Rome is the birthplace of European ideas on law and state. Roman jurists like Cicero and Ulpian were pioneers in developing principles concerning the rule of law and the (legal) limitation of government power. Their ideas would be a significant source of inspiration for later generations, with thinkers like Machiavelli and Montesquieu admiring the Roman Republic as an example of a perfect constitution, in which the power of the state was divided among various institutions, so that no institution could dominate the others, effectively ensuring the freedom of citizens. According to them, the Republic was based not only on a balanced distribution of power but also on shared constitutional and rule-of-law values aimed at preventing corruption and abuse of competences. In their eyes, those values were lost during the imperial period, leading to decadence and lack of freedom, and ultimately to the collapse of the Roman Empire.
This vision of history influenced the French Revolutionaries and the American Founding Fathers, who designed modern constitutions modeled after the Roman Republic, with the Capitol and the Senate as important symbols of power. At the same time, authoritarian leaders like Mussolini would draw on the example of the Roman Principate to legitimize their expansionist policies and replace the democratic rule of law with a totalitarian regime. After World War II, both the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) would be signed in Rome as safeguards against the danger of totalitarianism. In this context, Rome and Roman ideas about the legal limitation of government power and shared constitutional values once again played an important role.
During this course, we will explore how Rome and Roman ideas about law and the state have shaped and continue to influence European constitutional traditions. What role have Roman examples played in the imagination of later generations of legal and political thinkers? To what extent has Rome served as an inspiration for modern constitutions? And what are the darker aspects of Roman thinking about the state and its later receptions? Our exploration of these and other questions will include visits to prominent and lesser-known sites in Rome where symbols of power are depicted in art and architecture, providing a tangible connection to the rich legacy of Roman legal and political thought.
Lecturers
prof. dr. Marc de Wilde (UvA), mr. dr. Niels Graaf (UvA), mr. dr. Lukas van den Berge (UU).
Coordinator
Susanna de Beer (KNIR Director of Ancient Studies and Classical Reception)
Assessment and Grading
The study load is the equivalent of max. 6 ECTS (168 hours), based on an intensive course in Rome with lectures, discussions, presentations, and museum/site/university visits; and a final written assignment.
Each student should arrange with his/her home coordinator whether the course can be a part of the existing curriculum.
The assessment is comprised of:
– Research proposal (10% of final grade)
– Presentation and commenting on a presentation (20% of final grade)
– Final paper (70% of final grade)
Target group and entry requirements
The course is open to a maximum of 12 selected BA and (R)MA students in law, history, political science, Italian Studies, classics, and related disciplines from the Universiteit van Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Universiteit Leiden, Universiteit Utrecht, Radboud Universiteit, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, as well as Amsterdam University College, University College Groningen, Roosevelt University College, Leiden University College The Hague and University College Utrecht. A positive BSA is required for participation.
The selection of participants is based on grades, a letter of motivation, and the composition of the group. Students can apply via the application form below. Include in your application:
- a letter of motivation (max. 1 A4). In your letter, explain why you are interested in exploring how Rome and Roman ideas about law and the state have shaped and continue to influence European constitutional traditions and what your disciplinary perspective brings to the table when researching this topic.
- a brief cv
- a recent list of courses followed and grades provided by your university
Credits
max. 6 ECTS
Language
English
Costs
Participating students will receive free tuition, excursions (including most entry fees for museums and archaeological sites), and accommodation in Rome. After successful completion of the final assignment, travel costs will be reimbursed up to €100,- for students (or up to €125,- in case you make the complete trip by train), enrolled in one of our NWIB partner universities.
Application and admission
Students can apply via the link below; include in your application:
• a brief letter of motivation (max. 1 A4)
• a brief cv
• a recent list of courses followed and grades provided by your university
Apply before
1 October 2024
You will be notified about the outcome within two weeks. Please note that the decision of the selection committee is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
More info
E-mail: secretary@knir.it
Phone: (+39)063269621
Tile: Augustus van Primaporta © 2014. Photo: Ilya Shurygin.via Statue of Augustus from PrimaPorta (close up). Rome, Vatican Museums, Chiaramonti Museum, New Wing, 14.(ancientrome.ru)
Header: The Treaty of Rome signing ceremony, at the Palazzo dei Conservatori on Capitoline Hill, Rome, 25 March 1957. It led to the founding of the European Economic Community. r/HistoryPorn (reddit.com)
