LATIN 463 A: Latin Literature of the Empire

Spring 2026
Meeting:
TTh 2:30pm - 4:20pm
SLN:
15759
Section Type:
Lecture
Syllabus Description (from Canvas):

Latin 463: Latin Literature of the Empire: Roman Africa 

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30-4:20pm

Instructor: Ray Lahiri (ralahiri@uw.edu

Description: Once home to the Carthaginian enemy, the province of Africa was, by the second century CE, one of the intellectual centers of the Roman Empire. This rendition of Latin 463 will explore the literature of Roman Africa in both local and Mediterranean context. Readings in Latin focus on the Apology of Apuleius of Madauros, a defense speech against charges of witchcraft, with sidelong glances to Tertullian and Augustine of Hippo. English readings (of translated ancient texts and selected scholarship) contextualize the Apology in its world. 

Required Textbooks: 

Armstrong, Keziah, Odessa Asp, Barry Brinker, Janet Brooks, Christopher Francese, and Maryel Schneider, eds. Apuleius:  Apologia: Pro se de magia. Dickinson College Commentaries: access for free online here Links to an external site.

Jones, Christopher P., ed. Apuleius: Apologia, Florida, De Deo Socratis. Harvard UP. (ISBN-13: 9780674997110, at University Bookstore)

Grading

Prepared participation and engagement: 15% 

Presentation: 5% 

Short Papers (2 papers; 500 words each): 40% 

Final paper or project: 40% 

Schedule of readings to come

Catalog Description:
Readings and discussion of selected authors from the Roman Empire.
GE Requirements Met:
Arts and Humanities (A&H)
Credits:
5.0
Status:
Active
Last updated:
March 25, 2026 - 5:36 am