Greek and Roman Games

Subject CLAS20034 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

July, Parkville - 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

On campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Contact Hours: Intensive subject from 6-22 July 2010. A 2-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial each day over ten days between 6– 22 July. The contact days will be: July 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22.
Total Time Commitment: Total time commitment 102 hours
Prerequisites: None Completion of 12.5 points at first-year in ancient world studies or one of the Faculty of Arts' Interdisciplinary Foundation (IDF) subjects
Corequisites: None None
Recommended Background Knowledge: A Level 1 Ancient World Studies subject (Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, or Myth, Art & Empire: Greece and Rome None
Non Allowed Subjects: None None
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

School of Historical Studies

Subject Overview:

This subject examines ancient games and their cultural significance to the Greeks and Romans. Students will become familiar with the forms and contexts of athletic, theatrical, equestrian, poetic and gladiatorial games in the ancient world. The Olympian, Pythian, Isthmian and Nemean competitions, the dramatic competitions of the Festival of Dionysus at Athens, the Roman ludi scaenici and ludi circenses, and the blood sports of the gladiatorial arena will be studied closely. Issues to be addressed include the agonistic nature of Greek and Roman societies. the meanings of origin myths connected with particular games. the significance of games for war, inter-state relations, internal political competition and literary rivalries. and the role of festival, ritual, religion and magic in ancient games. Students successfully completing this subject will have detailed understanding of the cultural significance of different games for the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Objectives:

Students who complete this subject should:
be able to demonstrate familiarity with the forms and contexts of games in ancient Greek and Roman societies.
understand the cultural significance of different games for ancient Greeks and Romans.
be able to analyse and interpret the relationships between Greek and Roman games and other areas of ancient culture

Assessment: A class paper of 1500 words (due July 22) 45%, and a take-home exam essay of 2500 words (due July 26) 55%. Hurdle requirement: students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.
Recommended Texts:

None
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:

Students who successfully complete this subject should

be skilled in critical thinking and analysis.

possess effective written communication skills.
have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.

Notes: This subject is taught intensively
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Ancient World Studies
Ancient and Medieval Studies
Classical Studies && Archaeology Major

Download PDF version.