This course investigates the origins, development, and eventual crisis of the Roman Republic, from its foundation in the eighth century BC to Civil War in the first century BC. The course is organized around current methods, problems, and debates in the fields of Roman history and Classics. Topics include the contexts and causes for the rise of Rome, the growth, development, and eventual collapse of the Roman republican constitution, and the impact of empire on Roman society, culture, religion, economy, and identity. These topics will be studied through extensive analysis and discussion of literary, documentary, and archaeological sources, and close engagement with perspectives from works of contemporary scholarship. No knowledge of the ancient languages is required. (Same as HIST 506.) Prerequisite: Any CLSX or HIST course.