Imperial Rome: Augustus to Theodosius I

Subject 671-376 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (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


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Usually 12.5 points of second-year history.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Frederik Vervaet

Contact

Frederick Vervaet

fvervaet@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: For no less than four full centuries, the mighty Roman Empire controlled vast tracts of Europe, the Near East and North Africa. The first part of this introduction to Roman imperial history comprises the Julio-Claudian period, including a discussion of the aftermath of CaesarÂ’s assassination and OctavianÂ’s stunning rise to absolute power (44-30 BCE); his establishment of the so-called Principate (28/27 BCE); and a survey of the individual Julio-Claudian emperors and their achievements. The second part concerns the high point of the Mediterranean Empire, viz. the long second century from 69 to 192 CE. Individual lectures focus on the Flavian and second century dynasties and the social and economic life of this period. Part three highlights the Severan Dynasty and the crises of the third century (193-284). The final part scrutinizes the last century of the Mediterranean Empire, from its reinvention by Diocletian to the lasting separation of West and East at the death of Theodosius I in 395 CE, including discussions of the institutional transformation; the new social and economic conditions; the coming of the Christian Empire; and the final decades of the Empire as a single entity.
Objectives:
  • should have acquired a broad insight into the varied and rich history of the Roman Empire.
  • have developed their skills to select and analyze relevant material from the ancient sources and synthesize the findings of this inquiry into a consistent and structured argument
Assessment: A written essay 3000 words, 50% (due mid-semester); a final exam 40% (end of semester); and tutorial attendance and contribution 10 %. 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 at the beginning of semester
  • A History of the Roman People (Allen Ward, Fritz Heichelheim & Cedric Yeo) Fourth Edition (Prentice Hall 2003)
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:
  • develop research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;
  • demonstrate critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;
  • be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;
  • demonstrate written communication through essay preparation and writing;
  • develop time management and planning through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment completion.
Notes: Formerly available as 131-234/334 and as 131-043 Roman History: Three Centuries of Empire. Students who have completed 131-234 or 131-334 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Ancient, Medieval && Early Modern Studies Major
History
History Major

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