Islands and Empires in the Ancient Aegean, Part 2: Island Societies

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the different types of sources available for studying local and regional histories of island societies in the Ancient Aegean.
• concepts of insularity, regionality, connectivity, and networks.
• the histories of a selection of Aegean islands including major centres such as Delos and Rhodes.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• engage in independent study and research.
• identify and discuss key themes and questions.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• explore connections between local island histories and the wider political history of the ancient Aegean.
• reflect on the theme of continuity and change in the histories of island societies in the ancient Aegean.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• identify and critically assess scholarly views and arguments.
• draw connections between different historical periods and places.
• analyse a wide range of primary sources, appreciate their opportunities and limitations, and incorporate them in discussions of historical questions.

Indicative list of topics that may be covered as part of the module:

Insularity: Isolation and Connectivity

Sources for Island Histories and Societies

Ancient Samos: Politics and Society

Samos and its International Relations

Delos as Religious Centre of the Cyclades

The Political History of Delos

Trade and Society at Delos

Ancient Rhodes: Politics and Society

Rhodes and its International Relations

Local Politics and Overseas Networks

Cos between Hellenism and Rome

Island Sanctuaries and Connectivity

Samothrace and its Mystery Cult

The Aegean: Unity and Diversity

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include:

• Seminars
• Group work
• Tutor-led guidance on the sources, on the preparation of assignments, and on the conventions used in the presentation of written work
• Student-led seminars, with the module convenor acting as guide and learning facilitator
• Individual consultation in person and by email about assessed work on the module.

Learning activities include:

• Preparatory reading for seminar discussions
• Preparation of brief reports on particular questions as directed for classes
• Preparing and delivering presentations
• Discussion of set topics
• Further reading and independent research for the essay
• Preparation and completion of module assignments

Knowledge and understanding will be developed through a continuous study and analysis of primary sources. You will develop your research skills – how to find relevant material and secondary literature, how to use primary material – in groups and in consultation with the seminar tutor. Attendance of seminars, independent study, and the preparation for assignments will further develop your intellectual skills.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Gabrielsen, Vincent et al. (eds.) (1999). Hellenistic Rhodes: Politics, Culture, and Society. Aarhus: Aarhus University Press.

Vlachopoulos, Andreas G. (ed.) (2006). Archaeology: Aegean Islands. Athens: Melissa.

Sherwin-White, Susan M. (1978). Ancient Cos: An Historical Study from the Dorian Settlement to the Imperial Period. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht.

Constantakopoulou, Christy (2017). Aegean Interactions: Delos and its Networks in the Third Century. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Berthold, Richard M. (1984). Rhodes in the Hellenistic Age. Ithaca: Cornell University Press.

Rauh, Nicholas (1993). The Sacred Bonds of Commerce: Religion, Economy, and Trade Society at Hellenistic Roman Delos. Amsterdam: Gieben.

Gabrielsen, Vincent (1997). The Naval Aristocracy of Hellenistic Rhodes. Aarhus: Aarhus University Press.

Reger, Gary (1994). Regionalism and Change in the Economy of Independent Delos. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Shipley, Graham (1987). A History of Samos 800-188 BC. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

Malkin, Irad et al. (eds.) (2009). Greek and Roman Networks in the Mediterranean. Abingdon: Routledge.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External