Classics

Major

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Classics Major (30 credits)

The Classics major focuses on advanced study of the Greek and Latin languages (as opposed to the Classical Studies major which emphasizes interdisciplinary courses in Classical Civilizations).  Students pursuing the Classical major may emphasize either Latin, Greek, or both.

I. Core courses for all classics majors (14 credits)

A. CL 22/Classical Literature in Translation (4)

B. Two courses (8 credits) chosen from:

• CL 20/The History of Ancient Greece (4)
• CL 21/The History of Ancient Rome (4)
• CL 24/Archaeology of Greece and Rome (4)
• CL 25/Classical Mythology (4)
• CL 27/Society and Family in Ancient Greece and Rome (4)
• CL 28/Topics from the Classical World (4)
• CL 136/Foundations of the European Intellectual Tradition(4)
• CL 165/Greek and Roman Traditions (4)
• CL 120/REL 120/Classical Morality and Religious Ethics from Plato to Machiavelli (4)
• HUM 11/Classical Antiquity (4)
• LING 10/Language Communication (4) OR LING 120/Linguistic Theory and Method (4)
• PHIL 36/History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (4)

Note: The first year of a second classical language may be substituted for one of these courses.

C. CL 128/Advanced Classics Seminar (2),
taken in the spring semester of either junior or senior year. This requirement is waived for those writing an Honors thesis.

II. Advanced-level language requirement (16 credits)Four courses (16 credits) at an upper level in Greek or Latin (either all in Greek, or all in Latin, or any combination of the two languages of the student’s choosing).

Requirements for the Classical Studies Major (38 credits)

I. Required Courses (8 credits)

• LAT 1, 2/Elementary Latin I, II (4,4) OR GRK 1, 20/Elementary Greek I, II (4,4) (subject to placement)

II. Two courses (8 credits) of Greek or Latin at the intermediate or upper level.

III. Seven courses (28 credits), selected in consultation with the adviser, from the following, at least one of which must be upper level (CL 120, 136, 150, or 165):

Additional upper-level Greek or Latin courses (100 and above)

• CL 20/The History of Ancient Greece (4)
• CL 21/The History of Ancient Rome (4)
• CL 22/Classical Literature in Translation (4)
• CL 24/Archaeology of Greece and Rome (4)
• CL 25/Classical Mythology (4)
• CL 27/Society and Family in Ancient Greece and Rome (4)
• CL 28/Topics from the Classical World (4)
• CL 136/Foundations of the European Intellectual Tradition(4)
• CL 150/Independent study (amount of credit established at registration)
• CL 165/Greek and Roman Traditions (4)
• CL 120/REL 120/Classical Morality and Religious Ethics from Plato to Machiavelli (4)
• HUM 11/Humanities ($)
• PHIL 36/History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (4)
• REL 169/Religions of the Ancient Near East (4)

Other appropriate independent study or special topics courses. Students should consult their advisers.

IV. CL 128/Advanced Classics Seminar (2)

taken in the spring semester of either their junior or senior year. This requirement is waived for those writing an Honors thesis.

Minor

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Classical Studies Minor (20 credits)

Students must complete a minimum of five courses in classics or related courses at the intermediate or upper level (language courses and/or literature, history, or civilization courses in translation), selected in consultation with departmental faculty. Exemption from one course at the intermediate or upper level can be counted toward the minor.

Faculty

Faculty

Associate Professors: John R. Lenz (chair), John D. Muccigrosso

Courses

Courses Offered

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CLAS 340 - Formerly CL 140 - Archaeological Field Study (4)

This summer field course introduces students to archaeological field methods, including survey, excavation, and artifact recovery and processing. Instruction is through participation in an ongoing research project. This course is an intensive three-to-four-week archaeological field school run by the Classics Department. Students participate actively in the excavation of a classical site, in addition to attending lectures and participating in site visits. Students will be introduced to the material culture of the region in which the excavation occurs. Students must be prepared for fairly strenuous outdoor physical activity in hot weather.
Signature of the program director is required for registration. Enrollment in the course is subject to application to the International and Off-Campus Programs Office. Signature of instructor required for registration. Recommended: Relevant coursework prior to the field school is recommended though not required. Offered annually.

