University of Texas,
Department of
Classics
Unique Number: 29500
Spring, 1995, MWF 9-10, WAG 112
Timothy Moore; WAG
211, 471-5742; Office Hours, M 2-4, W 12-2 and by appointment
email: timmoore@mail.utexas.edu
Objectives:
We seek improved skills in reading Latin prose, a greater
understanding of the culture and life of imperial Rome, and some
insight into the mysteries of Petronius' Satyricon, arguably the
strangest work of extant Latin literature.
The plan:
1. We will spend most of our time reading in Latin the Cena
Trimalchionis portion of the Satyricon.
2. Part of most Wednesdays will be dedicated to readings from other
parts of the Satyricon.
3. Part of most Fridays will be spent discussing various questions of
Petronian scholarship.
Grading:
midterm exam: 20%
final exam: 30%
class participation: 25%
term paper: 25%
Texts:
Petronii Arbitri Cena Trimalchionis, ed. by Martin S.
Smith .
Petronius: The Satyricon, transl. by William Arrowsmith.
Petronius: The Satiricon, ed. by Evan T. Sage, revised by
Brady B. Gilleland, Selections (Available at University Duplicating
Services, GSB 3.136).
A word to the wise
Please note the importance of class participation in your grade.
This means that you will be richly rewarded for consistent attendance
and preparation, but repeated absences and/or lack of preparation for
class will cost you dearly.
Scholastic dishonesty
Scholastic dishonesty on any graded assignment will result in a
failing grade (Zero), which you may not drop. Scholastic dishonesty
includes any kind of cheating; if you are unsure about the exact
definition you should consult the appropriate sections of "A
Student's Guide to Living in the Heart of Texas" or the General
Information Bulletin.
Academic disabilities
The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request
appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with
disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of
Students at 471-6259 or 471-4641.
August 30: Introduction to Course
September
1: Will the real Petronius please stand up?: Tacitus, Annales 16.18-19 (on handout).
6: Chap. 1 in Latin; Chapters 2-8 in English translation (students are encouraged to read as much as possible of this and other assignments in Latin)
8: What is the Satyricon?: J.P. Sullivan, The Satyricon of Petronius: A Literary Study, pp. 81-98; G.L. Schmeling, "Petronius and the Satyrica,"in Latin Fiction: The Latin Novel in Context. pp. 23-37 (these and all other assigned readings are on reserve in UGL).
13: Chaps. 9-10 in Latin; Chapters 11-15 in English translation
15: Realism?: Erich Auerbach, "Fortunata," in Mimesis: The Representation of Reality in Western Literature, pp. 24-49; Niall W. Slater, Reading Petronius, pp. 213-230.
20: Chaps. 16-24 in English translation, 25-26 in Latin
22: Satire?: William Arrowsmith, "Luxury and Death in the Satyricon," Arion 5 (1966) 304-331; P.G. Walsh, "Was Petronius a Moralist?," Greece and Rome 21 (1974) 181-190.
27: Chaps. 79.9-83.6 in English translation; 83.7-84 in Latin
29: The Problem of the Untrustworthy Narrator: Gian Biagio Conte, The Hidden Author: An Interpretation of Petronius' Satyricon, pp. 1-36.
October
4: Chaps. 85-87 in Latin, 88 in English translation.
6: Archaeology and the Cena: G. Bagnani, "The House of Trimalchio," American Journal of Philology 75 (1954), 16-39.
11: Chaps. 89, verses 1-10 in Latin; rest of chapters 89-90 in English translation
13: Sex: C. Gill, "The Sexual Episodes in the Satyricon," Classical Philology 68 (1973) 172-85; T.W. Richardson, "Homosexuality in the Satyricon," Classica et Mediaevalia 35 (1984) 105-127.
18: Chaps. 91-99 in English translation.
20: Midterm exam
25: Chaps. 100-105.3 in English translation; 105.4-106 in Latin
27: Trimalchio and the Roman Freedman: John Bodel, "Trimalchio's Underworld," in The Search for the Ancient Novel, ed. James Tatum, pp. 237-259.
November
1: Chaps. 107-110 and 113 in English translation, 111-112 in Latin
3: Transmission of the text: M.D. Reeve, "Petronius," in Texts and Transmission: A Survey of the Latin Classics, ed. L.D. Reynolds (in the Classics Reference Room, PA 6003 T49 1983).
8: Chaps. 114 and 116-117 in English translation; 115 in Latin
10: Petronius and The Great Gatsby: P.L. MacKendrick, "The Great Gatsby and Trimalchio," Classical Journal 45 (1950) 307-14; F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, chapter 2.
15: Chaps. 118-125 in English translation, verses 1-12 of Eumolpus' poem in Latin
17: Petronius on Film: Watch Fellini, Satyricon (on reserve in the UGL Audiovisual Collection)
22: Chaps. 126-135.3 in English translation: 132.15 in Latin
24: Feriae Diei Gratias Agendi
29: 135.4-140 in English translation, 141 in Latin
December
1: Reports on term papers
4: Reports on term papers
6: Reports on term papers
8: Reports on term papers
16 (2:00-5:00 PM): Final Exam; Term papers due