Requirements

Cultural Materials

Syllabus

September
October
November
December

You may choose from among the following six topics for the final paper (2500-3000 words, typed and double-spaced, 1" margins, stapled, due in class on December 13th; any late papers will receive an "F" as this is the last paper and the last day of class). Each paper topic consists of sources you must consult and utilize; all are either on reserve at the Circulation desk, on open reserve in the first floor Reading Room for another course (and thus must be returned to the shelf daily) or with the periodicals in the Basement. "LR" refers to Lewis and Reinhold's two-volume sourcebook, already on reserve for this course. A series of questions follows the sources for each topic; these questions are intended to point you in the direction of a thesis that you will design (for the definition of a "thesis," see p. 3 of The Skidmore Guide to Writing, all of which I urge you to consult as you proceed with this assignment). Do not think that you need to respond to all of the questions accompanying the topic; they are meant only as talking points, issues for you to consider.

• Roman Sexuality
• Domestic Space in the Roman House and Villa
• The Imperial Cult
• Blood Sport
• Slavery and Freedom
• Why did the Romans Persecute the Christians?

If you wish to write on another topic, you must provide me with materials similar to what I have offered above: a topic, a list of primary and secondary sources, and some issues you will consider.