1766 logo RUTGERS UNIVERSITY  RELIGION DEPARTMENT

840:306 Religions of the Greco Roman World

Sarolta A. Takacs

CLASSICS DEPARTMENT
190:326 Greek and Roman Religion
Fall 2001
TTh 1:10-2:30 p.m.

Books:
 Greek Religion:
S. Price, Religions of the Ancient Greeks (Cambridge University Press).

J. Stambaugh, Sources for the Study of Greek Religion (Scholars Press for the Society of Biblical Literature).

Roman Religion:
M. Beard, J. North, and S. Price, Religions of Rome, 2 vols. (Cambridge University Press).

In addition to these books, there will be a small reader of primary and secondary material.

Grading:
 Attendance and response papers 25%, in class exam 24%, final examination 50%.

Class Schedule:

September
Religion, Myth, and Ritual
09/04 Introduction: How to order the universe
09/06 The study of Greco-Roman religion
09/11 The study of mythology
09/13 The language of myth: creation
        DUE: short response paper

09/18 The language of myth: the human condition
09/20 The language of myth: civilization
09/25 Myth and rituals
09/27 Sacred Texts
        DUE: short response paper

October

Greek Religion
10/02 Heroes and foundation of city-states
10/04 Greek religion and the city-states
10/09 Religious places 

10/11 EXAM (in class) 

10/16 Community and festivals
10/18 Panhellenic festivals
10/23 The individual and religious rituals: domestic sphere
10/25 The individual and religious rituals: public sphere
        DUE: short response paper
 10/30 Superstition and magic

November
Roman Religion
11/01 Rome’s Foundation
11/06 Religious places
11/08 Festivals and rituals
11/13 Sacrifices
        DUE: short response paper
11/15 Diviners, priests, and priestesses
11/20 Individuals an their gods 
11/22 THANKSGIVING 
11/27 Religions of the empire 
11/29 Illegal cults 
        DUE: short response paper

December
12/04 Religious communities
12/06 Anew religion: Christianity
12/11 Conclusion

FINAL EXAMINATION

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This page was revised 28 June 2001