Myth, Art and Empire: Greece and Rome

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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.

• 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.

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.

A subject reader will be available.

• The Odyssey (Homer, Lattimore (trans)), Harper Perennial

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

• be skilled in critical thinking;

• possess effective written communication skills;

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