Spectacle and Society in Ancient Greece and Rome unit (HTC340)

Introduction

This unit explores the roles of spectacles and the spectacular in ancient Greek and Roman society through the study of literary sources and material culture. Lecture and discussion topics include athletic competitions, gladiatorial games, chariot races, animal hunts, military triumphs, theatrical shows, funerals, and executions. We will consider what spectacles meant to the ancient Greeks and Romans, and what they still mean to us today.

Summary

Unit name	Spectacle and Society in Ancient Greece and Rome
Unit code	HTC340
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline	History and Classics
Coordinator	Miss Claire Ferguson
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Describe and explain the key features of different types of ancient Greek and Roman spectacles and situate them in their historical contexts.
• Distinguish between primary and secondary sources of evidence for ancient Greek and Roman spectacles and explain how they are used by ancient historians.
• Critically analyse a range of primary sources for ancient Greek and Roman spectacles.
• Use primary and secondary sources to support written arguments about ancient Greek and Roman spectacles.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

25 credit points at Introductory level or higher

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On Campus: Weekly recorded 30 min. lecture & 2-hour seminar  Off Campus: Weekly lectures (1.5 hours) and online activities
Assessment	Weekly online quizzes (10%)|Primary Source Analyses (15%)|Major Essay (35%)|Take-Home Exam (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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