Name: Jack Rankin
Major: Classics and Economics
Research Location: Italy
Jack traveled to Italy to study how the Roman elite and upper-middle-class created spaces for otium (Latin for leisure) in urban and villa settings. His goal was to see how Roman architecture and art created a relaxation that was distinctly different from our own. He chose to research otium because out of all the aspects of the classical world, otium is one of the least popularly known and one of the most relevant today. During his trip, he learned that Romans defined otium as leisurely learning. Romans relaxed actively, by learning, conversing, exercising, and worshipping, rather than the passive entertainment that dominates our world today in sports matches and Instagram reels.
Jack says, "I realized that research trips, especially experiential ones like this, are just as much about asking new questions as finding answers. Prompted by the sites I’ve visited, I came across fascinating thesis ideas such as the parallel lives of Emperors Tiberius and Hadrian, the meaning of Hercules and Satyrs in villa sculpture, or patriotism in house decoration. Encountering all these aspects of otium sites has made me more excited to narrow my focus in a senior thesis."
Jack says, "I realized that research trips, especially experiential ones like this, are just as much about asking new questions as finding answers. Prompted by the sites I’ve visited, I came across fascinating thesis ideas such as the parallel lives of Emperors Tiberius and Hadrian, the meaning of Hercules and Satyrs in villa sculpture, or patriotism in house decoration. Encountering all these aspects of otium sites has made me more excited to narrow my focus in a senior thesis."