A study of the themes of sex and death and the connection between them in the poetry of ancient Greece and Rome. Readings will be drawn from Greek and Roman lyric, epic, tragedy, and other genres. The course covers a variety of genres and historical moments, examining how literature can support or challenge imperial power. Students will be introduced to ancient theories of epistolography and a wide variety of texts, including letters by famous historical figures, philosophical letters, poetic letters, and fictional letters in prose.
A study of the themes of sex and death and the connection between them in the poetry of ancient Greece and Rome. Readings will be drawn from Greek and Roman lyric, epic, tragedy, and other genres. The course covers a variety of genres and historical moments, examining how literature can support or challenge imperial power. Students will be introduced to ancient theories of epistolography and a wide variety of texts, including letters by famous historical figures, philosophical letters, poetic letters, and fictional letters in prose.