Course Description
Course Name
Romans and Barbarians
Session: VLNF3425
Hours & Credits
20 UK Credits
Prerequisites & Language Level
Taught In English
- There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.
Overview
Assessment: essay (2500 words) [50%], oral exam (15 min.) [50%]
The relationship with the ?Other?, the barbarian, the foreigner, was constitutive for the identity of the Romans. Ethnographical literature had already a significant Greek tradition when it was adopted by Roman writers. Reading the texts about the ?Others?, be they enemies, distant and curious peoples or direct neighbours can tell us a lot not only about these peoples on the fringes of the Roman world but even more about perceptions and self-definitions of the Romans. Barbarians were also an important theme in Roman art fulfilling significant functions in public and private displays.
The relationship with the ?Other?, the barbarian, the foreigner, was constitutive for the identity of the Romans. Ethnographical literature had already a significant Greek tradition when it was adopted by Roman writers. Reading the texts about the ?Others?, be they enemies, distant and curious peoples or direct neighbours can tell us a lot not only about these peoples on the fringes of the Roman world but even more about perceptions and self-definitions of the Romans. Barbarians were also an important theme in Roman art fulfilling significant functions in public and private displays.
*Course content subject to change