HUMA 329 - The Epic in Ancient Roman Culture

Beauty and horror, order and chaos, glory and squalor: this is a course on the representation and critique of gods, love, death, and power in ancient Rome. We pursue a sustained, detailed study of a select group of Latin epics—each read in its entirety (in English translation)—in order to advance our understanding of ethical, political, religious, and aesthetic aspects of ancient Roman culture. Expect to read Virgil's Aeneid, and at least two other epics chosen from the following list: Lucretius' On the Nature of Things, Ovid's Metamorphoses, Lucan's Civil War, and Statius' Thebaid; each epic is studied in relation to a variety of contextual sources. There is abundant class discussion in which informed participation is very welcome; required work includes presentations, papers, and exams.

Prerequisites & Notes: Junior or senior status; or instructor permission.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
GUR Attributes: HUM