This course is intended to introduce the student to the work of the most important dramatists of Imperial Rome. Our theoretical approach will include discussion of the main categories of Roman tragedy, fabula crepidata and fabula praetexta; the history of Roman Drama and its main representatives; and their Greek (Classical and Hellenistic) models. We will also bring into discussion excerpts from other Roman tragedies, and, if existent, passages from the Greek originals.

In this class we will focus on improving your reading skills and at the same time expanding your knowledge of the grammar and syntax. Discussion and analysis of the texts, exams in writing, and sight-reading will be important components of the course. We will also examine the author’s language, style, and meter. In addition, you will be asked to critically approach and comment on select articles of modern scholarship.

At the same time, we will take into consideration the historical and cultural contexts of our play, and the following aspects will be addressed: how does the work relate to the events of the period during which it was written, what was its purpose, does it reflect the values of the contemporary society, and so on.

Prerequisite: three semesters of Latin.