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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 focuses on the generation of myths among the ancient Romans and how they were constructed and represented in their literature, architecture, rituals and art. Themes include: 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; the connection between mythical enemies and historical figures. In order to solidify our analyses of ancient materials, we will also consider Maori concepts and myths for comparative purposes and the contribution of the Hollywood movie industry to the continuation and recreation of Roman myths in modern times.
Students who are successful in this course will:Be able to read, understand, analyse and interpret ancient sources (historical texts, literature and material culture) about Roman myths.Be able to assess the way in which the topics, concerns and images in Roman myths are manipulated in modern times and media.Become familiar with basic reference works relevant to the discipline of Classics.Transferrable (workplace/professional) skills developed in this course: Improved communication of knowledge and opinions verbally and in writing.Confidence in expressing opinions and discussing ideas in groups. Improved ability to write concisely in grammatically correct and properly punctuated EnglishTime management skills and self-discipline.UC Graduate ProfileBasic understanding of the role of myth, especially stories about Roman ancestors, in shaping and promoting Roman valuesBasic understanding of how Māori concepts (mana, mana whenua, rangatira, utu, turangawaewae) and ideas about social structure (eg importance of whanau and whakapapa) and leadership help us understand Roman mythBasic understanding of how colonization (Greek, Roman and European) extends Roman myth and its influence, and how modern interpretations (e.g. movies, creative writing) both promote and undermine Roman myth
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
CLAS102, CLAS103
Enrica Sciarrino
Alison Griffith
Livy's; The Early History of Rome ; Penguin, 2002.
trans. F. Ahl; Virgil's Aeniad ; Oxford University Press, 2008 (If you have another version that is fine).
Readings for each lecture are available on Learn (http://learn.canterbury.ac.nz)
Domestic fee $761.00
International fee $3,188.00
* 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 .