Otacilia Severa, wife of Emperor Philip I, "the Arab." Coin dated 247/248 AD image courtesy of Edgar L. Owen,
CLA 228

Roman Civilization
 

Spring 2009

games for Rome's 1000th birthday and the new Saeculum,about 110 years in length image courtesy of Edgar L. Owen,

Instructor: Dr. Victor A. Leuci

Texts: Links for materials to support this course:
The syllabus also provides links to various sites Objectives: The course is a survey of ancient Roman life and thought. Our goals are to: Relationship to the General Education Curriculum: Roman Civilization 228 satisfies one of the two courses required within the Historical Perspectives Context of Tier II. As stated in the course objectives, Roman Civilization 228 provides students with opportunities to immerse themselves in the ancient Roman culture and daily life, learning how it evolved politically, socially, culturally, and economically over time. Mastering an understanding of a culture’s art, architecture, literature, philosophy, science, economics, politics, and religion offers opportunities for reflection on varying cultural, social, and historical traditions including work, family, voluntary associations, government. The course will also foster an awareness of the role of values in decision making, search for meaning and identity, and the ethical issues of society. Much of this will be accomplished through the study of certain "archetypal" individuals from the time period covered. Students should also gain insight into ways their culture is similar to and different from the ancient Roman culture. It is intended that students will acquire a deeper understanding of the breadth of our human experience and heritage over the expanse of Roman history. Also intended is the understanding of the interrelationships of the political, social, artistic, cultural, intellectual, religious, and scientific aspects of life in ancient Rome. Finally, it is expected that students will gain a greater respect for other peoples and cultures because of their study of ancient Roman civilization. Through this course, students will develop a propensity for historical methods of study that lead to an understanding of patterns and meaning in history. The teaching and use of historical methods will be key for much of the above discussions, examinations, and analysis. It is expected that the students will be able to reach and defend their own positions based on careful analysis of primary sources (keeping in mind that many of our ‘primary’ sources for this time period are, in fact, secondary to varying degrees) and thoughtful and judicious use of secondary sources.

Format: The course will rely primarily on discussion with some lecture. We may also explore certain aspects of Roman life via the Web. Certain course information regarding assignments will also be posted to the web page created for this course and/or may be available via ANGEL. More than two unexcused absences will be considered excessive and will factor in determining your overall grade. No make-up work will be accepted for unexcused absences.

Writing Intensive Option: Different types of writing will be part of the course: short papers and exams that are predominately essay (two of which must be the take-home versions). Six short papers will be assigned as a means to help participants come to a better understanding of important themes, ideas, and concepts. The first short paper will be revised on the basis of a conference with me. Two other papers must be revised on the basis of conferences with me and with a tutor at the Writing Lab. A critique and conference after the completion of a paper may also occur. In general, participants in the class should highly consider using the services of the Writing Lab and especially the Lab tutors, who can be of tremendous assistance.

Grading:

Honor Code: All students and faculty must adhere to the Honor Code; please see the Student Life Handbook for the full description  of the Honor Code--p. 21 in the Student Life Handbook gives a short definition: "No Westminster student shall commit any act of academic dishonesty in order to advance her or his own academic performance, or to impede or advance the academic progress of others," but the sections on plagiarism and cheating are especially important (see Honor Commission Constitution, Article IX).

 ADA Accommodation: Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me to arrange an appointment as soon as possible.  At that time, we can discuss the course format, anticipate your needs, and explore possible accommodations. Westminster's ADA policy can be found at the College's website (click here) Exams:


Papers:

  • Content: Each short paper will focus on a specific question based on your readings or possibly on a web site. The questions will typically be narrow in focus, and your paper should follow suite. The thesis you maintain in your paper should be supported with facts from the readings and from quotes where appropriate, both the facts and the quotes need citations. Wherever possible use ancient Roman sources for your facts and quotes. The paper, however, should not be one long quotation.
    • Attendance:  Regular attendance and participation are essential for the success of the whole class.  More than two unexcused absences will be considered excessive, and no make-up work will be accepted for unexcused absences. Each unexcused absence past two will result in a deduction of 5 points from the total number of points one has at the end of the semester. If you are ill, e-mail me before class, if possible, or as soon as you are able.

    Assignments:  The assignments given below are not "set-in-stone," and may vary depending on how each class period goes. The syllabus will be updated as needed.
     

    Unit I: From Romulus to the Rubicon (753-49 BC)

    Unit II: From Caesar to Vespasian (49 BC - 69 AD) Unit III: From Vespasian to Constantine (69 - 337 AD) Unit IIII: Leisure and Entertainment