Race, Blackness, Antiquity

Catalog description

What was the definition of 'race' twenty-five hundred years ago? What did black skin color indicate in the centuries before the Trans-Atlantic slave trade? In this course, students will investigate the history of black skin color in Greek and Roman antiquity alongside the legacy of race within the field of Classics (ancient Greek and Latin literature). In addition to interrogating the terms 'race' and 'blackness' as it applies to an ancient time period, students will cross-examine the role that race and cultural imperialism have played in the formation of the current discipline of Classics. This course will benefit greatly from students with a broad spectrum of interests; all are welcome to join the discussion.