After Julius Caesar’s murder by Roman Republicans, his grand nephew Augustus faced and defeated his murderers, continued Caesar’s reforms, modernized the existing sclerotic Republican structures, and set down the foundations of the great Roman Empire. We will look at Augustus’ struggles and new civic statutes, as well as the enlargement and solidification of the Roman Empire that Augustus and his otherwise famous descendants Tiberius, Claudius, Vespasian, and others established. 

How did Augustus bring the Empire to the Romans? Where were the Republican leaders? What innovations did Augustus bring to the Roman government? Was his a major reform, or did he maintain some Republican institutions? How did his successors, the first emperors, carry out his reforms? How did the famously degenerate emperors, for example Tiburius, Caligula, and Nero, perform in this environment?

The writings of Suetonius, Tacitus, Plutarch, Cicero, as well as that of the  poets and philosophers Virgil, Horatius, Ovid, Lucretius, Plautus, and Seneca will help us understand these turbulent but enlightening times.        

While this is the second course in a two-part series, part one is not a prerequisite. 

Books to Purchase (will be available at Argo Bookshop during the weeks prior to the course beginning):

• The Twelve Caesars (Penguin Books) by Suetonius
• Agricola and Germania (Penguin Classics) by Tacitus
• Medea (Cornell) by Seneca
  

Please note that this course has a maximum enrollment of 16 students and that we do not allow participants to audit courses for free.

Location: Atwater

First Session: Tuesday, March 12th, 2024

Course Length: 12 weeks, Tuesdays , 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.

Discussion Team: Martin Marquis, Christian Roy, and another

Degree Credit: 3 credits

Course Fee: 

$150.00 (standard tuition)
$100.00 (promotion for new students)

Administrative Fee:

$35.00

Total:

$185.00 (standard tuition)
$135.00 (promotion for new students)

For 12-week courses, fees are refundable in full before the second session. If the participant withdraws after the second course, they will be charged a $50 fee. There is no refund after the third course has passed. Please note that non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal.

Students pursuing studies for credit are encouraged to consult with their advisers as they register for courses.

Course leaders, and students wishing to use credit vouchers, should call (514) 935-9585 to pay by phone or to schedule an appointment to pay in person.