How we teach you

Teaching is at the heart of Reading's Classics Department: we love to share our passion and enthusiasm for the study of the ancient world and its legacy with our studentship. Moreover, we would like to support our students in their personal development and prepare them for their future careers, whether in the field of Classics or beyond: with a degree in Classics, a wide range of employment opportunities is open to you. Our main aim is thus to teach students to read, think, and argue for themselves, and to develop their personal interests and skills.

We are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of education and support. We are consistently named as one of the best departments for Classical Studies and Ancient History in the country by student polls.  This is due to our highly esteemed academic staff, and excellent quality of subject related resources. We utilize a variety of different teaching and assessment techniques throughout our programs, all of which provide every student an equal opportunity to reach their highest potential. Our modules cover a wide range of topics, and each course is led by a professor or lecturer with research based subject expertise. We are keen to admit enthusiastic students who are passionate about the ancient world, and a have a desire to explore the subject further.

Basic Information

We know that teaching at University is different to what you might have experienced at school or college. To make the transition a little less daunting, we have gathered together some information that will help explain our approach to teaching in the Classics department. If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

Within our programs teaching takes three forms; lectures, seminars, and tutorials.

In your First Year you will have two lectures and one seminar per week for all non-language modules. In the Second and Third years the ratio of seminars to lectures differs between modules, depending on the subject. Typically you can expect to have two contact hours per week per module. Ancient Greek and Latin language courses have three contact hours per week, and are taught through seminars.

In all three (or four) years of your degree you will spend a considerable amount of time working outside of formal lectures, seminars, and tutorials. We call this independent study.

In every module you will be given the opportunity to submit a minimum of one formative piece of work, per term. This will allow you to test your understanding, experiment with ideas, and practice styles of writing, before producing an assessed piece. Once marked, you will receive a one-on-one Tutorial. This will provide you with personal feedback on the form and content of your work, in addition to giving an indication of your general progress.

In your final year you will be required to produce an 8,000-10,000 word independently researched Dissertation. The Dissertation provides a fantastic opportunity to undertake a project on a topic of your own choosing, throughout which you will receive support from a dedicated supervisor. The Dissertation is an important part of your degree not only because it constitutes a significant proportion of your marks, but also as it further develops key skills acquired throughout your studies. This includes time management, problem solving, communication, and organisation among others. Your Dissertation is something which you can point to in the future to demonstrate the transferable qualities acquired during your degree.

Useful Definitions

Classics Lectures involve all of the students undertaking a particular module. They are one hour in length and are usually held in theatre halls or large classrooms.

Lectures are used to introduce specific topics, to raise related issues, and to consider differing theoretical perspectives. Before and after having the topic outlined in a lecture, you are expected to explore it in more detail during your independent study time. Lecture content will often come up for discussion in your seminars.

Classics seminars typically involve between 12 and 15 students. They have a relaxed atmosphere where you will be encouraged to discuss your reactions to and opinions of a particular subject. The aim of a seminar is to discuss a topic in detail; to analyse and consider critically the evidence for the claims we make.

Each week the seminar leader will set preparation which will form the basis for the following week's seminar discussion. From this general starting point seminars can lead anywhere depending on what you and your peers have found interesting. This produces a very dynamic method of learning, which is in part controlled by you. Seminars give you the opportunity to listen to others in the group and consider how they have approached a topic. Participating in seminars helps to build your confidence and your communication skills.

Essay Tutorials are one-to-one meetings between you and a lecturer. You will discuss your non assessed piece of coursework, and be given the opportunity to gain personal feedback on all aspects of essay composition.

Independent study is an essential part of undertaking a Classics degree. You will need to set aside time to read around the subjects you are studying. You will be expected to read a wide range of sources in order to inform your thinking in essays and discussions. In addition, you will need to prepare for lectures and seminars to gain the most benefit from them. Language modules will have regular homework which will be essential to ensure your progress.

Some highlights of our degree programmes

We are proud to offer students a diverse and exciting range of courses throughout their degrees. This is enabled through the assorted mix of specialist areas within the Department. Not only do our modules broach a wide historical span, but we also explore an assorted geographical range of material.

