AHIS3065

Ancient Cultures: Greek and Roman Society

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Not available in 2014

Provides an examination of the ancient cultures of Greece and Rome. The main topics under examination include lifestyle; religion; gender and familial issues (the role of women, men and children in society); the military systems; social elements (including slavery). The timeframe covers 5th Century BC Greece and 2nd Century BC-1st Century AD Rome.

Objectives Upon completion of this course, students will be expected to:
1. Acquire a satisfactorily informed and in-depth knowledge of Ancient Cultures that incorporates an understanding of chronology, social information and cultural specificities.

2. Gain an academic understanding of historical and cultural influences of ancient Greece and Rome on the sequential social environments of Western society.

3. Develop Communication Skills that involve oral communication, written communication and electronic communication.

4. Develop research skills: especially in the areas of independent research skills and to demonstrate the ability to communicate the products of research in a clear, concise and analytical manner.
Content 1. Introduction: Aims, Teaching Methodology
2. The Greek World: Geography, Demography, Early History
3. Religion
4. Social Structure
5. Lifecycle: Birth and Childhood
6. Gender Roles: The Male Citizen and the Greek Woman
7. Rituals: Marriage and Religious Festivals
8. Lifestyle: Warfare and Recreation (the Symposium)
9. The Roman World: Geography, Demography, Early History
10. Greek Influences
11. Social Structure
12. Roman Values
13. Politics
14. Imperialism
15. Gender Roles: The Male Citizen and Roman Women (Aristocratic Women, Lower Class Women)
16. Rituals: Death Ceremonies and Sacrifice
17. Lifestyle: Warfare and Recreation (the Roman Games and the Colosseum)
Replacing Course(s) HUMA1055
HUMA3065
Transition Students who have previously undertaken HUMA1055 or HUMA3065 may not enrol in AHIS3065. Students who have previously undertaken AHIS3510 Greek Society and/or AHIS3520 Roman Society may not enrol in AHIS3065.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge Nil
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments One source analysis or equivalent task = 10%

The source analysis involves writing one commentary on one piece of ancient source material (written, inscriptional or archaeological) from a list provided.
Essays / Written Assignments One tutorial paper or equivalent task = 30% (1200 words approx.)
Essays / Written Assignments One empathy project or equivalent task = 50% (2000 words approx.)

The empathy project entails the selection of one individual or social group from a list of choices. Students are expected to research the individual or group, read ancient and modern material, and then write an account of 'life' from the perspective of the individual or group. Examples of the 'topics' include Greek slaves, Spartan women, a Roman politician, a Roman military leader, a Roman prostitute.
Essays / Written Assignments One additional study (e.g. film review) = 10% (1000 words approx.)
Group/tutorial participation and contribution Minimum of 80% attendance is expected in this course.
Contact Hours Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term