Religions of the Graeco-Roman World
CLT 3371 section 3413
Fall 2008
MWF 4th period (10:40-11:30) / FLG 270

instructor
Jim Marks
Department of Classics
jmarks@ufl.edu
office hours: 125 Dauer, MWF 9:30-10:30
 

course description
    This course examines the nature, origins and development of religious beliefs and practices in ancient Greece and Rome from earliest times to the rise of Christianity. Through primary sources and modern interpretations, images, lectures and discussion we will explore the roles of divinities and rituals in the lives of individuals and families and in the governing of city-states and empires. Particular attention will be given to the historical context of the Graeco-Roman world and the influences of neighboring cultures in Africa and Asia.  All readings are in English.  The course fulfills the  General Education Requirement Categories H (Humanities) and I (International and Diversity Focus).

required texts (available at local bookstores or purchase online)
1) Religion in the Ancient Greek City, by Louise Zaidman and Pauline Pantel, translated by Paul Cartledge, Cambridge University Press (ISBN: 0521423570)
2) Religions of the Ancient Greeks, by Simon Price, Cambridge University Press (ISBN-10: 0521388678, ISBN-13: 978-0521388672)
3) Roman Religion, by Valerie Warrior, Focus Publishing/R. Pullins Company (ISBN: 0521532124)
4) Roman Religion: A Sourcebook, by Valerie Warrior, Focus Publishing/R. Pullins Company (ISBN-10: 1585100307, ISBN-13: 978-1585100309)
5) Coursepack available at University Copy & More (1620 W. University Ave. 372-7436, university-copy.com)

website
The class website can be accessed through the classics department homepage (web.clas.ufl.edu/users/marksj/relig/relig).  Students should consult the site regularly for lecture outlines, study guides, review images and answers to quizzes.

syllabus
 click here to download syllabus

lecture note outlines
    Introduction (Quiz 1)
         download: Chronology of the Ancient World
    Origins of Greek Religion (Quiz 2)
    The Sacred in Greek Religion (Quiz 3)
    Social Contexts for Greek Religion (Quiz 4)
    Greek Gods & Festivals (Quiz 5)
    Death & Theology in Ancient Greece (Quiz 5-Exam 1)
    Hellenistic Religion (Quiz 6)
    Origins of Italian Religion (Quiz 7)
    Religion in the Roman Household (Quiz 8)
    Religion in the Roman State (Quiz 9)
    Developments in Roman Religion (Quiz 10)

<>study guides
        Study Guide for Exam 1 (Quizzes 1-5)
 
        Study Guide for Exam 2 (Quizzes 6-10) <>evaluation
11 quizzes (NON-cumulative): each covers material from the day of the last quiz up to and including the day before the quiz; administered at the beginning class. The lowest quiz will be dropped; the remaining 10 quizzes = 6% each = 60% of final grade.
    quiz days: 9/5, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13. 10/29, 11/7, 11/14, 11/24, 12/5

<><>2 exams (the second being NON-cumulative): essentially longer quizzes; administered during class. 20% each = 40% of final grade.
class participation, though not strictly required, is highly encouraged, and will be taken into consideration when deciding grades that are borderline.
    exam days: 10/17, 12/10

<> class participation, though not strictly required, is highly encouraged, and will be taken into consideration when deciding grades that are borderline.

This course is conducted in compliance with all University of Florida policies regarding special needs, academic honesty, and absences for emergencies, religious holidays and extracurricular activities.  For details, see www.dso.ufl.edu/osd/ (special needs); www.dso.ufl.edu/judicial/procedures/academicguide.php#3 (academic honesty).