CCIV116

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CCIV116

History and Literature of the Roman Revolution (44-27 B.C.) CCIV116 FA

Crosslistings: HIST126

Next Offered in 9899 FA

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, Augustus, in the 20's. We will look both at the struggle for power by Octavian, Marc 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 and hoped to influence that real world. Primary readings will include late Cicero, Sallust's two historical monographs, and the earlier work of the poets Vergil and Horace, and the historian Livy. We will also read a basic survey of Roman history, one classic of modern historiography (Syme's 1939 THE ROMAN REVOLUTION), and a 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.

MAJOR READINGS

R. Syme, THE ROMAN REVOLUTION
H. Scullard, FROM THE GRACCHI TO NERO: A HISTORY OF ROME
FROM 133 B.C. TO A.D. 68
Cicero, selections from LETTERS, PHILIPPICS, and ON DUTIES
Sallust, THE JUGURTHINE WAR and CONSPIRACY OF CATILINE
Livy, THE EARLY HISTORY OF ROME
Horace, EPODES and SATIRES
Vergil, ECLOGUES and GEORGICS
John Williams, AUGUSTUS: A NOVEL

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Four-five short (2 p.) papers, some of each of which will be read and discussed in class, and a final paper or take-home essay exam.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

No prior knowledge of Roman history or literature is required; the course may serve as an introduction to Roman culture. 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: Discussion Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: HA CLAS

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-03-1998

About the Photo:

Reference:

Parker, Geoffrey. THE WORLD: AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY. New York: Harper and Row, 1986

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