Skip to main content
Unit of study_

LATN3611: Roman Drama

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The comedies of Plautus and Terence and the tragedies of Seneca are among the most important, fascinating, and influential works of Latin literature. Comedy, with its crafty slaves and angry old men, is the earliest Latin literature to survive complete and offers an unparalleled perspective on the social history of Republican Rome, as well as setting the template for comedy on through the Renaissance down to the sit-com. Seneca's gruesome but vibrant tragedies reveal the dark heart of Imperial Rome and cast their shadow forward onto Shakespeare, Racine, and Ted Hughes. This unit will explore one or more of these mesmerizing plays as literature, as theatre, and as windows on Roman society.

Unit details and rules

Unit code LATN3611
Academic unit Classics and Ancient History
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points at 2000 level in Latin
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Robert Cowan, bob.cowan@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam Final exam
Final exam
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation group assignment Presentation
Presentation
10% Multiple weeks 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO7
Participation Participation
Participation
10% Ongoing all seminars
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO2
Assignment Essay
Essay
40% Week 11
Due date: 15 May 2020 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Exam: one compulsory translation, two from three passages commentary, five lines scansion, all from Seneca Troades.
  • Essay: topics listed on Canvas or devise your own topic.
  • Presentation: 15 minute presentation on aspect of Roman drama, topics and bibliographt on Canvas.
  • Participation: translation and discussion of the set text in class, and engagement in discussion following presentations.

Assessment criteria

For GRKA and LATN units

 

Fail (Below 50%)

Work not of an acceptable standard.

  • demonstrates very limited ability to translate parts of the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts
  • shows little or no understanding of the content of the prescribed texts
  • demonstrates little awareness of literary features of the literature being studied
  • recognises few grammatical forms
  • recognises only a few words in unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse and a very limited capacity to identify their syntactic relations

 

Low Pass (50-54%)

Work of an acceptable standard.

  • demonstrates a limited ability to translate parts of the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts
  • shows some understanding of the content of the prescribed texts
  • demonstrates a partial awareness of literary features of the literature being studied
  • recognises some grammatical forms
  • demonstrates knowledge of a number of words in an unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse and some awareness of their syntactic relations

 

Medium Pass (55-59%)

Work of a satisfactory standard.

  • demonstrates the ability to translate parts of the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts
  • shows understanding of much of the content of the prescribed texts
  • recognises and comments at a basic level on some literary and stylistic features of the literature being studied
  • recognises many grammatical forms and demonstrates a basic understanding of their function
  • presents a translation into English of unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse which manages to make sense of some contents even if it shows little understanding of the passage as a whole,.

 

High Pass (60-64%)

Competent work, though Honours is not recommended.

  • demonstrates an ability to translate much of the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts with some accuracy reflecting a basic understanding of the context and intention of the original
  • shows a basic understanding of the content of the prescribed texts
  • demonstrates some general knowledge of literary forms and an awareness of the stylistic features of the literature being studied
  • recognises most grammatical forms and demonstrates a sound understanding of their function
  • presents a translation into English of unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse, which shows an understanding of much of the passage being read, but not the passage as a whole

 

Low Credit (65-69%)

Competent work of considerable merit, demonstrating potential to complete Honours work, though further development needed to do so successfully.

  • demonstrates an ability to translate most of the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts with reasonable accuracy reflecting a general understanding of the context and intention of the original
  • shows a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the content and the cultural and historical background of the prescribed texts
  • demonstrates a reasonably sound knowledge of literary forms and an awareness of the stylistic features of the literature being studied
  • recognises grammatical forms and demonstrates a good understanding of their function
  • presents a translation into English of unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse, which reveals an understanding of their main ideas

 

 

High Credit (70-74%)

Highly competent work, demonstrating clear capacity to complete Honours successfully.

  • demonstrates an ability to translate the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts into English in a manner which reflects the meaning and tone of the original with accuracy
  • shows knowledge and understanding of the content and the cultural and historical background of the prescribed texts
  • demonstrates a good understanding of the literary qualities and stylistic features of the literature being studied
  • recognises all grammatical forms and demonstrates a thorough understanding of their function
  • presents a generally accurate translation into English of unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse conveying the overall sense of the original

 

Distinction (75-84%)

Work of a superior standard.

  • demonstrates a superior ability to translate the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts into English in a manner which closely reflects the meaning and tone of the original
  • shows extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and the cultural and historical background of the prescribed texts
  • demonstrates a thorough understanding and an appreciation of the literary qualities and stylistic features of the literature being studied
  • shows a thorough control of grammatical forms and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of their functions
  • presents an accurate translation into English of unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse, reflecting the meaning and tone of the original

 

High Distinction (85%+)

Work of exceptional standard.

  • demonstrates exceptional proficiency in the translation of the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts into English with unfailing precision and accuracy
  • shows a profound knowledge and understanding of the content and the cultural and historical background of the prescribed texts
  • demonstrates an exceptionally deep understanding and appreciation of the literary qualities and stylistic features of the literature being studied
  • shows a complete mastery of grammatical forms and demonstrates a precise understanding of their functions
  • presents a precise and accurate translation into English of unprepared passages of Classical Greek or Latin prose and verse, perfectly reproducing the meaning and tone of the original

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Roman drama, Senecan tragedy, and Seneca Troades Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Seneca Troades 1-116 Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Seneca Troades 117-202 Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation topic 1: Plautus Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7
Week 04 Seneca Troades 202-321 Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Seneca Troades 322-408 Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation topic 2: Terence Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Seneca Troades 408-518 Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Seneca Troades 518-597 Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation topic 3: Republican tragedy Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Seneca Troades 598-735 Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Seneca Troades 736-813 Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation topic 4: fabulae praetextae Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Seneca Troades 814-902 Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation topic 5: Mime Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Seneca Troades 902-980 Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation topic 6: Pantomime Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Seneca Troades 981-1103 Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Seneca Troades 1104-1179 Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Revision Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The set edition of Seneca’s Troades is that of Otto Zwierlein’s Oxford Classical Text, available via Oxford Scholarly Editions Online.

Further bibliography will be listed on the Canvas site.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate an advanced understanding of Classical Latin literature and critical approaches to it
  • LO2. demonstrate knowledge of important and influential works of Roman drama, from the third century BC to the first century AD
  • LO3. demonstrate an appreciation of the different registers and styles of Latin used by individual authors or within specific cultural contexts
  • LO4. demonstrate competence in critical terminology and theory used in the academic study of Latin literature
  • LO5. demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which Latin literature reflects the cultural and political concerns of Roman society
  • LO6. construct and defend coherent and valid evidence-based arguments about Latin literature and its interpretation
  • LO7. demonstrate high-level skills in inventive and ethical research, critical thinking and the analysis of complex works of Latin literature, and the ability to work independently and creatively

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.