Susann Lusnia: The Romans and fast food?
Fast food dates back to Roman times, says Classics Professor Susann Lusnia. Surprised? It's one of the informational nuggets Lusnia feeds to her students in her class on Pompeii, one of the most popular courses at Tulane.
"In Pompeii, there were 'thermopolia' that would sell hot drinks and a quick meal, like cheeses and pickled foods," Lusnia reports.
It's an example of one of the many moments when students make the connection between modern and ancient times. "The study of the classical world is a valuable part of every student's learning," says Lusnia. "There are deeply rooted connections - the past and the present tie us together," she says.
Those parallels run deep. Lusnia's students learn how basic elements of humanity - like families and emotion - have changed since 79 A.D. One example hits particularly close to home for Tulane students. According to Lusnia, the human reactions in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the destruction of Pompeii were very similar. She cites the actions of Emperor Titus, who after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius devastated Pompeii, sent money for rebuilding efforts and allowed some measure of tax relief.
Lusnia was honored by students last year with the university's highest award for exemplary teaching. She enjoys hearing from students after they have taken her classes. Some tell her how they have used their class experiences while visiting museums or archaeological sites in Rome, Pompeii or the Etruscan tombs, enthusiastically sharing the knowledge they gained in class with their friends and family.
"In the humanities it is often difficult to quantify success in teaching, but when I hear that students are finding ways to apply my courses to their life experiences, I consider that a mark of success," Lusnia says.