A full listing our current modules can be found here:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/module/1112/school.asp?school=HUM

Here are a few of our exciting options explained to you in some more detail:

• Alcohol Consumption, Abuse, and Addiction in Antiquity

convened by Professor Peter Kruschwitz

This module allows students to design and investigate a research project relating to the topic of alcohol consumption, abuse, and addiction in antiquity. The majority of learning is facilitated through independent research and collaborative group work. Guidance and support is given to students throughout.

The course arose from Professor Kruschwitz keen interest in promoting enquiry-based learning for students. He believes that experience of independent research is vital for undergraduates, and as a consequence, the module aims to develop these skills. The broad topic of alcohol was chosen due to the large scope of primary and secondary material associated. (In addition, from his experience, Professor Kruschwitz has found undergraduates to have a personal interested in alcohol consumption too!)

Specific course content is directed wholly by the interests of the class. Students are asked to work in groups to develop and research a particular aspect of alcohol abuse, consumption, and addiction which they find interesting. From these topics Professor Kruschwitz provides relevant information, or arranges for guest lectures to speak in seminars. For example, talks can be arranged by colleagues from the Food and Biological Science department, addressing health aspects of alcohol consumption. In addition, past groups have contacted Classical scholars external to the University, for information on specialist subjects.

Teaching for this module is entirely seminar based. In the first meeting, Professor Kruschwitz outlines the aims of the course, and discusses what types of topic are appropriate for academic research. Previous research titles have included; notorious drunkards of antiquity, the relevance of alcohol in ancient philosophy, beer in Egypt, and alcohol consumption in the Roman army. Within the seminars student are encouraged to debate ideas, problems, solutions and discoveries with each other.

Alcohol Consumption, Abuse, and Addition in Antiquity is assessed through a combination of four individual and group coursework exercises.  The group assessments include the development of a topic proposal, and a poster presentation describing research findings. Individual tasks involve making a minimum of three substantial contributions to an online class discussion group, and the production of a commentary of an ancient textual source related to the theme of the module. This course has a less traditional assessment approach, and as such it grants students who do not feel as competent in essay writing or exams the opportunity to excel.

Professor Kruschwitz's module offers a unique opportunity to design and undertake a research project. The high level of content control encourages students to become engaged, and successful in their work. This is evident from the above average module marks, and the high level of quality displayed in the research. Professor Kruschwitz is consistently impressed by the projects, and noted that he would feel comfortable with taking many of the research findings to an academic conference.

• Greek Art and Drama

convened by Dr Amy Smith

This module aims to consider the link between Greek art and drama. Students will explore the stories of Greek Drama and their presentation through literary and visual arts, as well as on stage.

Greek Art and Drama is convened by Dr Amy Smith, lecturer and curator of the Ure Museum. Through the module Dr Smith highlights the often overlooked link between ancient art and drama. Unfortunately there is a tendency to study Greek art and drama in isolation. Yet as insights to the appearance, settings and staging of ancient drama can be found in visual and literary arts, Dr Smith considers it important to consider both comparatively.

The course material is covered thematically and focuses on a core group of stories which illustrate a range of Greek ideas. Particular attention is paid to questions concerning how and why visual and literary representations of the same stories differed. Students will consider how artists altered their stories in response to the medium in which they worked, to what degree artists in different media responded to treatments in other media, and how representations in each medium reflected attitudes of Classical society, among other topics.

As it is a Third Year module, teaching is largely through small group seminars. Some of these are held in the Ure Museum, giving students the chance to handle ancient Greek artefacts. In addition, there is a seminar at an external museum (usually the British Museum in London) to look at further ancient materials.

The comparative nature of this module often inspires insightful and highly intelligent work from students. The 'hands on' sessions at the museums provide enriching learning experiences, on what is a fantastic and creative course. 

• The Greeks and the Natural World

convened by Dr Emma Aston

This is an unusual module that encourages students to explore the contribution of the natural world to the social economic, political, religious, and cultural lives of the Classical Greeks.

The content of this module links directly to both previous and upcoming research projects of convener Dr Emma Aston. One of Emma's main motivations for the module is to increase student awareness of the non-urban aspects of ancient Greek life. Due to the wealth of artefacts from urban areas, there can be a tendency (not just in undergraduate teaching, but in published scholarship also!) to focus on city settlements. However, as almost all ancient Greeks were linked to the farming profession, Dr Aston feels it important to research and consider less urban aspects of antiquity.  

