CLAS 2540 - Rome Under the Caesars

Looks at life and thought in ancient Rome from Augustus through Marcus Aurelius (27 B.C.- A.D.180) based on archaeological, historical, and literary sources. Examines across cultural boundaries the issue of what it means to be human. Focuses primarily on the inhabitants of Rome, how they lived and what they thought about fundamental issues such as: How should the demands of the common good be balanced with individual needs and desires? What is the role of religion in society? of education? of art? How does one deal with death? What ultimately make life worth living for an individual in Roman society? Issues then compared with our own attitudes in modern America. Studies the use of political propaganda in society, the rituals of daily life in ancient Rome, and the art and architecture that made up the environment in which these people lived.

Credit Hours: 3
OHIO BRICKS Pillar: Humanities: Text and Contexts
General Education Code (students who entered prior to Fall 2021-22): 2HL
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:

To be able to compare and contrast evidence from different literary genres as well as from material culture.
To be able to distinguish between an opinion and an rational argument.
To be able to distinguish similarities and differences between Roman culture and modern American culture and analyze why they exist.
To be able to take a position on an issue and present a written argument expressing the basis on which that opinion is formed.
To understand how we know what we know about the Roman culture.
To understand the roles which religion, art, family, politics, warfare, and leisure activities play in development of Roman culture.

Ohio University

Ohio University

CLAS 2540 - Rome Under the Caesars