Module manager: Henry Clarke
Email: H.H.B.Clarke@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| CLAS3420 | Augustus and his Legacy |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module combines a historical study of the Augustan period with a cultural assessment of uses of and responses to the legacy left by Augustus himself. The first, larger part of the module explores the political and cultural transformations which the Roman world underwent during the lifetime of Augustus. In the second, we turn our attention to the post-Augustan period, looking at the ways in which people of later eras have used and responded to Augustus’ legacy in everything from political rhetoric to popular screen portrayals. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
On this module, students will explore the political and cultural change which took place during the Augustan period, asking how much Augustus himself was responsible for them and how much they stemmed from the input of others. Students will also examine a range of responses to Augustus between his death and the present day, identifying the factors which have caused them to vary so widely. Students will learn how to analyse and discuss a wide range of different types of primary evidence and modern scholarship relevant to the Augustan period and its legacy.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1- Apply knowledge of the major political and cultural developments of the Augustan period
2- Critically analyse primary sources relevant to the study of the Augustan period
3- Analyse and evaluate the relationship between the historical events of the Augustan period and later uses of and responses to Augustus
4- Identify and explain the societal and cultural factors that shaped later uses of and responses to Augustus
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5- Search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research.
6- Weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas.
7- Write in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner that is supported by relevant evidence.
8- Prioritise, work efficiently and productively and manage your time well.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will receive formative feedback from the module tutor during class contact hours. Seminars especially (but also to a more limited extent lectures) will offer students the opportunity to engage directly with primary sources and secondary scholarship, including practising analysing their content or responding to their arguments. Discussing these materials with peers and receiving input from the module tutor will provide students with formative feedback on their thinking. Students will additionally receive detailed summative feedback on their first piece of coursework before they begin work on the second piece of coursework.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Primary source assessment | 50 |
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 07/05/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team