Midterm Exam - Review guidelines

General Guidelines:
The exam is designed to help you synthesize the information that we have covered in the first half of the semester. You
have encountered many names, places and terms in your reading and in lecture. This information is essential to understanding
ancient Rome. The exam will test your ability to identify people and events throughout Roman history and how they relate to each
other. In particular, you will be expected to identify connections, comparisons and contrasts between thematic ideas related to
Roman civilization.

Types of Questions:
The exam will require you to answer two essay questions, which you will be able to prepare for in advance. From the following six
possible essay questions, four will appear on the exam. You will choose TWO to answer.

1) Discuss the idea of honor in two examples from the readings. Compare and contrast how each of these episodes are honorable
in the Roman context. How do these people/events contribute to the building of the Roman empire?

2) Describe several military strategies/acts that Romans and their enemies used. Describe what values are reflected in these
actions and how perhaps such courageous soldiers are remembered.

3) Discuss two ways in which language and rhetoric are central to Roman culture. Use specific examples from the readings we have
encountered so far this semester. Compare how each of these examples is used and to what end? What is the motivation of
each other? How do they fit into the larger Roman culture?

4) “During the Republican period, the most important activity in life for […] families who constituted the senatorial class was the
pursuit of power – for oneself, one’s family, and ones’ friends” (Shelton 215). How did the Roman politician acquire political
power? What means were used to win over the populace? Discuss the pursuit and rise to power of two major figures OR the
ways Cicero's letters reflect the realities of politics in Rome.

5) Describe how the comedy of Plautus, The Braggart Soldier reflects the society of his time. You might think of how status, rank &
conquest worked in Roman society to answer this.

6) Discuss the role of women and how women are depicted in Roman culture with the three examples from the readings. What are
some of the stereotypes? Are there any exceptions?

Your essays will be graded with the following guidelines:

• Use of specific examples from the reading and lectures
• Correct information
• Analysis of events – do not simply summarize
• Synthesis of ideas – your essay should flow logically and make clear connections between the material you are discussing
• Identification of themes
• Use of proper terms and vocabulary
• Basic grammar and spelling. While it is expected that you may make some mistakes on a written exam, you are expected to
do your absolute best when it comes to writing cohesive essays with minimal grammatical mistakes. In terms of spelling, it
must be very clear who or what you are referring to.

Basic Information:
All of the material on this exam can be found in the readings, the lectures and discussion notes. Readings refer to ALL assigned
reading, whether for lecture or discussion. You have access to everything you know. If you have been keeping up with the reading
and attending lectures, you should have no problem with this material.

The exam will be held on Thursday, March 18 in ARJ 105 at 3:30 pm. You will have the entire class period to take the exam. Please
come to the exam prepared with reliable writing instruments, as we will NOT provide additional pens and pencils. You will not be
permitted to use notes or books.
Upon completion of the exam, you MUST turn it in to YOUR section leader.

***Make up policy: There will be NO make-up exams given for the midterm. Failure to take the midterm on the scheduled day or
provide legitimate documentation of an absence will result in a zero grade.****