GH 301: Eternal Cities

Course Description

Our course is designed to provide students a multi-disciplinary understanding of urban life in the ancient Roman world via study of the people and places of Classical Italy – especially Rome & Pompeii, but also Ostia, Herculaneum, Paestum, Capri, and Roman cities in general. We shall consider our topic from historical, geographical, and cultural perspectives in order not only to place the Roman city in the context of its own time, but also to consider its lasting influence on Western civilization and the modern world.

By focusing on ancient cities in Italy that remain popular tourist sights today our class is also designed to prepare students to get the most out of visiting these places in person in the future. In fact students enrolled in this class are encouraged to visit Italy as soon as possible. They may participate in an optional May 2024 study-abroad trip to Italy led by the instructor. If you are interested in this trip and not signed up, please contact Professor Bisch. Space is limited.

Course Texts

Rome from the Ground Up. James H. S. McGregor. Belknap Press, 2005

Daily Life in the Roman City: Rome, Pompeii, and Ostia. Gregory S. Aldrete. U of Oklahoma Press, 2008

Instructor: Professor Marilyn Bisch

​Please contact Professor Bisch if you have any questions about this course.