiquity
  • Explain the principles a processes by which historical and/or archaeological evidence from ancient Greece, Rome and Late Antiquity is analysed, evaluated and interpreted.
  • Examine and critically evaluate historical data with initiative and judgement by presenting evidence based exposition of knowledge and ideas about the study of antiquity.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

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

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Unit information based on version 2023.01 of the Handbook