This course investigates the history of the later Roman Empire, from the height of its power in the second century AD to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century AD. The course is organized around current methods, problems, and debates in the fields of Roman history and Classics. Topics include continuity and change in Roman culture, identity, and institutions; the Christianization of the empire; contact and conflict between Romans and the "barbarians"; political decline and daily life across the empire. 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 508.) Prerequisite: Any CLSX or HIST course.