Reading and Writing Workshop

Voices of Rome: Analyzing, Writing, and Debating the Legacy of Ancient Rome
Session 1: Reading – Analyzing Excerpts from Roman Law Codes (RH.6-8.5)
Objective: Students will analyze the structure and key ideas of selected Roman law codes to understand their historical significance.
Materials:

• The Twelve Tables (Earliest codification of Roman law)
  • Public domain source: Project Gutenberg
  • URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14783
• The Institutes of Justinian (Legal commentary used in Roman law education)
  • Public domain source: Project Gutenberg
  • URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/17631

Activities:

1. Introduction to Roman Law – Discuss the importance of Roman law and its influence on modern legal systems.
2. Group Analysis – Assign small groups excerpts from The Twelve Tables or The Institutes of Justinian. Students analyze their meaning and purpose.
3. Group Presentations – Each group presents their findings, highlighting key aspects of Roman law.

Session 2: Writing – Crafting a Historical Fiction Letter as a Roman Senator (WHST.6-8.3)
Objective: Students will write a historical fiction letter from the perspective of a Roman senator, incorporating historical context and personal reflections.
Materials:

• The Letters of Cicero (A collection of letters from Cicero, providing insight into Roman politics and daily life)
  • Public domain source: Project Gutenberg
  • URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/47000/47000-h/47000-h.htm

Activities:

1. Understanding Roman Correspondence – Discuss the role of letter writing in Roman society, referencing Cicero’s letters.
2. Writing Workshop – Students write a letter as a Roman senator addressing a political or social issue.
3. Peer Review – Students exchange letters for constructive feedback on historical accuracy and voice.

Session 3: Speaking & Listening – Presenting a Persuasive Argument on Rome’s Greatest Achievement (SL.6-8.6)
​Objective: Students will develop and present a persuasive argument on Rome’s greatest achievement, using historical evidence.
Materials:

• De Officiis (On Duties) by Cicero (A treatise discussing moral obligations and Roman virtues)
  • Public domain source: Project Gutenberg
  • URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/47001/47001-h/47001-h.htm

Activities:

1. Research and Preparation – Students select an achievement (e.g., roads, aqueducts, law, military, philosophy) and gather supporting evidence.
2. Presentation Skills Workshop – Teach persuasive speaking techniques, including thesis development and rhetorical strategies.
3. Student Presentations – Each student delivers a 3-5 minute speech arguing for Rome’s greatest achievement.

This workshop integrates reading, writing, and speaking activities using public domain resources to engage students in Roman history.