107-455 Roman Ethnography

This is an Advanced Level Latin subject. Formerly available as 107-355 Advanced Latin B. Students who have completed 107-355 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

107-157 Intermediate Latin Language A, 107-158 Intermediate Latin Language B and 50 points of any other Intermediate Level Latin subjects, or an approved equivalent or admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in classics.

This subject involves the specialised reading and analysis of an example of Latin prose ethnography. Selecting from among the works of Caesar, Pomponius Mela, Tacitus, and Pliny the Elder, this subject will focus on areas such as Roman ethnographical style, the text's relationship to ancient historiographical, rhetorical or philosophical traditions, and the place of such literature within Roman elite culture. As a treatment of non-Roman peoples and cultures, ethnography clearly played an important role in defining Romannes, and was arguably one medium for the generation and justification of Roman imperialist ideology. Students should complete the subject with critical techniques in the reading, analysis, translation and interpretation of Latin ethnography.

• be skilled in research;

• possess advanced skills of critical thinking and analysis;

• possess an ability to communicate knowledge intelligibly, economically and effectively;

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

For 3rd year: a 500-word class paper 15% (due during the semester), a 1750-word assessment test 43% (due in the final week of semester), and a 1750-word essay 42% (due in the examination period). For 4th year: a 1000-word practical criticism presentation 20% (due during the semester), a 1750-word assessment test 35% (due in the final week of semester), and a 2250-word essay 45% (due in the examination period).

• Tacitus, Germania. ed. JGC Anderson, Duckworth 1996.