Latin Prose: Cicero

The subject-matter of this course is the study of Latin prose and particularly of the rhetorical and philosophical work of Cicero.

Objectives

- The overall aim of this course is the study of Latin prose and Cicero’s rhetorical and philosophical work in particular. - By the end of the respective lectures, students are expected to have acquired satisfactory knowledge of classical Latin and, at the same time, to understand the historical, political and social context, within which Cicero lived, and the main principles and ideals of the Roman culture.

Prerequisites

Syllabus

Α. Introduction: During the introductory lectures emphasis is given to Latin prose, its forms, features and representative authors, as well as Cicero in particular (namely, his political career, his education, his works, his philosophical contribution, his epistolography, Cicero’s language and style). Β. Study of representative passages from Cicero’s rhetorical and philosophical works: The following passages from Cicero’s rhetorical and philosophical works are closely examined: (a) from Cicero’s orations: In Catilinam I 1-2, 17 and ΙΙΙ 15, Pro Milone 78-80, Pro Archia Poeta 19, 23-24 and In M. Antonium oratio Philippica secunda 1-2, 11-14, 17, 21-24, (b) from Cicero’s philosophical works: De Natura Deorum Ι 6-9, De Amicitia 1-5, 13-14, 20 and De Divinatione ΙΙ 4-5. (c) from Cicero’s rhetorical treatises: Brutus 83-84 και Orator 24-25.