JCU Logo

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CL 278-2"
COURSE NAME: "Literature and Society in Ancient Rome"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Massimo Betello
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 1:30 PM 2:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS:
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: EN 110 with a grade of C or above *This class can substitute for one of the two EN LIT general distribution required courses. The other EN LIT course must have the EN prefix*
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course focuses on the literature of Ancient Rome and its role in shaping modern notions about the customs, social practices, and ideas of its citizens. Emphasis will be placed on using Roman literature as a means of studying Roman civilization, while simultaneously examining stylistics and literary techniques particular to the genres of comedy, rhetoric, epic and lyric poetry, satire and history. Texts, which vary, are chosen from Terence, Plautus, Cicero, Catullus, Virgil, Horace, Ovid, Tacitus, and Juvenal. All texts are studied in translation.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This reading-intensive course will present a general history of Latin Literature from its Republican beginning to its late imperial phase.
The course will analyze and discuss authors and topics in a chronological order: a selection of the most representatives Latin authors will be read in translation, and modern scholarly literature will be used to follow the evolution and to comment on the different literary genres.
In particular, students taking this course will study:
* the nature of the different types of literature (history, epic, elegy, satire, etc.)
* the most representative authors for each literary genre
* origins and evolution, establishment and expansion, innovations and contraction in Latin literature through time
* the Romans’ attitude towards Greek literature and their development of a self- conscious national literature
* the complex interaction between literature and politics
* the influence of Latin literature and its themes in the modern age
* how literature is the production of the society of its time
 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this course, students are expected to be able to:
* trace the evolution of the history of Latin literature (authors, works, genres, trends, developments).
* discuss the different literary genres
* describe the life and literary production of the most representative authors per genre
* evaluate differences, similarities and influences among the genres and authors studied
* relate each literary work with the historical, social, political and cultural context in which it  was produced
In addition the students will:
* have increased the ability to read and comprehend complicated texts
* have broadened the terminology necessary to discuss literature
* have improved writing skills
* have improved the ability to summarize complex concepts in a simple and meaningful way
* have the ability to discuss the relevance (or lack thereof) of Latin literature in the modern age, either as a source of inspiration or as an empty pursuit.
 
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The Roman search for wisdomKellogg, M.KPrometheus Books, 2014. Amherst, New York978-1-61614- 926-0 Purchase ONLY through Perusall (see link on Moodle)Ebook  
The Oxford Anthology of Roman Literature.Knox, Peter E., and J. C. McKeown, eds.Oxford University Press USA, 20139780199875320 Purchase ONLY through Perusall (see link in Moodle)Ebook  
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
A Companion to Latin Literature. 2 nd ed.Harrison, StephenBlackwell Publishing, 2008978-0-631- 23529-3PA6004 .C66 
Latin Literature: A History. 2nd edition.Conte, Gian BiagioJohns Hopkins University Press, 1999978-0-8018- 6253-3PA6008 .C6613Edited by Don P. Fowler andGlen W. Most. Translated by Joseph Solodow.

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Reading and commentsAll the assignments that are part of this assessment method must be accessed from Moodle through Perusall links. Perusall.com is the online platform where the assignments are to be done, and no other ways are accepted for these assignments. Perusall will calculate a grade based on A) the amount of time spent doing active reading; B) whether the assignment was concluded on time; C) breaking the reading into chunks (instead of trying to do it all at once); D) the thoughtful questions and comments to the class discussion, spread throughout the entire reading. The late submission policy does not apply. The first two classes are excluded from this assignment (add/drop period), but the topics assigned will be tested in the tests and exams.15
One PresentationEach students will present one topic that is already part of the course program (works/author/genre). The presentation is intended to foster retention, increase the ability to summarize complex topics, and develop literary analysis. Format: 15 minute presentation on dates TBA. More guidelines to follow. The late submission policy does not apply.10
Midterm examDate: see schedule. The topics tested will be those of the first half of the semester. It will be made up by two parts: • one testing the student’s factual knowledge (events, date, people etc) using identifications, multiple choices, true-false, etc.; • the other testing the student’s understanding and knowledge of the concepts explained in class using open questions, essays etc. More specific details will be given during the semester. The late submission policy does not apply.25
Final examDate: TBA The topics tested will be those of the second half of the semester only. The final exam is not cumulative. The format will follow that of the midterm exam. More specific details will be given during the semester. The late submission policy does not apply.25
Final Analytical paperEach student will select a topic that is NOT part of the course program and will write an analytic paper on it. The topic needs to be pre-approved by the professor. The late submission policy applies. Guidelines: TBA20
Class ParticipationParticipation will be evaluated during every class. Students are expected to show that the assignments have been done and digested. Comments, questions, perplexities, and analogies to modern pop-culture are welcome. The late submission polity does not apply.5

