Introduction:

My interest in history centers on the many ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean world, but during the 2003-2004 academic year I will focus on Greek and Roman history (ca. 2000 B.C.E. through the fall of the Roman Republic).  In many of my history, literature, and art history classes I have studied what modern historians say about these cultures.  Instead of reading the interpretations of others, I would now like to inquire about what the ancient historians, writers, artists, and orators themselves said about their own world.

Objective:

After thoroughly enjoying my summer reading of the first five books of Livy's Early History of Rome (in translation), I realized that understanding Livy helped me understand life in the Roman Republic on a much deeper level than any textbook or internet resource ever had.  Therefore, the objective of my independent study is to develop an alternate course in ancient history by utilizing primary source documents, literature, and art.

List of Sources and Criteria for selection:

When I was selecting literature to include in this course I chose texts that had been well received and influential at the time that they were written and those that are still popular.  I chose histories that were considered important and accurate accounts of the events they recounted.  I will also be looking at art that is representative of the popular styles at the time it was created.
All sources in Greek will be read in translation.  Latin texts will be read in Latin whenever possible and/or in English.  Some of the important readings are taught in the Greek Classics in Translation English class and in the Latin V, AP Catullus class.  Although I will read some texts that I have included on my list in these classes, I will incorporate a further analysis of those in my independent study class.

Click on an author below for more information.  The blue links are up or in progress!

Output:

I will build an online learning tool for students who are interested in learning more about the classics.  Each source will be represented by a web page containing the following types of information:

    1. An explanation of the purpose and content of the course
    2. My original expectations about the usefulness of each source
    3. Excerpts from the source, links to translations and important art or architecture
    4. A detailed analysis of each text or image
    5. Lessons learned
    6. Helpful hints for other students interested in learning about the classics

Last Updated: October 13, 2003

*The background image is a view of the foro romano, or Republican Forum (source)*