Unit Outline
HTC104
Introduction to Ancient Rome
Semester 2, 2026
Jayne Knight
Humanities and Social Sciences
Arts and Society (Portfolio)
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
Unit Coordinator
Jayne Knight
Email: Jayne.Knight@utas.edu.au
 
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
This unit introduces you to the world of ancient Rome through the study of ancient literary texts in translation. We learn how to analyse and interpret the perspectives of ancient writers who wrote across different literary genres and time periods in the Roman world. Mytho-historical narratives about the foundation of Rome provide a starting point for our exploration of how the Romans constructed their cultural identity through literature. Political speeches and personal poetry give us a window into the society and politics of the late Republic. Imperial biographies and plays illustrate how texts were used to critique power and authority in the Roman empire. This unit provides you with the foundational knowledge and skills required for further studies in Classics.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1
Produce valid interpretations of the content of ancient Roman texts.
2
Explain the significance of major works of ancient Roman literature.
3
Demonstrate awareness of the historical and cultural contexts of ancient Roman texts.
4
Express analysis of ancient Roman texts clearly and effectively in writing.
Alterations as a result of student feedback
We have replaced the 40% Take-Home Exam with a 20% Semester Reflection due during the exam period. This is to help manage student workload during the busy exam period. We have replaced the weekly Reflections Quizzes with a weekly Study Portfolio that rewards consistent engagement with unit materials and experiences and builds towards the Semester Reflection. 
 
 
Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Lecture (Online)
A weekly recorded lecture which introduces the week's topics and materials
0.50
Weekly
Seminar
Weekly in-person seminar combining presentations from teaching staff and class discussion
2
Weekly
Online
Lecture (Online)
A weekly recorded lecture which introduces the week's topics and materials
0.50
Weekly
Seminar
Weekly online seminar combining presentations from teaching staff and class discussion
2
Weekly
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
 
 
 
How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
Primary Text Analysis
Refer to Assessment Description
20 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:
Semester Reflection
Refer to Assessment Description
20 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:
Weekly Study Portfolio
Refer to Assessment Description
30 %
LO1, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:
Essay
Refer to Assessment Description
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Primary Text Analysis
Task Description:
n/a
Task Length:
 
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
20 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Analysis effectively interprets the content of the text
LO1
2
Analysis demonstrates awareness of the historical and cultural context and significance of the text
LO2, LO3
3
Analysis is clearly expressed in writing
LO4
 
Assessment Task 2: Semester Reflection
Task Description:
n/a
Task Length:
 
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
20 %
 
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Reflect on your engagement with ancient Roman texts encountered across the semester, with reference to the significance and historical and cultural contexts of texts studied in the unit.
LO1, LO2, LO3
2
Reflect on the development of your thinking across the semester, with specific reference to your study portfolio entries and participation in seminar discussions and/or online activities.
LO1, LO2, LO3
3
Communicate your reflection clearly and coherently, citing sources as appropriate.
LO4
 
Assessment Task 3: Weekly Study Portfolio
Task Description:
n/a
Task Length:
 
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Interpret the content and meaning of ancient Roman texts in light of the weekly learning materials, including textbook readings and the introductory video.
LO1
2
Demonstrate understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of ancient Roman texts using knowledge drawn from the weekly learning materials.
LO3
3
Express analytical responses to the unit's learning materials clearly and effectively in writing.
LO4
 
Assessment Task 4: Essay
Task Description:
n/a
Task Length:
 
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Ancient texts are used effectively to support an argument about ancient Roman culture
LO1, LO2, LO3
2
Essay demonstrates awareness of the historical and cultural context and significance of the texts being discussed
LO2, LO3
3
Analysis is expressed clearly in writing
LO4
 
 
 
How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
Academic progress review
The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see
Important Guidelines & Support.
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
 
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.
 
 
 
Required Resources
Required reading materials
All required reading materials will be made available on MyLO by your Unit Coordinator. 
 
Recommended reading materials
Any recommended readings will be provided on MyLO by your Unit Coordinator. 
 
Other required resources