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Ancient History Major

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Offered By ANU College of Business and Economics, ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, ANU Colleges of Science, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, and ANU College of Law
Academic Contact Dr Peter Londey
Areas of Interest Classics and Ancient History and History

Ancient History at ANU focuses on two of the great civilisations of the ancient Mediterranean: Greece and Rome. These civilisations have been enormously influential: the Greeks invented democracy, history, philosophy, while the Mediterranean has never again been united as it was under Roman rule. Much of Western culture is descended from that of Greece and Rome, yet Greek and Roman societies were also exotically different from our own.

The First Year courses in Ancient History deal with two central periods Greece in the 6th and 5th centuries BC and 1st century BC Rome - while also introducing students to using the ancient sources and developing the skills needed to be an ancient historian. Later Year courses will cover a range of periods from early Greece to the Roman empire, with themes including politics, war and imperialism, social and economic relationships, moral attitudes, and more. Students will read the works of ancient writers in translation, and will make use of the evidence of art and archaeology.

Students who wish to enhance their study of the ancient world may also take courses in the ancient languages (Greek and Latin) and on ancient culture and mythology, and the ancient world in film. In some years overseas study courses, worth 12 units, are offered in the summer: courses are currently planned in Turkey and Greece.  Note that some language study is required in order to take Honours in Ancient History.

Requirements

The Ancient History major consists of 42 units (typically 2 first year courses and 5 later year courses each being 6 units of credit), with at least 30 units from the Core List which are on Greek and Roman History. The remaining units (to a maximum of 12) may be taken from the Designated List which include courses taken in the areas of Greek or Roman history, Greek or Latin languages, other Classics courses, or designated courses in History or other disciplines. No more than 12 units from 1st Year courses may be included.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.

Updated:   13 Nov 2015 / Responsible Officer:   The Registrar / Page Contact:   Student Business Solutions