ARTH 4233 - Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology

(crosslisted)
(also ARKEO 4233 , CLASS 4746 , FGSS 4233 )(HB) (HA-AS)

Recent scholarship in ancient history and archaeology has shown increased interest in family and in “marginal” age groups such as old people and children.  From an art historical point of view, however, the theme still needs more attention.  This seminar aims to help filling in the gap by looking in a comparative way at boys and girls in ancient Greece, Italy, and the Roman provinces.  Of particular concern will be the question whether, how and when children were conceived and represented as gendered or as “gender-neutral” beings, as “small adults” or as persons in their own right and whether there existed the concept of a transitional age between child and adulthood. 

Among the themes to be discussed are children in the archaeological record (burials, grave goods, toys, talismans); education; children’s careers; children in ritual and sacrifice; children in myth; the representation of children and infant physiognomy; children and class or status; prodigies and the symbolic role of children. Readings (including ancient literary texts and inscriptions) will be posted on blackboard.