Roman Epic

Subject 670-211 (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 is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-hour lecture and a 1.5-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: A study score of at least 25 in VCE Latin or CLAS10007 (Beginners Latin B) or an approved equivalent. Students enrolled in this subject must have completed or be currently enrolled in CLAS10010 (Intermediate Latin Language A) .
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

Contact

Parshia Lee-Stecum
Phone: 8344 5386
Subject Overview: In this subject students will read an extensive extract (usually a book) from a Latin epic poem, such as Virgil's Aeneid, Ovid's Metamorphoses or Lucan's Bellum Civile. The subject introduces students to the genre of epic poetry, its history and background in Greek culture, and its position in Roman literature. The individual text will be studied in its historical context and in relation to other literary texts of the time. Students will explore the themes and content of epic, such as warfare, empire, heroic culture, ethnic identity and masculinity, and consider how the mythic past is used to reflect upon the author's own time. On completion of the subject students should develop a good knowledge of a key Roman text and an enhanced understanding of Roman literary culture.
Objectives:
  • be familiar with the style of Roman epic;
  • be able to analyse and communicate the central themes and techniques of the text studied;
  • understand the cultural and production contexts of the text.
Assessment: For 1st, 2nd and 3rd year: A 1200-word seminar paper 30%, (due during the semester); an assessment text equivalent to 1000 words 25%, (due at the end of semester); and an 1800-word essay 45%, (due in the examination period). For 4th year: A 2000-word seminar presentation 40%, (due during the semester); an assessment text equivalent to 1000 words 20%, (due at the end of semester); and a 2000-word essay 40%, (due in the examination period).
Prescribed Texts:
  • Metamorphoses III   (Ovid)  ed. AAR Henderson, Bristol CP 1979
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:
  • be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;
  • possess effective written communication skills;
  • have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Classics

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