Gordon Kelly

Gordon Kelly is an Associate Professor with term in Humanities and Department Chair of Classics. He received a Ph. D. in Classical Studies from Bryn Mawr College in 1999, with a concentration in Ancient History. He has taught courses on Latin and Greek language and literature, Roman and Greek History, Classical Mythology, Roman Law, and the family in the Roman World. Professor Kelly’s research has focused on the connection of politics, law, and social history in the Roman Republic, and he is the author of the forthcoming book, A History of Exile in the Roman Republic (Cambridge University Press). He is also interested in how ancient military practices reflect the social ideals of the Greco-Roman world, and has served as a rower on the reconstructed ancient Greek warship Olympias during three sea-trials in the 1990s.

Specialty

Latin and Greek language and literature, Roman and Greek history

Academic Credentials

PhD 1999, MA 1993 Bryn Mawr College. BA 1991 Rutgers University, BA 1985 Villanova University

Teaching

Spring 2020 Courses

LATN 102: Begining Latin II
MWF 10:20-11:20

Emphasis on basic vocabulary and grammar necessary to read Latin texts of the Classical period.

CLAS 202: Roman Thought and Culture
MWF 12:40-1:40

Introduction to ancient Roman thought and culture as reflected in archaeology, architecture, art, history, literature, philosophy, and religion. Special emphasis on the core values of ancient Roman culture, and how these compare or contrast to our own.

HIST 219: Ancient Rome
TTH 1:50-3:20

A history of Rome from the foundation of the Roman Republic in the late 6th century B.C. to the end of the Severan dynasty in 235 A.D. Specia emphasis on Rome’s political transformation from a republic to an empire and the effect of this transition on Roman civilization. Topics include Roman conquest and imperialism, religion, contact with other Mediterranean cultures, class conflict, law and governance, slavery, and family structure. The interpretation of primary-source materials (especially ancient historical writings) and the problems of reconstructing the history of a civilization that flourished 2,000 years ago.