Classics 1280
Introduction to Roman Culture

The following pages contain general information about the course, presented either as .pdf files or in new browser windows.
FINAL EXAMINATION (2 hours)

Part I: terms/sets of terms for definition/explanation
Part II: essay question on broader topics
Part III: essay question dealing with the whole term's work

For date, time, and location, check posted schedules or the university's web page.

Material to be covered:
For Parts I - II: course-work since Test 3 (Religion; Domestic architecture; Art (painting, mosaics, sculpture, minor arts))
For Part III: the whole term's work.
READINGS FROM SHELTON

NOTES:

1) It will be assumed that Shelton's chapter and passage introductions, as well as her footnotes, have been read in conjunction with the passages.

2) Knowledge of the basic geography will also be assumed. Review the maps in Shelton, pages 433 (Rome), 434 (Central Italy), 435 (Italy and Sicily), 436-7 (Greece and Asia Minor), 438-9 (Roman Empire)

3) Brief biographies of ancient authors, and other notes on source materials, may be found in Shelton's Appendix I, pages 440-51.

4) Some notes on Roman coinage, wages, and prices may be found in Shelton's Appendix II, page 452.

5) Important dates and events are listed in Shelton's Appendix III, pages 453-6.


READINGS:

relevant for: passage number(s): other readings (Shelton's introductions and commentaries):
  
Foundation myth 1 the Introduction (p. 1)
   
Republican history 2, 255-9, 262-6 pages 203-5 (The Assemblies), 206 (Contio), 207-8 (Magistrates), 212 (Responsibilities of a Magistrate), 215-6 (Political campaigns), 221-2 (The Senate), 223-4 (The Senate & the People), 225 (The Senate & the Equestrians)
   
Augustan history 267-70, 272-3 pages 226-7 (Government in the Early Imperial Period & The Powers of Augustus), 229 (The Prefect of the City), 230-1 (Careers in the Government), 232-3 (Freedom of Speech)
   
Banqueting 355-363 pages 307 (Leisure activities); 314-7 (Dinner parties and individual passage introductions); 318 (Recitations)
   
Slavery 198-200, 202-4, 206-7, 209-12, 214, 218-21, 233, 246 chapters 8 & 9 are worth reading in full, but at the least please do review Shelton's introductions and commentaries for the specified passages
   
Family and Household life 27, 30, 36, 38-42, 44-5, 50, 55, 57, 59-62, 64, 66, 71, 74, 77, 126, 128-9, 134-5, 143, 145, 152-3, 155 chapters 2, 3, 6, and 13 are relevant here; at the least please read Shelton's chapter introductions and passage introductions for the selected passages
   
Baths and Bathing 352-4 pages 309-10 (Baths) with the introductions to the passages
   
Sports and spectacles 378, 381, 383-5, 389-90, 391-2, 394-8 pages 329-32, 337-8, 346-7, 348-51 (introductory remarks on spectacles, circus events, theatre events, and arena events respectively)
   
Religion 385, 402, 404-5, 408-9, 412, 417, 419, 426-8, 432, 437, 447-8, 459 All of chapter 15 through page 420 is relevant; at the least please read Shelton's introductory comments to the chapter and the selected passages
   
Domestic architecture 79-83, 92-3, 96, 98 All of chapter IV (Housing and City Life) is relevant. At the least, please read Shelton's introductions and commentaries on the individual passages
   
REVIEW PAGES

Presentations pages: click on a link to bring up a web version of the Presentations shows seen in class. Each will open in a new window.

Introduction - Topography - Sources
  
The Roman Foundation Myth
  
Roman history: Regal period and Republic
  
Roman history: Augustan period
  
Roman history: post-Augustan period
  
The banquet
  
Slavery
  
Sex and sexuality
  
Family and Household Life
  
Bathing
  
Sports and spectacles
  
Religion
  
Intro. to architecture
  
Domestic architecture
  
Painting
  
Mosaic
  
Sculpture
  
Minor arts
  
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