Ancient, Medieval and Modern History, BA (Hons)

Year 1In the first year, you will take three modules from History and three from Classics. You must choose at least one History module which is either Medieval or Early Modern; and one which is Modern. The modules on offer reflect the research interests of staff. History modules have previously included:Reformation EuropeTensions of EmpireThe Birth of Western Society, 300-1050New Heaven, New Earth: Latin Christendom and the World, 1000-1300.In Ancient History, you will take two interdisciplinary modules that serve to give you a grounding in the central periods of Greek and Roman culture. Modules have previously included:Introduction to the Greek WorldMonuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus.The third module is a matter of choice. Modules have previously included:Lives of ObjectsEarly Greek PhilosophyThe Craft of the Ancient Historian.Year 2In the second year, you will take three modules from History and three from Classics. Second-year History modules tend to focus more on particular periods and events, and there are fewer survey courses. One of the History modules taken must be ‘Conversations with History’. This is a seminar-driven, student-led module, which encourages you to think about the way in which history is written. You will choose one from a range of possible strands in this module, each of which focuses on a particular historical debate or phenomenon. You must choose one History module which is either Medieval or Early Modern; and one which is Modern (the Conversations strand will count as one of these choices). There is no other restriction on choice.Modules have previously included:Conversations Strands: the Usable Past; the Built EnvironmentHistory and GuiltPower and PeoplesInventing the Middle AgesMonarchyEmpire, Liberty and Governance.Other modules have previously included:Hard Times: British Society c. 1800-1901Modern China’s TransformationsThe American Half-century: the United States since 1945The King’s Two Bodies: Rulership in Late Medieval EuropeThe Ottoman World, 1400-1700.In Ancient History, second-year historical offerings have previously included:The Hellenistic WorldCrisis of The Roman RepublicEmperors and DynastiesRoman Buildings and their DecorationAncient Political Thought and Action.Year 3In the third year you may take the equivalent of three modules in each department, or you may take the equivalent of four modules in one and two in the other.In History, you may choose a triple-module Special Subject, taught entirely through seminars, which involves the close study of primary sources. You will work in a small group with a specialist in the field, with a three-hour seminar every week. Or you may choose to do supervised independent research leading to the writing of an extended Dissertation. Given this emphasis on focused study and independence, there is no requirement for you to study a range of periods in this year.Third-year single modules are all strongly reflexive in character, encouraging you to think about the ways in which historical knowledge is produced. Third-year History modules are all specialised, research-led topics.Modules in History have previously included:A World Turned Upside Down: Radicalism in the English RevolutionThe Disappearance of Claudine Rouge: Murder, Mystery and Microhistory in Early Modern FranceLight Beyond the Limes: the Christianization of Pagan Europe, 300-1000From War to Cold War: US Foreign Policy, c. 1944-1948.In Ancient History, have previously included:Roman SyriaThe Later Roman EmpireGreeks and PersiansUrbs RomaWriting Alexander.We review course structures and core content (in light of e.g. external and student feedback) every year. Study Abroad option available: For more information on this course, please see our website.