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Content:ÌýThis module will provide an introduction to Cicero the politician and orator as well a to key elements in the history and political life of the Roman Republic, by a close reading of Cicero's 'Caesarian speeches' (Pro Marcello, Pro Ligario, Pro Rege Deiotaro). There will be supplementary reading in English of some of Cicero’s letters and of excerpts from other speeches. This will provide students with material to support a discussion of Cicero's political stance, his rhetorical objectives and strategy in individual speeches, and the ways in which the Caesarian speeches disclose Cicero's response to changes in the Roman political and judicial system which accompanied Julius Caesar's assumption of the dictatorship.

Students will be asked to read prescribed sections of the Caesarian speeches in Latin each week and one item from the secondary literature; class discussions each week will be based on this material; there will also be the chance for students to deliver presentations.

Skills:ÌýBy the end of the module, students will be able to read and analyse oratorical texts within their political and historical context and to present, orally and in writing, reasoned arguments and original ideas in relation to the materials they have studied.