CLAS 125 Introduction to Ancient Law
(XL: CRMJ 125) This course examines the legal systems of classical Athens and Rome, with occasional comparisons to other ancient traditions where relevant. It is designed for students with no prior background in ancient history or classical languages.
Students will work closely with primary sources, including courtroom speeches from trials conducted more than two thousand years ago. These texts provide a lens for exploring issues such as homicide, commerce and banking, citizenship, assault, slavery, inheritance, religion, sexuality, political amnesty, and judicial torture. Readings will feature authors such as Homer, Solon, Herodotus, Thucydides, Aristotle, Plato, and Cicero, among others.
Emphasizing discussion and critical analysis, the course investigates both the theory and practice of law in the ancient world. It considers how legal systems reflect and shape social, economic, political, and cultural life, with particular focus on the connections between law and governance in Athenian democracy and in the Roman Republic and Empire.
Scheduled: As needed
Meets: NO HU