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    Overview

    An advanced study of the literary and numismatic sources that document the rise to power of the Julio-Claudian emperors.

    This paper examines how these emperors secured their position of power through a consideration of the family dynamics; the arranged murders and intrigues used to hold on to power; and their attitudes and actions towards the army, the senate and the people.

    In addition, this paper expands on the scandals and intrigues associated with the development of imperial power in Rome in the 1st century CE through seminars on the Roman army, Roman imperialism, the process of deification and sources of history.

    About this paper

    Paper title From Augustus to Nero: Advanced Studies
    Subject Classical Studies
    EFTS 0.1667
    Points 20 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,240.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    72 300-level CLAS, GREK or LATN points
    Restriction
    CLAS 344
    Limited to
    BA(Hons), PGDipArts
    Contact
    classics@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff
    Dr Gwynaeth McIntyre
    Paper Structure

    This paper consists of two-50 minute classes per week, which will vary from lecture style to a more discussion-based format. The topics are arranged by emperor and cover the creation and development of dynastic succession, expanding the empire, mutinies and conspiracies, and ideology and propaganda. There are six tutorials which will help students to learn and develop their skills in analysing coins.

    Textbooks
    Edwards, C. (trans). 2008. Suetonius. The Lives of the Twelve Caesars. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Woodman, A.J. (trans). 2004. Tacitus. The Annals. Cambridge: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Communication, Critical thinking, Self-motivation, Interdisciplinary perspectives.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    By the end of this paper, students will have gained:

    • An understanding of the historical context of the period from the death of Caesar to the death of Nero (44 BCE - 68 CE)
    • An understanding of the key developments of the construction of a dynastic house and the various ways imperial power could be legitimised and expressed
    • A familiarity with the literary and numismatic sources for the period, as well as the ability to critically evaluate these sources
    • The skills of effective written communication, including the construction of clear and logical scholarly argumentation
    • The skills of effective oral communication, including the ability to present formal papers and to draw reasoned hypotheses from the surviving ancient sources

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 12:00-12:50 9-13, 15-22
    Wednesday 12:00-12:50 9-13, 15-22

    Seminar

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Thursday 12:00-12:50 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22
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