AHIS1080
10 units
1000 level
Course handbook
Description
Students will study the primary literary and material sources of the Eastern Roman empire, better known as the Byzantine empire. Byzantium was the cultural and historical successor to the Greeks and Romans and adopted and transformed this inheritance in unique ways. We will explore the religious, political and military history of this important but neglected global empire from the rise of the Emperor Constantine to the Iconoclast controversy. We will consider the interactions between church and state, the continuities and changes with the earlier Roman Empire and role of Roman identity in the Christian east, especially in light of the rise of Islam. We will also discuss responses to invasion and plague, gender roles, and education. Students will learn how to analyse primary sources and how to use new technologies in research communication.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 1 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Evaluate the historical development of the Byzantine Empire.
2. Analyse major types of primary historical evidence, from written works to various forms of material culture.
3. Translate historical information on the Byzantine Empire into a digital format.
4. Construct arguments about the history of the Byzantine Empire that evince criticisms succinctly and accurately in written assessments.
Content
This course will cover the following topics:
- The transformation of the Roman Empire in the Greek East
- Usurpers and struggles for imperial succession
- The impact of Christianity and controversies in politics
- Wars and Invasion
- The rise of courtly culture in Byzantium
- Imperial Women
- Education and Culture
- Religious conflict and the rise of Islam
- Introduction to using ancient or primary sources, including archaeological evidence
- Introduction and information on Digital Humanities and the study of Byzantium
Assessment items
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Tutorial/ Laboratory Exercises
Report: Write a report on a Byzantine Artefact with a presentation
Essay: Create an argumentative essay using primary and secondary evidence
Online Learning Activity: Creation of a digital map
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s) starting in week 2
Course outline
- AHIS1080 - Semester 1, 2024 (Callaghan) (PDF, 208.0 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.