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Myth, Art and Empire: Greece and Rome (ANCW10002)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
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Semester 2
Overview
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This subject will introduce students to the awe-inspiring world of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The students will encounter the cutting-edge research of the academic staff of Classics and Archaeology in their respective fields of expertise. Students will explore the astonishing interconnectivity of the ancient world, the evolution of Greek and Roman civilizations, the close links between the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman culture, and the enduring global legacy of the Greco-Roman cultural and literary traditions.
The subject will cover topics such as the early beginnings of Greek culture and traditions (the enduring impact on Greece of Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Minoan and Mycenaean cultures), the Homeric epics, Greek and Roman mythology, ancient theatre, Greek and Roman literary and artistic culture, the development of political constitutions (democracy, oligarchy and tyranny), social history, militarism and imperialism, and identities in Greece and Rome (the representation of foreigners, women, slaves and freedmen). The subject will also consider the ways in which modern Western culture has inherited and appropriated aspects of ancient civilisation, claiming it as a model in fields ranging from epic film and architectural design to political structure and imperial aspiration.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Assess key aspects of ancient Graeco-Roman civilization through the study of relevant primary sources
- Identify and critically analyse some of the key social structures and institutions of the Archaic and Classical Hellenic World and late republican and early imperial Rome
- Identify and articulate the relationships between Greek and Roman cultural expressions (mythology, literature, drama and art) and the social, religious, and political contexts of their production
- Communicate interpretations of Graeco-Roman culture and cultural products effectively, both orally and in writing
- Approach all evidence about Graeco-Roman with intellectual rigor, objectivity, and integrity
- Work effectively, in groups and independently, to identify, discuss and critically analyse key issues in the interpretation of ancient Greek and Roman culture and society.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Develop critical thinking skills to analyse and evaluate concepts, beliefs, considering multiple perspectives, and supporting evidence
- Communicate effectively in writing and synthesis an argument in cogent form
- Evaluate the impact of social, ethical, and cultural contexts
- Acquire greater confidence in tackling unfamiliar problems
- Reflect on the communication conventions of another culture
- Conduct independent research and effectively manage information
Last updated: 18 February 2025