Module manager: Giacomo Savani
Email: G.Savani@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
| CLAS3890 | The City in the Roman World |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will trace the origins and development of cities in the Roman world, examining the contributions made by both local peoples and the Roman state. We will familiarise ourselves with urban layouts and buildings, and use the physical fabric of the cities to help us understand the activities which went on within them. We will also set individual cities into the wider context of the Roman empire, looking at their interactions with one another and considering how to interpret the physical similarities and differences between them. 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.
This module introduces students to the character of Roman urbanism and the factors which shaped it. Students will learn to analyse and discuss the physical remains of Roman cities in their local social and political context, as well as exploring what the study of Roman urbanism can contribute to our wider understanding of ancient society and politics. They will engage with modern scholarly debates on topics such as imperialism, cultural exchange, the relationship between space and society and the relationship between text and material culture.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Discuss and debate the nature and functions of cities in a Roman context
2. Explain and analyse the layout and development of archaeologically-attested examples of Roman cities
3. Analyse and evaluate the relationship between the physical fabric of Roman cities and the activities which went on within them
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research.
5. Weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas.
6. Write in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner that is supported by relevant evidence.
7. Prioritise, work efficiently and productively and to 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, including the material remains of ancient cities, and secondary scholarship. They will be able to practise analysing these materials or responding to their arguments in class, where discussions with peers and 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 | City commentary | 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
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 09/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team