Skip to main content

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Trinity Menu Trinity Search



You are here Courses > Undergraduate > Roman Britain

CLU33130 Britain and the Roman Empire

This module examines an area of the Roman Empire which has been much studied by both historians and archaeologists. But Roman Britain is also constantly the subject of fresh discoveries and changing perspectives, creating a challenging topic for study. This module will examine the Iron Age background and assess the impact of the invasion of AD 43 as well as the effect of Roman culture on this remote province. It will also explore the effects on life in Britain of the breakdown of imperial administration at the beginning of the 5th century. The location of Britain on the fringes of the Roman world highlights particular issues of imperialism, acculturation and cultural identity.
  • Module Organiser:
    • Dr Hazel Dodge
  • Duration:
    • Semester 2
  • Contact Hours:
    • 16 (11 lectures, 5 seminars)
  • Weighting:
    • 5 ECTS
  • Assessment:
    • 100% coursework (two written assignments)
  • Course Open To:
    • Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology; TJH Ancient History and Archaeology; Ancient and Medieval History and Culture; Visiting; Open Module

Learning Outcomes

On successful conclusion of this module, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate sound historical and geographical knowledge of Britain in the late Iron Age and Roman period.
  • Apply visual and spatial skills to the analysis of artefacts, architectural plans and other archaeological diagrams relating to the main sites covered.
  • Apply knowledge of primary sources (archaeological, artistic, textual) relevant to the module and evaluate them together critically.
  • Demonstrate  and apply knowledge of the basic character of the Roman period in Britain, including major events, historical processes, cultural interaction, and artistic and technological achievements
  • Engage with the specific problems of studying an area on the periphery of the Roman world and the relevant theoretical approaches
  • Evaluate the major debates and scholarship relevant to the module topics
  • Discuss the above, both orally and in written form, in a clear and scholarly manner.
  • Work effectively in small groups