Myth, Art and Empire: Greece and Rome

Subject 107-104 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

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Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: .
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: .
Non Allowed Subjects: .
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Dr Parshia Paul Lee-Stecum

Contact

Parshia Lee-Stecum

ppls@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This course will introduce students to ancient Greek and Roman culture. Through a study of ancient literary texts, art, and society, students will explore the mythic origins, heroic archetypes, gods and goddesses, monuments and societies of the Greeks and Romans. The subject will focus on the apex of classical Greek civilisation in the fifth century BC, and the end of the Roman Republic and beginning of the early Imperial period in the first centuries BCE and CE. The subject will cover topics such as the Homeric poems, Greek and Roman religions, ancient theatre, literary and artistic culture, sexuality and gender roles, militarism and imperialism, and the fate of marginalised groups, such as women, slaves, freedmen, prostitutes, gladiators and stage performers. Interaction with other civilisations in the ancient Mediterranean, as well as between Greece and Rome, will be studied. The subject will also consider the ways in which modern Western culture has inherited and appropriated aspects of ancient civilisation, claiming it as a model in fields ranging from epic film and architectural design to political structure and imperial aspiration.

Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject should...
  • demonstrate knowledge of the history and culture of ancient Greece and Rome;
  • appreciate the complexities of an ancient, multi-cultural society;
  • be able to think critically about the origins of the Western tradition;
  • gain an understanding of cultural difference.
Assessment:

An essay of essay of 2000 words 50% (due during semester) and a 2-hour examination 50% (due during the examination period). Hurdle requirement: students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to be pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

  • The Odyssey (Homer, Lattimore (trans)), Harper Perennial
Recommended Texts:

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Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be skilled in critical thinking;

  • possess effective written communication skills;

  • have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.

Notes: .
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Ancient World Studies
Ancient World Studies
Ancient and Medieval Studies
Ancient and Medieval Studies
Ancient, Medieval && Early Modern Studies Major
Classical Studies && Archaeology Major
Classical Studies and Archaeology
Classical Studies and Archaeology
History
History Major

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