Jeremy Trevett: jtrevett@yorku.ca

Jonathan Edmondson: jedmond@yorku.ca

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the historical development and political circumstances of the Ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Besides the historical narrative, students will be exposed to the society and culture of the two civilizations, with specific emphasis on such topics as women and gender, slavery, sport and entertainment, religion, and economy. The course will also help students develop important skills of critical reading and analysis, by utilizing a wide range of primary source material, including literary, epigraphic, artistic and material evidence, as well as scholarly studies on key subjects.

The course is divided into two halves. Fall Term explores Greek civilization from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic Kingdoms that flourished after the death of Alexander the Great. Winter Term is devoted to Roman history, from the development of early Rome and its neighbours, the Roman Republic, the Principate, and the Later Roman Empire.

*TENTATIVE*

S. B. Pomeroy, S. M. Burstein, W. Donlan, J. T. Roberts and D. W. Tandy, A Brief History of Ancient Greece: Politics, Society and Culture. 4th ed. Oxford University Press

M. T. Boatwright, D. J. Gargola and R. Talbert, A Brief History of the Romans. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press

Homer, The Odyssey (tr. A. Verity). Oxford World’s Classics: Oxford University Press

Plutarch, Roman Lives (tr. R. Waterfield). Oxford World’s Classics: Oxford University Press

Tacitus, Annals: The Reigns of Tiberius, Claudius and Nero (tr. J. C. Yardley). Oxford World’s Classics: Oxford University Press

A variety of other readings will be available electronically.

*TENTATIVE Grade Breakdown*

2 In-Class source analyses: 20% (10% each)

2 Formal essays: 30% (15% each)

2 Examinations: 30% (15% each)

Participation: 10%

Quizzes: 10%

Two 50-minute lectures and one 50-minute tutorial each week.

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• identify and describe the key figures, terms, and topics of Greek and Roman history;
• identify, discuss and explain key historical events;
• identify, describe and discuss the various methodological and theoretical approaches to the interpretation of historical sources;
• read critically and evaluate (review and interpret) information from both primary sources and scholarly secondary sources, and explore the limited and contested nature of historical knowledge about Ancient Greece and Rome;
• discuss issues related to course material with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed both in writing and orally in tutorial.
• write a clear and effective essay, making use of different sources and following appropriate standards of presentation.