The Rise and Fall of the Roman Republic

Subject 131-042 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - 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 first-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: This lecture series celebrates the turbulent and exciting history of the Roman Republic, from its humble beginnings around 500 BCE to the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March 44 BCE. The first part discusses Early Rome; the social, political and religious institutions of the Republic as they gradually emerged from 509 to 264 BCE; and the Roman conquest of Italy and its significance. The second part concerns the high point of the Roman Republic, roughly the period from 264 to 133 BCE, including discussions of the Punic Wars and the conquest of the Mediterranean, and its tremendous consequences for the Republic. The third and final part deals with the RepublicÂ’s troubled last century and surveys the ill-fated Gracchan reforms; the first full-fledged breakdown of the Republican system and the Sullan reaction; the social, economic and cultural life of this period; the rise of the great dynasts; and CaesarÂ’s temerarious attempt to establish a New Order.
Objectives:
  • acquire a broad insight into the varied and rich history of the Roman Republic
  • have further developed their ability to write a coherent research essay
  • have developed the 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 2,500 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
  • Ancient Rome: A Sourcebook (Matthew Dillon & Lynda Garland) (Routledge, 2005)
  • ()
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 131-233/333 and as 131-042 Roman History: 500 Years of Oligarchy. Students who have completed 131-233 or 131-333 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Diploma in Arts (Ancient and Medieval Studies)
Diploma in Arts (Classical Studies)
Diploma in Arts (History)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Ancient and Medieval Studies
Ancient and Medieval Studies
Ancient, Medieval && Early Modern Studies Major
Classical Studies and Archaeology
Classical Studies and Archaeology
History
History
History
History Major

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