/ What was it like to live under Roman rule? How is it that the Romans can feel so familiar and yet so profoundly foreign? This first year seminar seeks to address these questions and to shed light on the distinctive features of Roman culture through the critical examination of the material remains that the Romans left behind. Students will gain familiarity with the major monuments, artifacts, and works of art produced over the course of Rome’s history from its origins in the eighth century BCE down to the dissolution of its Empire in the fifth century CE. This course will also serve as an introduction to the most important questions underlying archaeological research in the Roman world today and the methods employed in their investigation. Major topics to be explored include the changing relationship between state and society; imperial conquest and multiculturalism; daily life (urban and rural); the ancient economy; religious pluralism; and the legacy of the Romans. The course satisfies the following goals of the Core Curriculum within the Western Tradition (WT) area: Problem-Solve Creatively, Think Critically.
Core Curriculum Designation: WT
Grade Basis: Letter Grade
Credits: 4.0