Courses in English

CLAS 230 - Formerly CL 20 - The History of Ancient Greece (4)

An introduction to the history of Greece from the Bronze Age to Alexander the Great, including its artistic, social, economic, religious, military, and political developments, and the evolution of the basic concepts that have influenced Western thought. Special attention is given to original sources, with readings from the Greek historians and consideration of archaeology.
Offered fall semester in even-numbered years. Same as: HIST 230 - Formerly 20 -
Fulfills: DIT, BH

CLAS 232 - Formerly CL 21 - The History of Ancient Rome (4)

An introduction to Roman history, covering the rise of Rome, Roman imperialism, social stresses, the transition from Republic to Empire, imperial civilization, the rise of Christianity, and the decline of the Roman Empire.
Offering varies. Same as: HIST 232 - Formerly 21 -
Fulfills: BH, DIT

CLAS 250 - Formerly CL 22 - Classical Literature in Translation (4)

Reading, analysis, and interpretation of selected classics of Greek and Roman literature, including Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Vergil's Aeneid, and representative selections from comedy, love-poetry, and Athenian tragedy. Provides an introduction to ancient life and thought and builds a foundation for the study of other literatures that draw heavily on the classical tradition.
May be repeated for credit with permission of the department as the emphasis of the course varies. Offering varies.
Fulfills: WI, BH

CLAS 240 - Formerly CL 24 - Archaeology of Greece and Rome (4)

An introduction to the material culture of the Greek and Roman worlds, including the main periods and styles of pottery, vase painting, sculpture, and other arts, as well as cities, sanctuaries, and architectural forms, from the Aegean Bronze Age to the Roman Empire. While furnishing an overview of the ancient classical world, the course considers what art and archaeology can tell us about civilization and society and about issues such as public and private, sacred and profane, male and female.
Offering varies.

CLAS 215 - Formerly CL 25 - Classical Mythology (4)

A study of Greek and Roman myth and legend in literature and art, with an exploration of the basic meaning of myth and its nature and function in various cultures. Considers the Indo-European and Near Eastern sources of classical myths as well as their influence in later European art and literature.
Offered spring semester annually.
Fulfills: BH

CLAS 270 - Formerly CL 27 - Society and Family in Ancient Greece and Rome (4)

An examination of the lives of individuals in Classical Antiquity, both men and women in their public and private social lives. Considers gender roles, education, lifecycle, moral values, sexuality, working conditions, slavery, entertainments, religious activity, magic, medicine, and law. Makes use of a variety of sources from literature, inscriptions, art, and archaeology.
Offering to be determined.

CLAS 260 - Formerly CL 28 - Classical Civilization: Selected Topics (2-4)

Study of selected topics from Greek and Roman civilization, literature and archaeology. Topics change from year to year and include the Trojan War; the Golden Age of Athens; Rome of Caesar and Augustus; sport and spectacle in Greece and Rome; Alexander the Great; classics and computers; classics in cinema; Greek and Latin roots of English.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Not open to students who have taken two previous classics (CLAS - Formerly CLAS - Formerly CLAS - Formerly CL) courses; they should register for CLAS - Formerly CLAS - Formerly CLAS - Formerly CL 128. Offering to be determined.
Fulfills: BH, WI

CLAS 312 - Formerly CL 120 - Classical Morality & Religious Ethics From Plato to Machiavelli (4)

The course provides a history of classical moral thinking, both philosophical and theological, in the West by tracing this thought through Greek, Roman, and Christian philosophers, theologians, historians, dramatists, and Italian Renaissance Republicans. We will pay particular attention to how this intellectual history, found in philosophers and theologians, interacts with popular classical morality and piety as found in classical historians and dramatists, medieval morality dramatists, and biography. Topics to be covered will include but not be limited to: the nature of morality, moral realism, moral virtue, the relationship between tragedy and virtue, the goal of happiness and inner peace in the face of adversity, the interaction of religion and morality, love, marriage, friendship, sexual relations, raising children, and political ethics. The course will conclude with an overview of the recent revival of classical morality in religious and philosophical ethics.
Same as: REL 312 - Formerly 120 - . Offered fall semester in even-numbered years.

