Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - HUM 231 D100

Daily Life in Ancient Greece and Rome (3)

Class Number: 4581

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the social history of ancient Greece and Rome, particularly through the study of relevant artifacts, art, architecture, and ancient texts (in translation). Considers topics such as the lives of men, women, children and slaves; the home; dining; government; the economy; the army; death and burial; and entertainment. Students with credit for HS 231 or HUM 216 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

When we study the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, we often focus on major historical events, large scale buildings and the incredible works of art that have survived. Rarely, however, do we talk about the everyday lives of the individuals living within these societies. What did they eat? How did they bathe? What kind of activities did they enjoy?

This course presents a unique opportunity to examine the social history of ancient Greece and Rome, particularly through the study of relevant artifacts, art, architecture, and ancient texts (in translation). The course will consider how text and material culture can shed light on such topics as the lives of men, women, children and slaves; the home; dining; government; the economy; the army; death and burial; and entertainment. The course will draw parallels between Greek and Roman society, as well between the ancient and modern world.

The course is organized both chronologically and thematically, forming two overarching units:

  1. Daily life in Greece
  2. Daily life in Rome

Breadth-Humanities.

Grading

  • Assignments 30%
  • Midterm 30%
  • Final Project (Podcast (30%) & Working Notes (10%)) 40%

NOTES:

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Students with Disabilities (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Deferred grades will be given only on the basis of authenticated medical disability.

This course counts towards a concentration in Art and Material Culture and Hellenic Studies for students in a Humanities major or minor program and also a certificate in Hellenic Studies.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Garland, R. Daily Life of the Ancient Greeks (Indianapolis: Hackett, 2014)

Aldrete, G. Daily Life in the Roman City: Rome, Pompeii, and Ostia, Revised Edition (University of Oklahoma Press, 2008)


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.