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course. A: 94–100; A-: 90-93.99
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised. There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluate theory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture and reference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments. B+: 87 - 89.99; B: 84 - 86.99; B-: 80 – 83.99.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings. This level of performance demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material. C+: 77 – 79.99; C: 74 - 76.99; C-: 70 – 73.99.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material. Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail. D+: 67 - 69.99; D: 60 – 66.99
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant. F: 59.99 >

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
5 unexcused absences are allowed in this class with no consequence. Any unexcused absence beyond this number will have you fail the course.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Week

Topic

Assignments

01 week

 

Review of syllabus

The beginning of Latin Literature and society

Course introduction: expectations, syllabus, assessments, textbooks.
Review of Roman History
Kellogg: Introduction

02 week

 

Roman books and libraries.
The beginning of Latin Literature
Plautus

Knox: Preface, The Roman World of Books
Kellogg: Chapter 1 Plautus and Roman comedy
Knox: The Early Republic; Plautus, The brothers Maenechmus.

03 week

 

Terence
Lucretius

Harrison: Comedy, Atellane Farce and Mime (ch. 9)
Terence: Adeplhoi 

Kellogg: Chapter 3, Lucretius and the Poetry of Nature
Knox: The Late Republic; Lucretius, On the Nature of the Universe

04 week

 

Cicero the politician
Sallust

Kellogg: Chapter 2, Marcus Tullius Cicero, the Good Citizen.
Knox: Cicero, Against Catiline, In Defense of Caelius

Knox: Sallust, The Conspiracy of Catiline

05 week

 

Caesar
Catullus
Cicero the man and the philosopher (during the make-up Friday of this week)

Knox: Caesar, The Gallic War
Harrison: Romans and the others (ch. 25)
Knox: Catullus, Poems
Harrison: Lyric and Iambic (ch. 13)
The paper topic needs to be submitted by Thursday night
of this week through Moodle.
Cicero: Letters, About Old Age
Harrison: Epistolography (ch. 19)
Cicero: Letters, About Old Age
Harrison: Epistolography (ch. 19)


06 week

 

Vergil (Eclogues and Georgics)
Vergil (Aeneid) and Horace

Kellogg: Chapter 4, Virgil—Poet of Shadows
Knox: The Age of Augustus; Virgil, Eclogues, Georgics

Knox: Virgil, The Aeneid
Harrison: Narrative Epic (ch. 6)
Kellogg: Chapter 5 Horace—Odes to a Poet
Knox: Horace, Odes

07 week

 

MIDTERM EXAM

08 week

 

Horace

Kellogg: Chapter 5 Horace—Odes to a Poet
Knox: Horace, Odes

09 week

 

Ovid
Seneca

Kellogg: Chapter 6 Ovid—Poet of Love and Change
Knox: Ovid, Amores, Metamorphoses
Kellogg: Chapter 7 Seneca as Tragedian
Knox: The Early Empire, Seneca Medea
Harrison: Roman Tragedy (ch. 8)

10 week

 

Josephus
Pliny the Elder

Knox: Josephus, Jewish Antiquities
Knox: Pliny the Elder, Natural History

11 week

 

Livy and Tacitus
Suetonius and Plutarch


Kellogg: Chapter 9 Tacitus and the Roman Historians
Knox: Livy, From the Foundation of the City; The High Empire; Tacitus, Annals
Kellogg: Chapter 8 Plutarch and the Invention of Biography
Knox: Suetonius, Life of Nero; Plutarch, Life of Antony

12 week

 

Martial and Juvenal
Petronius

Knox: Martial, Epigrams; Juvenal, Satires
Harrison: Epigram (ch.14)
Knox: Petronius The Satyricon;
Harrison: The Novel (ch 15)

13 week

 

Apuleius and Marcus Aurelius

 

Knox: Apuleius The Metamorphoses
Kellogg: Chapter 10 The Emperor and the Slave
Knox: Marcus Aurelius, Meditations; Postscript

14 week

Conclusions and Review.

 

FINAL EXAM

TBA