Christoph Greger

Humanities 41A
Fall 2019

Schedule for Unit 4:

Hebrews and Romans

Mon 10/28: Introduction: The Hebraic Tradition.

Wed 10/30: The Hebraic Tradition, part 2.

Primary Text: Selections from the Greek and Hebraic creation myths; Hebraic Bible (Unit 3
handout #1).
Due today – Read & Respond Assignment #4.1: Read the Greek creation myth, and then the
Hebrew creation myth (Genesis 1 &2) and compare: what are some significant differences in the
way the stories of creation work?

Fri 11/1: The Hebraic Tradition, part 3.

Culture and Values: First half of Chapter 6, “The Rise of the Biblical Tradition” (up to “The
beginnings of Christianity”).

Mon 11/4: Rome: Historical Overview

Due today – Read & Respond Assignment #4.2: What are some things that set apart the Roman
empire from empires that came before it? What are some important political, cultural or social
innovations that contributed to Rome’s power and influence?

Wed 11/6: The Roman Republic

Culture and Values: First half of chapter 4, “Rome” (up to the section called “Imperial Rome”).

Fri 11/8: The Roman Empire

Culture and Values: Second half of chapter 4, “Rome.”
Due today – Read & Respond Assignment #4.3: In what ways does Rome change as it
transitions from republic to empire? Or, look at the slide show on Roman Portraiture, pick out one
face that you like, and tell me why.

Mon 11/11: Holiday: Veteran’s Day Observed.

Wed 11/13: Romans on Themselves

Primary Text: Selections from the Roman Writers, part 1. Romans on their origins: Virgil.
Due today – Read & Respond Assignment #4.4: What’s striking about Aeneas’ descent into the
underworld?

Fri 11/15: Romans on Love.

Primary Text: Selections from the Roman Writers, part 2. Romans on Love: Ovid, Catullus,
Horace.
Due today – Read & Respond Assignment #4.5: What are some different attitudes towards love
expressed in this handout? Or, what’s one piece of advice that Ovid offers up as to how to pick up
on women?

Mon 11/18: Rome, Catch up day and Review

Wed 11/20: Unit 4 Quiz.