HIST 5520 - Roman Law & Society

Historical introduction to Roman law, interpretation of legal sources, and especially the role of law in Roman society and culture. Chronological focus is on the Empire through the age of Justinian. After a survey of the origins of Roman law, lectures and readings use legal sources to look in two directions: downwards to the way law affected social life; upwards to how politics and governance affected law. Attention will be given throughout to how the nature of different types of legal evidence affect our interpretation of the purpose and effectiveness of law. Specific topics of focus will include the bearing of law on marriage and family life, slavery and freedom, surveillance, and religion.

Requisites:
Credit Hours: 3.0 lecture
Repeat/Retake Information: May not be retaken.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:

Students are able to apply knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios.
Students are able to recognize and weigh multiple perspectives regarding cultural phenomena.
Students demonstrate knowledge of various characteristics of another society.
Students have a general understanding of the institutions and historical development of Roman law.
Students write argumentative essays based on their interpretation of original documents from another society.