Republic and Empire the Politics and Poetry of Rome

Image: Depiction of Virgil by Carole Raddato (CC BY-NC-SA)
Reservations will end on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 12:00 PM.
Due to constrained resources, we REGRET THAT WE CANNOT ACCOMMODATE BOOKINGS submitted after this deadline.

This five-week program will explore the following subjects:
1. The Senate and the Roman People in the Mediterranean region: 509-44 BCE.
2. Imperial administration from 33 BCE to 476 CE in the Western Empire, and up to 1453 CE in the Eastern, Christian Empire.
3. Poetry: Lucretius on natural science, Virgil on historical narratives, Catullus and Ovid on themes of love and mythology.
4. Philosophy: Cicero’s views on ethics and governance; Roman Stoic principles; Roman legal systems and the concept of ‘natural law’; Marcus Aurelius’ ‘Meditations’.
5. Influence: Republican ideals and their impact on the French Revolution.

Instructor: Antony Black
Antony Black is an Emeritus Professor specializing in the History of Political Thought at the University of Dundee. His extensive publications include a comprehensive history of ancient political thought from prehistoric times to around 300 CE, a detailed account of Islamic political philosophy, and a comparative analysis of political ideologies in the Western and Muslim worlds from their beginnings to modern times. Additionally, he has written on the history and theory of community and has recently examined climate change within the framework of global history and its current challenges. He is presently compiling a worldwide history of political thought extending to the present day.

For inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
As a volunteer-run organization with limited capacity, we strive to reply to questions promptly. We appreciate your patience.

Course Reference: 08 313
This Event Requires Payment