Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - HUM 231 D100

Daily Life in Ancient Greece and Rome (3)

Class Number: 4757

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Fri, 10:30–11:20 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. 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  

Grading

  • Assignments 30%
  • Midterm 30%
  • Final Project 40%

NOTES:

This course fulfills the Global Humanities requirements for the  

Final Project in this course consists of Podcast (30%) and Working Notes (10%). 

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

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) 

** Both texts are available online through SFU Library** 

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.