Ancient studies methods and sources: [theme]
Undergraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 15
- Teaching semesters Spring
- Course code
- ANT203
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- The course is taught in a Scandinavian language or English.
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
Ancient world studies is an interdisciplinary field that draws on methods, perspectives, and approaches from various areas of the humanities. Through teaching and assignments, students learn to discuss interdisciplinary theoretical and methodological issues, and to assess and use historical sources from the ancient world. The course provides in-depth insight into methods and sources from history and religious studies, as well as the rich material source base from antiquity.
In addition to methodological knowledge and skills, the course offers students a specialization in a relevant topic within ancient world studies. Specific topics will vary from semester to semester depending on available teaching resources and research interests. The department announces which topics will be offered before the start of the semester.
The course is suited for students who are simultaneously working on a bachelor's thesis in history or religion, but it can also be taken by students who are not writing a thesis. This course may replace the compulsory HIS203 in a regular history specialization, or for those who choose to specialize in Middle Eastern history.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge
The student
- has knowledge of various methods and of the fundamental principles of historical and religious studies source
criticism related to the ancient world.
- is familiar with a broad selection of written sources from the ancient world, and the specific challenges associated with these.
Skills
The student
- demonstrates theoretical and methodological skills and the ability to use interdisciplinary source material in both a critical and constructive manner to address historical questions or questions of the science of religion.
General Competence
The student
- is able to apply source criticism in any societal context where the value and representativeness of information must be assessed.
- has knowledge of various methods for solving problems and establishing new knowledge.
- has systematic training in these areas that can be applied beyond the study of history or religion.
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Place of Instruction
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
Approximately 25 hours in total. Teaching will consist of a combination of lectures, seminars, and active learning activities.
If five or fewer students register for a topic on the course, the department can introduce adapted teaching in the topic in question or cancel the topic. On topics where this may be relevant, students will receive information about it at the start of the semester, and before the deadline for semester registration on 1 February/1. September.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Forms of Assessment
The exam will be a three-day take-home assignment with a maximum length of 3000 words.
It will be held at the end of Teaching Block Spring 1 (midway through the spring semester).
Assignments may be submitted in Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, or English.
Grading Scale
Grades will be set using a scale of A to F.
A is the highest passing grade. F is fail.