Ancient Technology in Context CLASSIC5069

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2 (Alternate Years)
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course will explore the development of ancient science and technology and its interaction with ancient societies and the environment, focusing mainly on the Mediterranean area and the Near and Middle East. It takes a wide view of technology, ranging from the use of stone tools and fire by hominids through complex machines to the massive concrete domes and arched dams of the Romans, only bettered in modern times. The course will encompass material, textual and environmental evidence and approaches, and there will be the opportunity to develop specific skills in handling and interpreting material evidence for technology.

Timetable

One lecture and one seminar each week as scheduled on MyCampus. This is one of the Honours options in Classics and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on

MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into Classics, and by arrangement to

visiting students or students of other Honours programmes.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Essay (4000 words) - 80%

Presentation (10 minutes) - 20%

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ study the nature and extent of technology in the ancient world, from basic tools to sophisticated machines

■ relate ancient technologies to their historical, social and environmental contexts

■ explore models for the diffusion and development of ancient technology

■ compare the characteristics of technology in the ancient Mediterranean with those in other periods

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

■ identify the main features of ancient technology in areas such as agriculture, warfare, the economy, education and entertainment

■ recognise the constraints on the dynamics that connected humans, technology and the environment n the ancient Mediterranean

■ use textual, material and environmental evidence to relate technology to its social context

■ explain the relationship between ancient technical theory and practice

■ analyse the impact of technology on the ancient environment and vice-versa

■ evaluate and apply theoretical and comparative models for technological diffusion and change

 

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.