Ancient, Medieval and Modern History - BA (Hons)

Durham University

Delve into the past with Ancient, Medieval and Modern History. Explore the societies and cultures of the past, and consider how history is recorded and how we engage with and understand history today.,This joint degree enables you to combine modules from our Ancient History course with modules in medieval and modern History offered by the Department of History. The balance between the two departments is broadly equal, but by the third year you can weight your choice of modules more to one side than the other, depending on your interests. In the Department of History, you will study modules in medieval, early modern and late modern history, with electives available in the study of cultures from around the globe. You will bring all your knowledge and skills together in your dissertation. You will be able to concentrate your studies in an area that fascinates you, and really blossom as an independent learner. Through this you will engage, at an advanced level, with creative research at the forefront of these historical disciplines. You will be encouraged to attend an extensive programme of research-related activities in both departments, including research seminars, public lectures from high-profile guest speakers, and events organised by the student-run History Society and Classics Society. In your first year we will introduce you to the world of the ancient Greeks and early imperial Rome, seen from a variety of perspectives (not just historical), and to different forms of evidence. This will prepare you for a wide range of more specific historical modules about politics and society in the ancient world in your second and third years. This can also be enriched by the study of ancient literature, language and philosophy.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Monuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus gives you an introduction to Roman history and culture and Latin literature. You will investigate a central, transitional epoch in the history of ancient Rome, from an interdisciplinary perspective.Introduction to the Greek World examines ancient Greek history, society and thought. It will introduce you to the central themes, topics and terminology in the study of Archaic and Classical Greece, and equip you to use the basic intellectual resources available to assist that study.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules (Ancient History) have included: The Craft of the Ancient Historian Lives of Objects – Greek and Roman Antiquity.In recent years, optional modules (Classics) have included: Early Greek PhilosophyLanguage, Translation, InterpretationIn recent years, optional modules (Medieval History) have included: Decline and Crisis? Europe, 1300-1500Transformations in the Late Antique Mediterranean, c.300-c.700 CE.In recent years, optional modules (Early Modern History) have included: Connected Histories: Early Modern Europe, c. 1450-1750The Atlantic Archipelago, c.1500-c.1750.In recent years, optional modules (History) have included: Modern Times: A Cultural History of Europe, c. 1860-1960Power in AfricaImagining East Asia in the Modern WorldWars and Welfare, c. 1900-1945The Rise and Fall of American Slavery, 1607 – 1865.Year 2 modulesOptional modules:In recent years, optional modules (Ancient History) have included: Ancient Political Thought and ActionEmperors and DynastiesLiving in the Classical WorldThe City of AthensIn recent years, optional modules (Classics) have included: Traditions of EpicAncient ScienceAlexandriaClassical Receptions and Contemporary CulturesDialogues with AntiquityBeginners, Intermediate, or Advanced Greek and/or Latin language.