CLAS 310 - Formerly CL 128 - Current Controversies in Classics (2)

This course investigates selected topics in Classics, chosen to fit students' interests. Students read recent works presenting different views of a current issue in the field. We evaluate the ancient sources (the evidence), scholars' reasoning about them, the state of the current debate, and its relevance to broader interests in the humanities and contemporary society. Through study of different types of scholarly writing, and regular writing of their own, students enter into the scholarly conversation in the field. Topics include, for example: ancient sexuality; multiculturalism and minorities; the fall of Rome; paganism compared with Christianity; new archaeological finds.
Required for all majors, except those writing an Honors thesis in the department. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Meets: Meets: One hour per week. Recommended: Maximum enrollment: 10. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status; Classics or Classical Studies major, Classical Studies minor, or completion of two Classics courses. With signature of instructor, open to juniors and seniors who have taken one Classics course. Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: WM

CLAS 336 - Formerly CL 136 - Foundations of the European Intellectual Tradition (4)

A survey of Western thought from the earliest Greek thinkers through the Renaissance, with emphasis upon the rise of a spirit of free inquiry, the growth of humanism and secularism, and debates between science and religion, tradition and innovation. Considered in their social contexts are the pre-Socratics, the Sophists, Plato and Aristotle, Stoics and Epicureans, early Christians, and representatives of medieval scholasticism and Renaissance humanism.
Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years. Same as: HIST 336 - Formerly 136 -
Fulfills: BH

CLAS 300 - Formerly CL 150 - Independent Study (2-4)

Independent work in classics, chosen to meet students' special interests, in history, literature, classical civilization, or archaeology. Conducted as a tutorial with weekly meetings, written and oral reports.
May be repeated for credit. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: One classics course at the intermediate level and permission of instructor Offered every fall and spring semester.

CLAS 302 - Formerly CL 165 - Greek and Roman Religions (4)

An introduction to the religious thought and practices of the ancient Greeks, Romans, and (in this context) the early Christians. Topics include ritual, worship, and sacrifice; beliefs about the underworld and afterlife; the ancient mystery cults and the rise of Christianity; philosophical challenges to religion; the conflict of paganism and Christianity. Emphasis is placed on original literary, artistic, and archaeological sources.
Prerequisite: A previous Classics course (preferably CLAS 215 - Formerly CL 25 - ) or a previous REL course. Offering to be determined. Same as: REL 302 - Formerly 165 -
Fulfills: BH

CLAS 400 - Formerly CL AA1 - Research Project in Classics (4)

An independent research project chosen to meet students' special interests in history, literature, civilization, or archaeology of the ancient world. Students work closely with department faculty to frame a question and investigate it using ancient sources and recent critical methods. Interdisciplinary work is encouraged, as well as a sense of the topics relevance to the present. The capstone course for Classics and Classical Studies majors in their Senior year. Required of all majors except those completing an Honors thesis.
[CAP] Capstone. For Classics and Classical Studies majors in their Senior year. Prerequisite: CLAS 310 - Formerly CL 128 - Offered every fall and spring.

Courses in Greek

GRK 101 - Formerly 1 - Elementary Greek I (4)

An introduction to classical Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary with selected passages from ancient Greek authors read throughout the course, allowing students to gain a familiarity not only with the language itself but also with important aspects of Greek culture and civilization.
Meets: Four hours class Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years.

