In the Roman world, buildings functioned as loci of social discourse and were often imbued with complex political meanings. The architecture produced during the Roman Republic and Empire was also exceptional and innovative for its use of technology and design. This seminar course introduces students to the major types of Roman architecture, as well as to the important theoretical and scholarly debates in the field. The built environment, including gardens, was also integral to the conception and experience of Roman architecture and will also be examined in this course. There will be an emphasis on relationship between provincial examples of Roman architecture and architecture in the city of Rome. Lastly, the course will consider reception theory and appropriation of Roman architectural forms in the architecture of New York City in order to understand the lasting influence of Roman buildings and their reinterpretation in contemporary times.