The Roman Universe

Course Length: Full academic year (30 weeks)

This Year's Schedule: Click here to view

Aims of the Course

The main aim of this course is to ignite an interest in ancient civilisations by taking a deep dive into the world of classical Rome.

This course will take us on a journey into the world of Classical Rome. We will use case studies to explore the many different ways in which Rome shaped the culture of three continents: Europe, Africa and Western Asia. Our main journeys will all take place in the key period 107 BC (the first consulship of Gaius Marius) to 117 AD (The death of Trajan).

Together, we'll be looking at the Rome transition from Republic to Principate. We will join Boudica in remote Britain, and Cleopatra VII in Egypt. We will study the art and literature of the Italian heartland, and see how Romans exported their culture to their remotest borders.

From legionaries to warrior Queens, from slaves to Emperors, from toilets to temples, there is a whole Roman Universe to discover here.

Homework Expectations

As in all courses at Dreaming Spires, the homework each week is to read about 50 pages of text, write a short summary, answer some discussion questions, and attend a one-hour webinar where, mostly, the tutors talks on the mic and students type in the chatbox.

Add-On Options

The add-on writing extension for this course will focus on how one writes like a historian, using objects, written sources, maps, and more. The homework for this averages 2 hours a week, and when combined with the main course, affords any US student an “honors” designation on their completion certificate.

How It Supports Your Child's Education

For UK students and others doing UK-style IGCSE exams, this course is an excellent introductory survey of Roman history, a study that builds on any personal curiosity about ancient cultures and may encourage them down the pathway of future exams in history.

For US students and international students who are pursuing studies toward a US-style diploma, this course will attract one (WASC accredited) honors credit in world history for a high school transcript.

Who Teaches Roman City Life?

Alison Samuels is a former home-educating mum and a graduate of St John's College, Cambridge. She was one of the first women admitted to her alma mater, when it stopped being for men only. Her long teaching experience includes more than 20 years as a Classics lecturer with the Open University.
See all courses taught by Alison