Republics Then and Now: From Rome to America

a DIALOGUES seminar

Recent political events serve to remind Americans that the United States is “a republic, not a democracy.” Indeed, our Founding Fathers were inspired by the most famous republic in world history, Rome’s, when they wrote the Constitution. This Dialogues seminar will examine the similarities and differences between the Roman Republic and the American model. We’ll look at how each of the two forms of government try to represent “the people” while protecting the interests of a narrow class of elites. Part history, part contemporary reflection, this seminar is sure to stimulate conversations about the balance between stability and equality in political institutions.

TOPICS & SPEAKERS

How Democratic was the Roman Republic Really?
Richard J.A. Talbert, William Rand Kenan Jr. Professor of History Emeritus

Democracy and Republicanism in the US Constitution
Suzanne Globetti, Teaching Associate Professor of Political Science

The Benefits and Drawbacks of the Republican Model
A panel discussion with our speakers

TIME AND TUITION

9:00 am-12:30 pm, Saturday, October 22. The tuition is $65 to attend in person or $50 for virtual viewing.  A meal will not be offered with this seminar.

UNC Students can attend for free, but pre-registration is required. Discounts are available for UNC faculty, & staff. To register as a UNC Student, Staff, or Faculty, see our Registration Policy here.

Co-Sponsored by the General Alumni Association.  For information about GAA discounts and other scholarships available to Humanities Program participants, click here.

In-person tuition for teachers is $32.50. Current K-12 teachers interested in receiving a complimentary virtual viewing registration for this seminar can apply here.

*Registration for this event closes on October 22 at 3pm*

Participants will receive an email with venue information and background information about 1 week before the program.

**Please note that due to UNC regulations, masks are recommended, but not required for all in-person events regardless of vaccination status. In-person and hybrid events may switch to virtual-only based upon recommendations from local, state, and national public health officials. If an in-person or hybrid event is designated “virtual-only,” the CPH staff will contact registrants and provide them with information on how to attend virtually or with options for receiving credits or refunds. If you have any questions, please email human@unc.edu or call 919.962.1544. We appreciate your flexibility during these trying times.**