Literature of the Roman Empire
Literature of the Roman Empire In this course we will investigate the literature, culture, and history of the Roman Empire, focusing on how Romans sought, often at the cost of their own lives, to define the role and powers of the emperor and their place as subjects to this new, autocratic power. Texts we will read include: epic (Lucan), tragedy (Seneca), history (Tacitus), biography (Suetonius), prose fiction (Petronius), as well as early Christian literature. As we read we will seek to answer questions about the nature of freedom and empire, what is gained and lost by replacing a republican with an autocratic political system, and whether literature in this period can offer an accurate reflection of reality, function as an instrument of change and protest, or of fearful praise and flattery. 3 hrs lect. 1 hr. disc.
Literature of the Roman Empire In this course we will investigate the literature, culture, and history of the Roman Empire, focusing on how Romans sought, often at the cost of their own lives, to define the role and powers of the emperor and their place as subjects to this new, autocratic power. Texts we will read include: epic (Lucan), tragedy (Seneca), history (Tacitus), biography (Suetonius), prose fiction (Petronius), as well as early Christian literature. As we read we will seek to answer questions about the nature of freedom and empire, what is gained and lost by replacing a republican …Read more
Ganiban is an incredibly bright and passionate professor. It is clear just from the start that he is not only deeply knowledgeable but cares for his students well being in and out of the classroom. The course is reading heavy and at times the lectures can be boring. I will admit to frequently zoning out, but the readings are engaging and really do give you an appreciation, insight and background in Imperial Roman Literature. There are two papers and two exams. You have ample time to prepare the papers and for the exams. The final was genuinely difficult.
Ganiban is an incredibly bright and passionate professor. It is clear just from the start that he is not only deeply knowledgeable but cares for his students well being in and out of the classroom. The course is reading heavy and at times the lectures can be boring. I will admit to frequently zoning out, but the readings are engaging …Read more
Professor Ganiban is great and his lectures are very enjoyable, I would definitely take this class again. Took this class for distribution requirements and really enjoyed it. There were weekly readings with responses and papers.
Ganiban is wonderful! I took the course as a CW, so we had fewer exams but more papers. Didn't do nearly all the readings due to lack of time, but I got through it. Highly recommend for distribution reqs.