HIST 223 Roman History (Same as Classics 223) (Not offered 2006-2007)
The study of Roman history involves questions central to the development of
Western institutions, religion, and modes of thought. Scholars have looked to
Rome both for actual antecedents of European cultural development and for
paradigmatic scenes illustrating what they felt were cultural universals. Yet
Roman history also encompasses the most far-reaching experience of diverse
cultures, beliefs, and practices known in the Western tradition until perhaps
contemporary times. A close analysis of Roman history on its own terms shows
the complex and fascinating results of an ambitious, self-confident nation's
encounter both with unexpected events and crises at home, and with other
peoples. As this course addresses the history of Rome from its mythologized
beginnings through the reign of the emperor Constantine, it will place special
emphasis on the impressive Roman ability to turn the unexpected into a rich
source of cultural development, as well as the complex tendency later to
interpret such ad hoc responses as predestined and inevitable. The Romans also
provide a vivid portrait of the relationship between power and self-confidence
on the one hand, and violence and ultimate disregard for dissent and difference
on the other. Readings for this course will concentrate on a wide variety of
original sources, and there will be a strong emphasis on the problems of
historical interpretation.
Format: lecture/discussion. Evaluation will be based on weekly brief in-class
response papers, one 8- to 10-page paper, a midterm, and a final exam.
Enrollment limit: 40 (expected: 40). Open to all.
Group B and D