The characteristics of Roman literature and culture, taught principally through translations of selections from Roman authors.
Athena Title
Roman Culture Honors
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in CLAS 1010, CLAS 1010E
Prerequisite
Permission of Honors
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
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.
