SECTION 1 – THE MAYNOOTH BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE
Greek and Roman Civilization (group 6 subject) CAO Code: MH101 | CAO Points 2021: 338 For full details of MH101 minimum entry requirements see p. 42.
>>Greek and Roman Civilization involves study of the history, literature, art, philosophy and material culture of two of the most influential periods in human history.
>>As an interdisciplinary subject, Classics spans an immense range of human experience over some 1700 years, from the late Bronze Age through to the “fall” of the Roman Empire. Greek and Roman civilizations were of foundational importance for medieval, Renaissance and modern Europe, and can claim an almost global impact.
>>In Maynooth, students are introduced to the complexities and diversity of the ancient Mediterranean cultures, through many perspectives. Themes explored in individual modules include mythology and the gods; war and heroism; colonies, cities, civilization and “the barbarian”; ideologies of empire; people and elites; women and gender; friendship, sexuality, and norms of beauty; ideas of justice, law, happiness, and the holy.
>>All material is studied in English translation. No previous knowledge of the subject is required or expected. Options exist for students to take modules in Greek and/or Latin languages as part of the programme in Greek & Roman Civilization.
Course structure 1st year
2nd year and Final year
BA Bachelor of Arts – Greek and Roman Civilization – Double Major or as a Minor
>>Greek and Roman Civilization as a Double Major or as a Minor
Greek and Roman Civilization and another subject to degree level.
>>Optional 10 credit Elective in 2nd year (see p. 13 for details)
>>15 credits of Greek and Roman Civilization >>Choose up to 3 other subjects including Critical Skills from the 5 groups available (maximum 1 subject per group – see groups table p. 45)
>>Continue with 1 of your 1st year subjects
Erasmus/Study Abroad option after 2nd year
For MH101 subject groups table go to p. 45
Possible topics 1st year
2nd year
Final year
>>In Semester 1, a module on Greek civilization (“Gods and Heroes: From Myth to History”) explores the world of Homer’s Odyssey before turning to the histories of democratic Athens and militaristic Sparta, and the momentous wars against the vast Persian Empire.
>>Homer, Troy and Early Greece
>>Greek Law and Political Theory
>>Greek Tragedy
>>Alexander the Great and Macedon
>>Thucydides and Greek Historiography
>>Virgil's Aeneid and Roman Epic
>>Ovid: Poet of Metamorphosis, Love, Exile
>>Roman Religion
>>Power and the People in Imperial Rome
>>Roman Law and Society
>>Women in Greece and Rome
>>Ireland and the Classics
>>Love and Friendship in the Ancient World
>>Independent Essay Project
>>The Semester 2 module on Roman civilization (“Culture, Politics and Society in the Roman Republic”) surveys late Republican Rome, from the daily experiences of ordinary people to the manoeuvrings of leaders like Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Octavian— leading up to the revolution of the Roman world, from republic to empire.
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