Carthage:The Rise and Fall

University of Reading

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Carthage:The Rise and Fall

  • Host University

    University of Reading

  • Location

    Reading, England

  • Area of Study

    Classics

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Upper

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    10
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    6
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    8

  • Overview

    Module Provider: Classics
    Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
    Level:6
    Terms in which taught: Spring term module
    Pre-requisites:
    Non-modular pre-requisites:
    Co-requisites:
    Modules excluded:
    Module version for: 2014/5
    Module Convenor: Dr Eve Macdonald
    Email: g.e.macdonald@reading.ac.uk
    Summary module description:
    This module studies the history and archaeology of the city of Carthage from its Phoenician foundation in the 9th century BCE through to the end of Punic Carthage in 146 BCE. Current areas of research related to Punic Carthage including the rise of the Phoenicians in the Western Mediterranean, comparative colonization between Greeks and Phoenicians, Punic identity, the rise of a Carthaginian Empire, and the conflict and contact between Carthage and Rome will be studied.
    Aims:
    The module aims to provide students with knowledge of the body of evidence for Carthage and Carthaginian history in both a literary and a material context. The aims include furthering understanding of how the study of Carthage and Punic culture has advanced in recent scholarship; of the history of Carthage and its importance for the political, social and cultural historian of the ancient Mediterranean, as well as the theoretical implications for the study of ancient concepts of identity and ethnicities. It will encourage student research and the pursuit of specific personal interests within the remit of the modules topic.
    Assessable learning outcomes:
    By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to show:
    - an understanding of the large body of evidence for Carthage and Carthaginian history in both a literary and a material context;
    - an understanding of how the study of Carthage and Punic culture has advanced in recent scholarship;
    - an understanding of Carthage in the context of the ancient Mediterranean, as well as the theoretical implications for the study of ancient concepts of identity and ethnicities;
    - an ability to use critically a variety of different methodologies and approaches to this body of material gained from a thorough interaction with scholarship and primary materials;
    - a familiarity with material evidence (inscriptions and coins etc.) and the applications of that evidence;
    - bibliographical research skills to enable students to find independently additional information relating to the study of Carthage in the Ancient World.
    Additional outcomes:
    The module will develop individual research skills in the search for relevant information and synthesis; logical argumentation and deconstruction of unsound arguments; suspicion of arguments of authority; written and oral presentation skills.
    Outline content:
    The course will explore the history of Carthage and the culture of the Carthaginians as well as highlight the significant source problems for the study Punic Carthage. The course will follow a roughly chronological study of Punic Carthage and will explore themes relating to Phoenician and Greek colonialism, Carthaginian culture and identity (what is Punic?), Carthaginian Religious practices, Carthaginian/Punic Art and iconography, Carthaginian Imperialism, The Punic Wars, The Punic diaspora and Reception. An introduction to the sources and their proper use will be provided
    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    The module will be taught in ten two-hour sessions. These will include a mix of lecture, group work, oral presentations and exercises, working up to a final essay on a subject chosen at the beginning of term from a suggested list. Sessions will require prior background reading.
    Contact hours:
    Spring
    Lectures 12
    Seminars 8
    Guided independent study 180
    Total hours by term 200.00
    Total hours for module 200.00
    Summative Assessment Methods:
    Method Percentage
    Written exam 50
    Written assignment including essay 50
    Other information on summative assessment:
    (1) One bibliographical exercise due by 12 noon on Friday week 3 (10%)
    (2) One essay of 2500 - 3,000 words on a topic devised by the student and agreed with the convenor due by 12 noon on the last day of term (40%)
    (3) One written examination consisting of 3 questions in two parts: Part 1: commentary on images and quotes (gobbits) (choice of 4) and Part 2: essay questions (choice of 8). Students are required to complete one commentary from Part 1, one essay from Part 2, and one other question from either part. (50%)
    Formative assessment methods:
    Feedback will be provided for small research tasks building up to the final essay. These will include finding information, using data for specific purposes, presenting findings and writing up summary reports. The aim is to focus on perfecting a specific piece of work by going back to it several times.
    Penalties for late submission:
    The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
    where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
    where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
    The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
    You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
    Length of examination:
    3 hours
    Requirements for a pass:
    40% overall
    Reassessment arrangements:
    Re-examination in September. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed grade of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted by 1 September.
    Last updated: 8 October 2014

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Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

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Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.

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