View Specification DocumentLaw in the Roman World 2 LAW4200
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Law
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course introduces the commercial world of ancient Rome with a selection of topics on contract law and property. Subjects typically include slavery, wine, fault in contract creation, and banking. Law is treated in its social and economic context.
Timetable
There will be 9 x 2-hour seminars spread throughout semester 2.
Requirements of Entry
This course is available to LLB students, MA students in the College of Arts, and visiting students.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
One summative/formative essay of 2,000 words (30%) and one summative examination (70%).
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
The aims of the course are to:
1. introduce the commercial setting of ancient Rome;
2. place the substantive law in the context of Roman commercial realities;
3. develop the analytical and critical skills of students by detailed examination of original sources of law.
4. develop research skills by requiring students to undertake a formative essay.
5. develop the oral and presentational skills of students by requiring students to speak on one or more seminar questions.
6. develop the students' general knowledge of ancient Rome.
7. deepen appreciation of particular areas of contemporary commercial law by holding out ancient law for comparison.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
1. Understand the legal devices used by the Romans to manage their commercial affairs.
2. Analyse Roman legal sources with due appreciation of their time and place.
3. Appreciate the significance of legal history in our understanding of modern law.
4.Construct a cogent and coherent written argument using historical sources