Humanities 110

Paper Topic # 1

Spring 2005

Length 1500 words

 

Due Saturday, February 12^th, 5 P.M. in your conference leader's Eliot Hall mailbox.

 

1.    Discuss Clifford Geertz's definition of religion in relation to the Ara Pacis.

 

2.    From what you have read about Augustus in what ways do you think Livy's first book (pp.3-70 of The Rise of Rome) might be supporting or criticizing the new order?

 

3.    To what extent is Livy's notion of Republican virtue consistent with either Plato's or Aristotle's conception of the virtuous citizen?

 

4.    At page 56 of the Twelve Caesars, Suetonious connects the title "Augustus" with dignity and augury.  On the basis of Suetonius's account and other evidence from the readings in this course, describe and discuss the ideological components and political implications of this first imperial title.

 

5.    In consultation with your instructor, devise a topic of your own.