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An introduction to Roman myths and the mythology of "Empire" and the way these are disseminated (or subverted) in literature and art. Topics include legendary figures (eg Aeneas and Romulus) as well as historical figures of legendary status (eg Spartacus, Cleopatra and Nero).
This course surveys the sources, contexts and uses for Roman "myth" in Latin literature, historical writing, Roman art and Hollywood movies. Lectures and readings explore the following themes: the role of myth in the formation of Roman identity and culture; the use of mythical heroes and heroic women as examples of social values and models for proper "Roman" behaviour; the connection between mythical enemies represented by Dido and Carthage and "real" enemies Mark Antony, Cleopatra and Egypt; the use of myth by the emperor Augustus to legitimize his dictatorship and to promote his own social ideology; and the role of the Hollywood movie industry in the continuation and recreation of Roman myths in modern times.
CLAS102, CLAS103
Enrica Sciarrino
Alison Griffith
Livy. , De Selincourt, Aubrey; The early history of Rome : Books I-V of The history of Rome from its foundation ; Repr. with new introd; Penguin, 1971.
Virgil. , Day Lewis, C., Griffin, Jasper; The Aeneid ; Oxford University Press, 1986.
Domestic fee $717.00
International fee $2,913.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Humanities .