The initial section of the course surveys practical aspects of ancient Greek farming. Students will explore how people farmed, how difficult it was, what animals they kept, what they ate and much more. The second half of the module focuses on assessing how these practicalities shaped the social attitudes of the communities. Students will consider how animals, nature and farming impacted on political, religious and cultural aspects of society.

Teaching is through a mixture of lectures and seminars, which amount to two contact hour per week. However, as lectures for this module involve discussion and student participation, they often take on a seminar air. Each specific seminar involves a group of students presenting research, theories, and ideas linked to the module. Topics addressed may include 'did keeping livestock have a snob value in ancient Greece?', or 'in what kinds of physical situation did the god Pan tend to be worshiped?' Assessment is through a combination of coursework and an exam.

The Greeks and the Natural World always proves to be a popular module with students. The dynamic teaching approaches and unique content combine to produce a very special and interesting course.

• Technology and the Ancient World

convened by Dr Annalisa Marzano

This module addresses technological discoveries and their applications in ancient Greece and ancient Rome. In addition, students are asked to consider the social positions held by individuals with technical knowledge, including architects and engineers.

Technology and the Ancient World is taught by Dr Annalisa Marzano. The idea for this course came from her personal research projects which include re-assessment of ancient aquaculture and aspects of the Roman economy. Dr Marzano is extremely passionate about her module, and believes that the archaeological focus gives it an unusual and dynamic flair. This is reflected by the popularity of the course with students.

Module material is presented chronologically, moving from classical Greece to the Roman period. Technological topics include mining advances, pottery production, engineering, food transformation, and water delivery systems. To explore these developments students look at both literary sources and archaeological finds. Furthermore, students are given the opportunity to visit the University's Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), which contains specialist resources relating to ancient food processing techniques. When considering the social position of engineers and architects, evidence is found in epitaphs, documentary, and literary texts.

Teaching is through a combination of lectures and seminars. Dr Marzano ensures that an overview of the each topic is provided through preparatory readings, a lecture handout, and further reading suggestions. Within her lectures, she addresses particular key concepts, or controversial points of the subject in question. Seminars for this module are dynamic and interactive. Students are encouraged to participate in group debates, and group presentations. Assessment is through a combination of coursework and an exam.

The variety of technologies broached, and the inclusion of archaeological sources ensure that this module takes an exciting and unusual approach to the ancient world.

• The Augustan Muse

convened by Dr Gill Knight

This module focuses on four works from two Augustan poets: the Eclogues and Georgics of Virgil, and the Epodes and Odes of Horace. Students will explore the genres within which these texts sit, and develop an awareness of the literary and historical background within which the poetry was constructed.

The aim of the module is to introduce students to Augustan literature not previously studied at Part 1.  The Augustan Period was a very rich and experimental time for Roman literature. The course will examine the extent to which these works was influenced and cross-fertilized by earlier and contemporary poetry through the comparison of the differing pastoral, didactic, political and erotic poetic strands. 

Engaging with current research trends, this module allows students to become actively involved in cutting edge material and theories. Lectures will introduce key themes and ideas regarding certain aspects of the poetry. However, students are encouraged to explore a range of material and to pursue particular areas of interest, thereby designing the content of the module as the term progresses. Teaching is through lectures and seminars, amounting to two hours of contact time per week. Assessment for this module is entirely coursework based.

The Augustan Muse offers students the opportunity to dedicate their focus to the study of ancient literature. Previous students have relished having an entirely coursework based assessment, as it provides the opportunity to research intensely an aspect of literature of particular personal interest.

 

Research and Teaching: How this will benefit you

The University of Reading Classics department is focused on research-led teaching. This means that our staff are actively researching and contributing to current academic debates, alongside their University teaching roles. We believe that this provides fantastic benefits to your studies. You will be taught by enthusiastic individuals who have extensive knowledge of their subjects and a passion for conveying their expertise. Our lecturers are at the forefront of their disciplines and are furthering understanding of the Classical World. As out teaching is predominantly interactive, the relationship between lecturer and students is often symbiotic. Learning is a two way collaborative process, guided by the experience of the lecturer. This dynamic learning environment prompts students to develop their own highly skilled critical theories, creating confident, independent and inquisitive individuals. Why not check out who could be teaching you next year - click to see our staff pages: http://www.reading.ac.uk/classics/about/class-staff.aspx