Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - HS 232 D100

The Religions of Ancient Greece and Rome (3)

Class Number: 12401

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 3:30–4:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 3:30–4:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 16, 2018
    Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces the religions of ancient Greece and Rome. Archaeological materials, ancient texts (in translation) and art are used to examine Graeco-Roman religions within their historical framework and understand how ancient peoples experienced religion. Examines the extent to which specific social, political and cultural developments impacted the religious landscape.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides a basic introduction to Greco-Roman religions. Emphasis is placed on the development of Greek and Roman religions within their historical framework through an analysis all of the available source materials from each period (archaeology, literary texts, art history, etc..). Special attention is given to close readings of ancient sources (in translation), which give us a glimpse as to how ancient themselves experienced religion. The course also focuses on both the continuities and changes in the religious expression of in ancient Greece and Rome, and the extent to which specific social, political and cultural developments impacted the religious landscape of the periods in question. In addition, students will become familiar with the standard terminology in the study of ancient religions – such as, “religion”, “myth”, ritual”, etc. – and apply these theoretical concepts to a comparative study of ancient and modern religions. We will also engage in a comparative analysis of the religions of Greece and Rome and explore the ways in which the polytheistic world came to become monotheistic (i.e. the rise of Christianity).

Grading

  • Assignments 30%
  • Midterm 30%
  • Final Examinations 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

S. Price, Religion of the Ancient Greeks (Cambridge, 1999)

V. Warrior, Roman Religion (Cambridge, 2003)

Other course readings will be made available online or on reserve in the Library

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS