Handbook Archive
The Rise and Fall of the Roman Republic
Subject ANCW20019 (2016)
Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.
Credit Points:
2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:
This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:
Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Feb-2016 to 29-May-2016
Assessment Period End 24-Jun-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 11-Mar-2016
Census Date 31-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 06-May-2016
Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Contact Hours: 29 hours - 1 x 1.5 hour lecture per week for 12 weeks and 11 x 1 hour tutorials scheduled across the semester
Total Time Commitment:
Recommended Background Knowledge:
Non Allowed Subjects:
Core Participation Requirements:
For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.
It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Assoc Prof Frederik Vervaet
Email: fvervaet@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:
The turbulent and exciting history of the Roman Republic roughly spanned some five centuries: from its humble beginnings around 500 BCE to the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March 44 BCE. The first part of this lecture series celebrating this formative period in world history discusses early Rome; the social, political and religious institutions of the Republic as they gradually emerged from 509 to 264 BCE; and the Roman conquest of Italy and its significance. The second part concerns the high point of the Roman Republic, approximately the period from 264 to 133 BCE, including discussions of the Punic Wars and the conquest of the Mediterranean, and its tremendous consequences for the Republic. The third and final part deals with the Republic's troubled last century and surveys the ill-fated Gracchan reforms; the first full-fledged breakdown of the Republican system and the Sullan reaction; the social, economic and cultural life of this period; the rise of the great dynasts; and Caesar's temerarious attempt to establish a New Order.
Students who successfully complete this subject should:
acquire a broad insight into the varied and rich history of the Roman Republic
have further developed their ability to write a coherent research essay
have developed the skills to select and analyze relevant material from the ancient sources and synthesize the findings of this inquiry into a consistent and structured argument
A mid-term exam, partially completed online, equivalent to 1000 words, held in week 6 (25%)
A 2000 word research essay due in the second half of semester (40%)
A final exam, equivalent to 1000 words, held in the end of semester examination period, note that questions will be circulated prior to the exam (25%)
Tutorial attendance and contribution throughout the semester, note that students will be required to personally submit their tutorial participation template sheet at the close of every tutorial (10%)
Hurdle Requirement:
Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject.
All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five working days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Prescribed Texts:
Matthew Dillon & Lynda Garland, Ancient Rome: A Sourcebook, Routledge, 2005
Subject readings will be available on line
Breadth Options:
This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:
You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.
Fees Information:
Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Links to further information:
http://shaps.unimelb.edu.au/classics-archaeology
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations:
Ancient World Studies
Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern Studies Major
Graduate Certificate in Arts - Classical Studies and Archaeology
Graduate Diploma in Arts - Classical Studies and Archaeology
Related Breadth Track(s):
Ancient Civilizations A
Roman Studies
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