Course Catalogue

Rhetoric at Rome (PG) CLASSIC5088

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2 (Alternate Years)
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course offers the opportunity to study Roman rhetorical theory and its practical manifestation in a representative range of Roman speeches. It covers the history and development of rhetoric at Rome in dialogue with Greek models, the variety of theoretical approaches and their adaptation to the conditions of public speech at Rome, and the relationship between rhetoric, public speaking and the change from Republic to Empire. Cicero's speeches are the main focus for practical analysis, as the only surviving complete speeches from the Republican period, but the course also considers declamation, imperial speech-writing, and fragmentary evidence.

Timetable

1x1hr lecture, 1x1hr seminar over 10 weeks in one semester.

Requirements of Entry

Standard entry to Masters at College level

Excluded Courses

Rhetoric at Rome (Honours)

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Rhetorical analysis of a passage from a speech (2000 words) - 50%

■ Essay (3000 words) - 50%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the rhetorical analysis, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to:

• Explore and analyse a range of Roman rhetorical theories

• Study the role of rhetoric within Roman educational theory and practice;

• Analyse examples of Roman oratory in its political, legal and social context

• Study the relationship between rhetorical practice and oratorical performance at Rome

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to: 

• Apply a detailed understanding of ancient rhetorical theory and its relevance to Roman education and culture

• Apply rhetorical theory to the analysis of Roman speeches

• Illustrate critical skills through close reading of passages of ancient rhetorical texts

• Locate a representative range of Roman speeches in their political, legal and social contexts

•Analyse passages from Roman oratory

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions