Fall 2024 Classical Studies Courses
Courses are divided into three areas of study: Classics in English, Greek, and Latin. All available courses can also be viewed via BannerWeb. All courses are one unit (unless otherwise indicated).
Classics in English, Archaeology, and Linguistics
Classics 201– Classical Elements in English Language
TR 1:30-2:45 pm – Simpson
From 'anonymity' to 'triskaidekaphobia,' from 'hematoma' to 'stare decisis,' Classics 201 examines the English language's debt to Latin and Greek. Teaches the skill of seeing and understanding roots, prefixes, and suffixes that make up many English words. Includes specialized terminologies used in law and medicine, as well as learned or technical terms drawn from readings selected by the student. Aims to improve the student's understanding of academic and literary texts. No prerequisite.
Classics 220– Introduction to Archaeology
TR 10:30-11:45 am – Baughan
An introduction to archaeological method and theory, with special focus on the archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean basin. We will consider the history of the discipline and major advances and trends in archaeological science and interpretation while examining select case studies from the Mediterranean world (e.g., Çatal Höyük, Knossos, and Pompeii). There will be a community-based learning component centered on East End Cemetery. Satisfies the Social Analysis requirement (FSSA). No prerequisite.
Classics 302– Roman Art and Archaeology
TR 3:00-4:15 pm – Baughan
A survey of Roman art and architecture from the early republic through the late empire, and throughout the Roman world, from Spain to Syria. This course explores the meanings of ‘style’ in Roman art and the social and political significance of Roman sculpture, painting, and architecture. Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts Field of Study requirement (FSVP); WGSS Special Cross-List. No prerequisite.
Classics 329 – The Ancient World in Cinema
MW 10:30-11:45 am – Damer; T 6:00-9:30 pm (Film night)
This course examines cinematic representations of the ancient Greek and Roman Mediterranean, viewed through a variety of literary and cinematic genres in European and American cinema of the 20th Century. The films offer an opportunity to reflect on how our various modern visions of (and desires for) the ancient world illuminate the present as much as they animate the past. Students will read selections from Greek and Roman history and poetry (in translation) in conjunction with weekly viewings and written assignments; secondary readings will be drawn from contemporary film criticism and theory. Satisfies the Literary Studies Field of Study requirement (FSLT). No prerequisite.
Classics 498 – Major Seminar
W 4:30-7:00 pm – Baughan
Required of senior Classics majors. Research methods and the writing and presentation of a research paper.
Classics 499 – Independent Study
TBD
Available only through departmental approval prior to registration.
Classics in Greek
Greek 101 – Elementary Greek
MWF 12:00-12:50 pm – Wong
Introduction to ancient Greek, the language of Homer, Plato and the New Testament. We will use a 'reading approach' that aims at helping students develop mental habits and reading strategies that will lead to successful reading of more complex Greek in future semesters. Partially satisfies the COM2 requirement. No prerequisite.
Greek 201 – Intermediate Greek
MWF 1:30-2:20 pm – Wong
We will complete our introduction to Greek grammar and embark on our first readings in unadapted Greek taken from Plato and Xenophon, two competing disciples of Socrates. Partially satisfies the COM2 requirement. Prerequisite: Greek 102 or permission of the department.
Greek 302– Greek Drama
MW 3:00-4:15 pm – Simpson
We will read Sophocles’ Oedipus the King in Greek and study his extant plays as they may provide evidence of a developing dramaturgy and an on-going conversation with the city of Athens. Prerequisite: Greek 202 or permission of the department.
Greek 498 – Major Seminar
W 4:30-7:00 pm – Baughan
Required of senior Classics majors. Research methods and the writing and presentation of a research paper.
Greek 499 – Independent Study
TBD
Available only through departmental approval prior to registration.
Classics in Latin
Latin 101 – Elementary Latin
MWF 10:30-11:20 am – Simpson
Introduction to the language of ancient Rome – also the language of learning for over a thousand years, the source of modern Romance languages, and a wealth of English vocabulary. Partially satisfies the COM2 requirement. No prerequisite.
Latin 201 – Intermediate Latin
Two sections: MWF 10:30-11:20 am – Stevenson; 1:30-2:20 pm – Damer
We will complete the introduction to basic language skills and embark on our first readings in unadapted Latin. Partially satisfies the COM2 requirement. Prerequisite: Latin 102 or permission of the department.
Latin 398 – Neronian Literature
TR 1:30-2:45 pm – Stevenson
This course will study the literature composed and published in the time of the emperor Nero, perhaps the most theatrical and enigmatic period of Roman literature. We will concentrate on Seneca who tutored and advised Nero while also establishing himself as the foremost philosopher and dramatist of his age. We will first study Seneca's prose teachings on literary style and its moral content, and then we will apply his teachings to his own poetry, in this case his tragedy Thyestes, moving on to look at various prose works and finishing with his nephew Lucan’s Pharsalia. Throughout our reading we will attempt to solve the many riddles of Neronian taste. Why so much gratuitous violence? Why such bloated language? Why so much explicit sexual moralizing? Why so theatrical? In answering these questions, we will approach an understanding of a period in some ways strangely similar to our own.
Latin 498 – Major Seminar
W 4:30-7:00 pm – Baughan
Required of senior Classics majors. Research methods and the writing and presentation of a research paper.
Latin 499 – Independent Study
TBD
Available only through departmental approval prior to registration.
Please visit the major/minor page for full details on our curricula and major/minor requirements.
