Taught In English

There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.

This course is an introduction to the history and culture of the Roman world, from its beginnings in myth and legend through its rise to domination of the Mediterranean world, its violent conversion from a Republic to an Empire, and the long success of that Empire down to its collapse in the fifth century A.D. The first part of the semester will mainly focus on Roman institutional and political system, the second will be devoted in particular to the imperial social structure and daily life. We will also consider Latin literature and Roman religion, art, architecture and philosophy. Special emphasis will be placed on interpreting primary sources in translation, and much class time will be given over to discussion of the primary sources. Our readings will be accompanied in class by slides and some videos, in order to illustrate our discussions. No previous knowledge of the ancient world is assumed.

At the conclusion of this course, students should be conversant with many aspects of Latin culture, and the contribution Roman civilization made (and continues to make) on all subsequent Western societies.