Imperial Rome: Augustus to Theodosius I

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

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

This subject examines the period from the Augustan Principate to the Age of Diocletian, the House of Constantine and the definitive end of the pan-Mediterranean Empire in 395 CE. How did Octavian become Imperator Caesar Augustus and how efficient was the dynastic and military monarchy he established? How did the Emperor and his administration manage to govern and control a vast and heterogenic Empire? How well or badly was the Roman world ruled and how important were the characters of individual emperors? How far does the 3rd century constitute a crisis? How was the Empire then restructured and converted to Christianity? Students will also focus on questions of historical method: How does one handle sources subject to heavy political and religious bias? On completion of the subject students should have a good knowledge of the history of the Roman world in its golden age and subsequent transformation.

• 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.

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.