040.117
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Instructor: Timothy Phin, Department of Classics Location: TBA E-mail: tjphin@gmail.com Office Hours: W/TH 2:30-3:30, and by appointment. Introduction to Roman Culture040.117
Tentative Syllabus Required Texts A Brief History of
the Romans (Paperback), by Mary T. Boatwright, Daniel J. Gargola,
and Richard J.A. Talbert (tentative) Livy, The Early
History of Rome (Books 1-V), trans. A. de Selincourt Cicero, Selected
Political Speeches, trans. M. Grant. Tacitus, The Annals
of Rome, trans. M. Grant Suetonius, The
Twelve Caesars, trans. R. Graves and M. Grant Plautus, The Pot of
Gold and Other Plays, trans. E.F. Watling Virgil, The Aeneid,
trans. A. Mandelbaum Course Reader (various
snippets of Roman authors including but not limited to: Pliny,
Catullus, Horace, and Ovid.) Course Description
What was it like to
be Roman? At the peak of its
power, Roman civilization extended from Scotland to Syria,
incorporating numerous cultures, attitudes, and lifestyles. This course
examines Roman social practices, political institutions, and religion
from the empire's humble beginnings through its final period, using a
wide variety of materials including drama, poetry, history, oratory,
and art. While some time will be spent discussing the major figures and
important dates of Roman history, this course will focus on trends and
ideas within Roman culture. There are no prerequisites for this course,
nor will any previous knowledge of Roman history be necessary. This course meets
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Classes will
usually consist of a lecture, a short quiz, and discussion.
Occasionally there will be an in-class reading assignment. This basic
schedule will vary when we watch a movie or have other activities.
Assignments
Quizzes: 30% Quizzes, based on the
previous day’s work, will take the form of short response essays
usually a half-page to a page in length. You will be permitted to drop
one quiz. Make-up quizzes, when necessary, will be given during my
office hours. One Paper: 25% This paper will permit
you the chance to delve more deeply into one of the topics discussed in
class. The paper must be 3-5 pages in length. A detailed paper
assignment will be handed out on the first day of class. Final Exam: 35% There will be a review session before the final. Class Participation: 10% Students are expected
to participate in class discussions and to ask questions during the
lectures. Unexcused absences will count against the participation
grade. If you know you are going to be absent, come and speak with me.
If for some unexpected reason you are unable to reach class on any
given day, please contact me as soon as possible with an explanation.
Course Schedule Week 1 M 7/3: Course
introduction; What is history?; Who were the Romans?; Paper assignment
handed out. Reading assignments for the course detailed. W 7/5: Roman origins
and early history; Etruscans & Greeks; The topography of Italy
Week 2 M 7/10: The Republic
totters; The Gracchi; the Social War; Marius & Sulla; the
Roman army W 7/12: Cicero &
Catiline; The Republic’s Waning Days; Roman oratory; Catullus and Roman
poetry Th 7/13: Caesar’s Rise
and Fall; The End of the Republic Week 3
of Rome; How to construct an Empire: Imperialism in the Empire W 7/19: Julio-Claudian
dynasty, Imperial literature; Horace and Ovid Th 7/20: Roman women;
the Roman family Week 4 M 7/24: Expansion of
the Empire; Trajan & Hadrian; Roman trade and the imperial economy W 7/26: Roman
Entertainment Th 7/27: Marcus
Aurelius; the Severans; Roman frontiers Week 5 M 7/31: The Rise of
Christianity; Diocletian & the Tetrarchy; Constantine W 8/3: After
Constantine; Review for the Final Exam; Paper Due |
