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This course will examine the events and literature of the civil war years from the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 B.C. to the consolidation of power in the hands of Rome's first emperor in the '20s B.C. We will look both at the struggle for power by Octavian, Mark Antony, and others, and at the response to crisis of the intelligentsia as a new generation of historians and poets both fled from the real world to the escape of literary pursuits and also grappled with the events of the day through writing that hoped to influence that real world. We will also read a basic survey of Roman history, one classic of modern historiography (Syme's 1939 THE ROMAN REVOLUTION), and one historical novel. The class will begin with background study of Roman history, and throughout the term readings will be supplemented by occasional mini-lectures on such topics as minor literary and historical figures, Roman coins and monuments, and political invective.
Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.
COURSE FORMAT: Seminar
Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: HA CLAS Grading Mode: Graded
Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.
Last Updated on MAR-19-2002
Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459