Ancient Religion

This subject is not offered 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 role of religion in Greek and Roman society from the fifth century BCE to the first centuries of the common era, with a focus on the cities of Athens and Rome. Students are introduced to the most important deities, cults, rituals, festivals and priesthoods. The subject pays close attention to the role of sacrifice and prophecy, the intersection of religion and politics, the participation of different social classes, genders and ethnicities in religious ritual, and the importance of continuity, change, exclusion and inclusion to the structure and development of Greek and Roman religious practice. Students who complete this subject should have a detailed understanding of the forms, structure and cultural importance of ancient religion.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

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