Classics 10B: Investigation of the main achievements and tensions in Roman culture from Romulus to the High Empire. Key sources for literature, history, and material culture are studied in order to reveal Roman civilization in its political and social context. Lecture spring 2007.
This fifty-minute lecture is about The Golden Ass by Apuleius, which is the only complete extant Latin novel. McCarthy begins by telling the students that if they have time, they might want to read the whole novel (only parts have been assigned), because it’s incredibly entertaining. She asks if there are any questions before they get started, and one student says that the novel seems very different from any of the other works they’ve read, more like a kindergarten book. McCarthy explains that the novel is different from what we expect from classical literature, and does an excellent job of explaining how we can read the book both as comic and as having serious points to make; she points out that it is light entertainment, but in this course, it also serves as a bridge to the following week’s discussion of other philosophical and religious issues. McCarthy continues to refer to this point—and the student’s name—throughout the class. McCarthy appears to not be relying on notes at all. The major concepts and points are presented on very clear, brief powerpoint slides which are used in the best way: just as markers/jumping off points for a more thorough discussion. While most of this class is straightforward lecture, there is always the overriding sense of its being a conversation with the students, thanks to McCarthy’s gestures, tone, and clear connection to the class. As a “mini-course” on this novel and the time it was written, this class period can stand alone. We learn the major differences between Greek novels (adventure tales, like Hollywood movies) and Latin novels (less decorous, more exuberant); why so few Latin novels were copied and passed down (not taught in schools); and what life was like in this period of the Roman Empire. One final slide presents questions to ponder about the novel, and McCarthy points out the puzzling things about it, clearly opening the door for students to begin to think more deeply about it.