An introduction to Roman culture designed to complicate the traditional image of Rome as a static, rigidly conservative society, the course will explore how the Romans used such issues as gender and sexuality, conspicuous consumption, and slavery to define the place of their civilization within the natural order. Authors like Petronius, Lucan, and Tacitus will focus our attention on the social complexities of imperial Rome. We end with a look at contemporary representations of Rome to ask what role stereotypes of ancient Rome have come to play in 20th and 21st century America.
