Masterpieces of Roman Literature

Timetable

TBA

Module aim (aims)

This module offers an in-depth exploration of the greatest works of Latin literature, providing students with a broad and comprehensive understanding of their historical, cultural, and artistic significance. Through a carefully curated selection of dramas, poetry, and prose, students will engage in a contextualized reading of these masterpieces, uncovering the essence of Roman literary tradition and its reflection of ancient Roman society, values, and thought.

Class discussions will focus on analyzing key literary elements that define each work, including its stylistic features, thematic concerns, and its role within the broader literary tradition. Special attention will be given to how these texts represent their respective authors, historical periods, and genres. Additionally, we will examine the lasting impact of these works, exploring the specific qualities that contributed to their influence both in their own time and in the literary canon that followed.

By the end of the course, students will not only develop a deeper appreciation for Roman literature but also gain critical insights into how these texts continue to shape our understanding of classical antiquity and their enduring relevance in modern culture.

Your provisional reading list covers a great range of Latin literature, from early comedy to epic poetry, elegy, tragedy, satire, and the novel.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Students should have a strong proficiency in reading English and at least an intermediate level of spoken English to effectively engage with the assigned texts and participate in class discussions.

Additionally, a general knowledge of ancient Roman history and culture will be beneficial for understanding the literary works in their historical context. Familiarity with basic literary terms and concepts will also prove useful for textual analysis and discussion. However, essential background information will be provided throughout the course.

Syllabus

 

• Week 1: Introduction – Literature in Rome
  Overview of Roman literary tradition, historical context, and key genres.

• Week 2: Plautus – The Master of Deceit
  Exploration of Plautine comedy, trickery, stock characters, and social satire.

• Week 3: Terence – A Family Portrait
  Examination of Terence’s approach to family dynamics, morality, and social values.

• Week 4: Catullus – Poems to Lesbia
  A deep dive into Catullus’ passionate and personal poetry, love, and heartbreak.

• Week 5: Horace – The Meaning of Life
  Horace’s philosophy of life, Epicureanism, Stoicism, and reflections on contentment.

• Week 6: Horace – A Satirical Eye
  The role of satire in Horace’s work, social criticism, and poetic craft.

• Week 7: Vergil – The Travels of Aeneas
  Analyzing Aeneas’ journey, heroism, and the epic tradition in The Aeneid.

• Week 8: Vergil – The Beginning of Rome
  Rome’s foundation myth in The Aeneid, destiny, and political propaganda.

• Week 9: Ovid – The Teacher of Love
  Ovid’s Ars Amatoria and Amores, the art of love, and poetic playfulness.

• Week 10: Ovid – Transformations of the Body
  Metamorphosis as a literary device in Metamorphoses—change, identity, and myth.

• Week 11: Petronius – Dining with Trimalchio
  A study of Cena Trimalchionis in Satyricon, satire, and Roman excess.

• Week 12: Seneca – Tragedy and All That Killing
  The dark world of Seneca’s Phaedra or Medea, Stoicism, and the nature of tragedy.

• Week 13: Apuleius – Cupid and Psyche
  The myth of Cupid and Psyche in The Golden Ass, transformation, and initiation.

• Week 14: Summary – Motifs, Themes, and Anxieties
  Revisiting major themes, literary motifs, and cultural concerns across the course.

• Week 15: Final Test

 

 

Reading list

A detailed selection of poems will be provided during the semester. The most extensive reading will be Vergil’s Aeneid, while other works will be studied through selected passages.

Comedies:

1. Plautus – Pseudolus
2. Terence – Andria

Poetry (Selections to be provided in class):

3. Catullus – Poems
4. Horace – Poems and Satires

Epic and Elegy:

5. Vergil – Aeneid (Books I-VI)
6. Ovid – The Art of Love, Amores (selection)
7. Ovid – Metamorphoses (Books III–IV)

Satire and the Novel:

8. Petronius – Satyricon ("Trimalchio's Feast")
9. Apuleius – Metamorphoses (The Golden Ass, "Cupid and Psyche")

Tragedy:

10. Seneca – Medea or Phaedra

Additional Notes:

• The plays by Plautus, Terence, and Seneca are of varying lengths, and selected readings will be assigned.
• Excerpts from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Petronius’ Satyricon, and Apuleius’ Golden Ass will be read and discussed in class.
• All selected poems will be read and analyzed during class sessions.