Course Description
The characteristics of Roman literature and culture, taught principally through translations of selections from Roman authors.
Athena Title
Roman Culture
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in CLAS 1010, CLAS 1010H
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to sketch, arrange, and describe the major historical developments of the ancient Roman world, from the city’s foundation, through the Roman Republic, through the foundation and development of the Roman Empire, to the retirement of the last Emperor in the West.
- Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to identify and interpret ancient Roman texts (in translation), material culture, and archeological sites and artifacts for evidence of Roman culture and beliefs.
- Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to discuss and explain the ways in which Roman literature and material artifacts reflect and engage with their historical, social, political, and cultural contexts.
- Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to appraise and critique the literary merit, meaning, contemporary importance, and legacy of the Roman literature, art, and culture (note: students read original Greek and Latin texts in English translation).
- Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to organize and compose written work of various lengths and genres (including but not limited to essays) on topics of ancient Roman culture, including history, literature, and society.
Topical Outline
- Unit 1: Who were the Romans?
- 1A: The foundation of Rome
- 1B: The monarchy
- 1C: The overthrow of the kings and the beginning of the republic
- Unit 2: The roman republic: history, aristocracy and imperialism
- 2A: Roman republican government
- 2B: Roman imperial expansion and conquest
- 2C: Civil war
- Unit 3: Introduction to the Augustan Age
- 3A: Governmental stability and reform
- 3B: Augustus' religious and moral reforms
- 3C: Intellectual and artistic trends of the Augustan age
- Unit 4: The Julio-Claudian age
- 4A: Developments in the imperial system of governing
- 4B: Public forms of entertainment
- 4C: Class structure (slave, freed and free)
- Unit 5: The second century
- 5A: Mystery cults
- 5B: The rise of Christianity
- 5C: Persecutions and martyrdom accounts
- Unit 6: The third and fourth centuries
- 6A: Collapse and recovery
- 6B: Bureaucracy and stability
- 6C: Education and the preservation of ancient texts
General Education Core
CORE IV: Humanities and the Arts
Institutional Competencies
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
