Course Description

While surveying the history of Rome from its foundation to the collapse of the empire, this course will focus in content on the period from the height of the republic in the mid second century BCE to the overthrow of the first imperial dynasty at the end of the reign of Nero in 68 CE. We will investigate the social, economic and political causes for the changes in Roman government and society during this important period, paying particular attention to the nature of the sources of our information. Since the subject of Roman history is vast, the real goal of the course is to prepare students to ask and answer questions about the Romans independently. Student assignments are directed toward completing a substantial research project over the course of the semester, and class discussions will address the process of studying history as well as particular cultural phenomena, people and events.

Course Homepage ~ Classics Department ~ Macalester College

Beth Severy-Hoven, Macalester College
1/26/2004