Intro to Roman Law

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Roman law is remarkable not only for its complexity and specification, but also its pragmatism; the rules it set out expressed core cultural values while also fostering an efficient and complex system of exchange. This class examines Roman law through a close reading of its primary texts. We will focus on two distinct areas of Roman law; the law of delict—analogous to modern tort—and Roman family law, including marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Students will learn not only how Romans addressed legal questions in these spheres, but also what sort of intellectual or ideological apparatus encouraged them to look to the state to solve these sorts of problems. Primary readings will come mostly from the collection of legal texts known as the Digest, accompanied by papyri and inscriptions. All readings will be in translation. Assignments will include short response papers and a research paper. Comments: this is a new course title and new description