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An introduction to the economies in the Mediterranean region during antiquity in order to gain a better knowledge of societies in the ancient world. Select economic activities will be studied to provide a greater understanding of the daily reality for individuals. Topics covered may include occupations, how the rental housing market worked, what coins were available, urbanization, etc. We will also investigate the operation of 'states', such as the Roman Empire and/or the Athenian Empire. Here we will examine activities such as trade, transportation, taxes and slave markets.
Working for a living in RomeCicero tells us that he purchased a house on the Palantine for 3500000 sesterces. For that price one can assume it was a very nice house! But how did he actually pay for it? Could he go to a bank? In fact, were there banks in Ancient Rome? Did he send slaves with sacks of coins to pay the previous owner? Stack a wagon with silver bars? Or did he use some other payment method?In CLAS222 you will find out how elite Romans made these large purchases and in doing so begin to understand a little more of everyday life in ancient Rome. We will analyse how the wealthy invested their money and managed their estates. We will also look at the lives of craftsmen and the poor. How much did they earn? What employment did they have? Case studies of select industries such as wine production, the Fullers, the hospitality industry and Roman prostitution will form part of the narrative. We will ask if workers and their families could survive in Rome on probable incomes? The answer will provide new insights into Roman society, demonstrating for example whether women had to work to help families get by. In other words our study of the Ancient Economies looks at the reality of living and working in Rome.We are also interested in the macro economic environment. The development of coinage in both the Greek and Roman worlds. State contracts and food supply, especially the shipping of grain to Rome and what this meant to Roman citizens. We will investigate transportation options, markets and the distribution of products. Trade is key topic, both inside the Roman Empire and also the luxury trade outside of it — did the Romans trade with China? The result is both a greater understanding of economic activity in Antiquity, as well as further insight into the daily lives of individuals in the Ancient World.
Students who are successful in this course will:1. Gain an understanding of the economies in the ancient world and economic activity in antiquity2. Be able to read, understand, analyse and interpret ancient sources (historical texts, literature and material culture) about economic activity in antiquity (especially the Roman economy).3. Gain insights into daily life in antiquity, in particular Rome.4. Become familiar with basic reference works relevant to the discipline of Classics.Transferrable (employment) skills developed in this course: 5. Improved communication of knowledge and opinions verbally and in writing.6. Confidence in expressing opinions and discussing ideas in groups. 7. Improved ability to write concisely in grammatically correct and properly punctuated English8. Time management skills and self-discipline.9. Gain greater skills in critical thinking, argument development and problem solving.UC Graduate Profile10. Basic understanding of how the Romans perceived their past through, e.g., stories about and representations of Roman ancestors, and how this process helped shape and promote Roman values11. Basic understanding of how Roman colonization extends Roman presence, influence, and power over other peoples.
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.
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.
Either 15 points of CLAS at 100-level with a B pass; or 30 points of CLAS and/or ECON at 100-level; or any 45 points from the Arts schedule
Gary Morrison
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 .