131-042 Roman History: 500 Years of Oligarchy

Formerly available as 131-233/333. Students who have completed 131-233 or131-333 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually 25 points of first-year history, see Prerequisites.

There are few systems of government as long-lived as the 500 years of old Roman oligarchy which governed the Republic. In this subject we ask such questions as: What were the secrets of its power? How and why did it conquer the Mediterranean world? Why did it fall to autocracy? There will also be a focus on historical method such as how does one reconstruct the remote historical past? How does one control sources subject to heavy political bias? On completion of the subject students should have acquired a sound knowledge of Republican Rome and have built on methods of investigation of the theory and practice of history.

• 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.

A written essay of 2500 words 50% (due mid-semester), an exam essay 1500 words 40% (due end of semester) and tutorial attendance and contribution 10%.