Handbook home
The Roman Way of Life (ANCW40012)
HonoursPoints: 12.5Not available in 2025
About this subject
Overview
Fees | Look up fees |
---|
The Monty Python team pondered many big questions, among them the rather tantalizing one: 'What did the Romans ever do for us?' This research seminar rises to the challenge as it involves discussions of revealing source material on the big issues in Roman social, cultural, political and religious history. Source readings will highlight the structure of Roman society and the plight of the common folk, Roman family life, Roman marriage, housing and city life, domestic and personal concerns, education, occupations, slaves, freedmen and freedwomen, government and politics, the Roman army, the provinces, women in Roman society, leisure and entertainment, and religion and philosophy. By gaining insight into the Roman way of life, students should be in a good position to assess the legacy of Roman civilization and come up with some plausible answers to the original question.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Reflect on the socio-economic, cultural, religious and political structure of Roman society from the middle Republic to the Empire
- Critically assess the extant primary source materials in their historical context
- Research and develop original, coherent, and carefully substantiated arguments drawing on a varied and disparate range of sources
- Evaluate the ongoing relevance of Rome's multifaceted legacy to our contemporary world
- Present possibly complex analyses in concise, readily intelligible and engaging manner.
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: 8 November 2024