Lesson #30 - The Legacy of Rome

This will be the final day of our look at Rome.

First, let's finish up the material from yesterday. We'll bring this up to today and talk about whether Rome's fate has anything to do with the modern United States. Here's the "big question": Is the United States an "empire" in decline?

If the United States and the Roman Empire are comparable, do you believe were are destined to suffer the same fate? Why or why not?

We'll continue with the pair of sections from The Ethics Workbook I: World History that we have twice delayed. First, we'll take a look at Chapter 7 on "Ancient Rome," with its emphasis on Stoicism. Next, we'll consider the "Christianity" section of Chapter 8.

Next, we'll do an Ancient Rome "Graffiti" Review activity. (Note: Be sure to check that your posting got submitted to the correct location. I can't guarantee I'll find them if you posted them in the wrong spot...)

Let's look at the Famous Romans first. (The link will download you a list of names if you'd like a place to jot down some notes on them.)

Next, let's turn our attention to the Roman "Stuff" (Again, I've tried to group them somewhat logically on the sheet that you can download.)

Ten Legacies of Ancient Rome: I always try to keep our focus on the "So what?" type of questions. In other words, "What is important for us to know?" "Why should we know it?" In that spirit, we'll close by looking at the lasting impact of Rome.

As a group, I want us to come up with the "Top Ten Legacies of Ancient Rome." You've no doubt got a lot of ideas. In addition, here's an article called "The Legacy of Rome." Ironically, it comes from an online simulation on "The Hundred Years War." (I have no idea if it is any fun, but you can check out the game here.)

HOMEWORK for next session: Monday, December 17th

We're going to divide into two groups to start the reading in Chapter 7. Basically, you'll read half of the chapter over each of the next two classes. For Monday:

INDIA group: You should read 7.1 ("India's Empires") and 7.2 ("Trade Spreads Indian Religions and Culture). Yes, it's a total of one page more than the China group, but they'll read more for the next day...

CHINA group: You should read 7.3 ("Han Emperors in China") for Monday.

Your second, and final, batch of current events will be due on Friday, December 21st. Current Events #2 should consist of four events that match the following categories. You may select either news stories or editorials. You can find the instructions for Current Events here.

Download a Current Events #2 template here.

I. Europe (or any part of)
II. China or India
III. Africa (or any part of)
IV. The Americas (NOT primarily the United States)