107-103 Ancient Rome: Myth and Empire

This subject will introduce students to ancient Rome, its culture and its empire. Students will explore the Romans' myths of origin, social system, monuments, gods and heroes, and examine how Rome came to dominate the Mediterranean world. Topics covered will include: literary and artistic culture; religion and ritual practices; sexuality and gender roles; the political revolution from Republic to rule by emperors; militarism and imperialism; and the fate of marginalised groups, such as women, slaves, freedmen, prostitutes, gladiators and stage performers. Interaction with Greece, Egypt and other civilisations will be studied. The subject will also consider the ways in which modern Western culture has inherited and appropriated aspects of ancient Roman civilisation, claiming it as a model in fields ranging from epic film and architectural design to political structure and imperial aspiration.

• have experience in research, critical thinking and analysis, written communication, and thinking in theoretical terms;

• have experience in communicating knowledge intelligibly and economically;

• possess an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.

An essay of 1000 words 25% (due during semester), an essay of 1500 words 37.5% (due during semester) and a 1.5-hour examination 37.5% (due during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.