Classics 125: Roman Political Thought

Classics 125: Roman Political Thought

This class will explore the life and writings of Julius Caesar, one of Rome’s greatest generals and most controversial politicians. We will survey his life, with particular attention to his own accounts of his military campaigns; we will study his assassination from multiple perspectives; and we will consider his legacy, to later Romans and to Shakespeare. We will try to assess his strengths and weaknesses as a politician and as a writer, and we will seek to understand his principles and actions against the political revolution that Rome experienced during his lifetime. The course will largely be discussion-based, with the overall purpose of articulating and debating Caesar’s achievements and legacy. Students will be expected to read extensively and produce, in class and on paper, close analysis of the readings. Regular participation in class discussion will be expected, plus three quizzes, two 1200 word papers, and a final exam.