The ancient Romans can seem both unimaginably distant and surprisingly central to our ideas of Western history and culture.  This class will give you a better understanding of Roman culture in its own context and also a perspective from which to understand the image of Rome as circulated in later societies.  All readings will be in English and will range from historical accounts to philosophy, satire, novels, and epic poetry. Lectures will integrate these readings into the framework of Roman social and political history, religion, urban life, and literature.  Lectures will be asynchronous, but you will be expected to attend section meetings synchronously once a week.  Each week (during one of the scheduled lecture times) there will be an open forum, where you can ask questions, explore further the topics covered in lecture and section, and debate broader questions.  Assignments will include a short (about two-page) analysis early in the semester, a longer (5-7 page) essay late in the semester, weekly online quizzes, and a final exam.