The course focuses on one or more key topics to deepen students' understanding of key concepts, methodologies and theoretical approaches in Roman social history. Topics vary from year to year, but may include: family and household; law and society; class, status, and social hierarchies; army and society; demography; work and labour; mobility and connectivity.
Advanced colloquium on selected topics in Ancient Greek and/or Roman History. Topics vary from year to year. Please consult the Department of History website for further details.
A study of two Augustan epics: Vergil's Aeneid and Ovid's Metamorphoses.
A study of one or more of the plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles, or Euripides in the original ANCIENT GREEK. The course will include a review of ancient Greek grammar and vocabulary. The course is only suitable for students at an advanced level of language study. See prerequisites below.
An examination of the background, structure and arguments of one of the great works of Plato or Aristotle. Alternatively, it may also focus on the works of others, including the Presocratics, the Stoics, the Epicureans and the Neoplatonists.
ANCILLARY COURSE. This course examines the early, radical alternative version of Christianity and Judaism based on mystical self-knowledge (gnosis), and the challenge it posed to orthodox views on such issues as authority, the role of women, wisdom and organizational structure.
Examines the remarkable cultural achievements of the Irish, how they kept the lamps of learning, literature and material culture (manuscript, painting, ornamental metalwork) burning following the barbarian invasions of the fifth century and the decline of Roman civilization on the continent.
A study of the life and seminal ideas of Augustine of Hippo. Setting his ideas in the context of his life story, the course explores his teaching on such themes as religion, education, philosophy, grade and free will, sexuality and politics.
ANCILLARY COURSE. This course analyzes texts excluded from the New Testament, such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Infancy Gospel of James, and the Apocalypse of Peter. It discusses what these texts truly say about Jesus and why they are important for the study of Early Christianity.
This course takes a historical approach to writings produced in the second generation of the Jesus movements, including the gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John.