Intermediate Latin: Epic

Subject CLAS20031 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

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

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-hour lecture and a 1.5-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Total time commitment 102 hours
Prerequisites: None
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 Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements 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

Rhiannon Evans rmevans@unimelb.edu.au
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: A 1200-word seminar paper 30%, (due during the semester). an assessment test equivalent to 1000 words 25%, (due at the end of semester). and an 1800-word essay 45%, (due in the examination period). Hurdle requirements: In order to be eligible for final assessment students must attend 75% of tutorials and complete the assessment test and essay.
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: Classical Studies and Archaeology
Classics

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