GRK 102 - Formerly 20 - Elementary Greek II (4)

An introduction to classical Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary with selected passages from ancient Greek authors read throughout the course, allowing students to gain a familiarity not only with the language itself but also with important aspects of Greek culture and civilization.
Meets: Four hours class Prerequisite: GRK 101 - Formerly 1 - Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years.

GRK 201 - Formerly 30 - Intermediate Greek: Prose (4)

Readings from Greek prose works, such as the Histories of Herodotus and Plato's Apology of Socrates, together with a review of grammar and an introduction to Greek thought.
Prerequisite: One year of college Greek or equivalent Offered fall semester in even-numbered years.

GRK 299 - Formerly 99 - Greek Across the Curriculum (1-2)

Foreign Languages across the Curriculum is a tutorial program which seeks to enable students with at least intermediate-level proficiency in a foreign language to access authentic materials in that language that are relevant to a cognate course. Students will use their acquired skills to read and interpret texts in the foreign language and/or conduct research in the language. Knowledge gained will be applied to the work of the cognate course.
Amount of credit established at time of registration. Signature of instructor required.

GRK 301 - Formerly 100 - Homer (4)

Readings from Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, with a study of their literary and historical significance.
Prerequisite: GRK 201 - Formerly 30 - or permission of instructor Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.

GRK 300 - Formerly 150 - Readings in Greek Authors (2-4)

Extensive readings in a Greek author or authors selected to satisfy students' special areas of interest or need (e.g., selections may come from Greek epic, tragedy, comedy, lyric poetry, history, philosophy, or biography). May be taken as an independent study.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: GRK 201 - Formerly 30 - or permission of instructor Offered every fall and spring semester.

Courses in Latin

LAT 101 - Formerly 1 - Elementary Latin I (4)

An introduction to Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary with appropriate readings from original writings of ancient authors. Attention is given to aspects of Roman language, history, and culture that have strongly influenced Western thought.
Offered fall semester.

LAT 102 - Formerly 2 - Elementary Latin II (4)

An introduction to Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary with appropriate readings from original writings of ancient authors. Attention is given to aspects of Roman language, history, and culture that have strongly influenced Western thought.
Prerequisite: LAT 101 - Formerly 1 - Offered spring semester.

LAT 201 - Formerly 30 - Intermediate Latin: Prose (4)

Readings from Latin prose authors, such as Caesar, Sallust, and Cicero; consideration of Roman culture together with review of the language.
Prerequisite: One year of college Latin or placement based on exam Offered fall semester.

LAT 299 - Formerly 99 - Latin Across The Curriculum (1-2)

Foreign Languages Across the Curriculum is a tutorial program which seeks to enable students with at least intermediate-level proficiency in a foreign language to access authentic materials in that language that are relevant to a cognate course. Students will use their acquired skills to read and interpret texts in the foreign language and/or conduct research in the language. Knowledge gained will be applied to the work of the cognate course.
May be taken again with a different cognate course. Prerequisite: LAT 201 - Formerly 30 - or equivalent and signature of language instructor. Corequisite: Concurrent registration in a cognate course.

LAT 202 - Formerly 100 - Roman Poetry (4)

Readings chosen from the love-poetry of Catullus and Ovid; Ovid's Metamorphoses (one of our major sources of classical mythology); Horace's Odes and Satires; and Lucretius. Consideration of the literary and cultural backgrounds of the works and their influence.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: LAT 201 - Formerly 30 - or placement based on exam Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years.

LAT 330 - Formerly 110 - Vergil (4)

Readings from Vergil's Aeneid and study of its literary and historical contexts.
Prerequisite: LAT 201 - Formerly 30 - or placement based on exam Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years.

LAT 320 - Formerly 120 - Roman Prose (4)

Readings chosen from Cicero's speeches from the courtroom or the Senate; the letters of Cicero and Pliny; and the histories of Sallust, Livy, Suetonius, and Tacitus. With study of their historical contexts, prose style, rhetorical techniques, and influence.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: LAT 201 - Formerly 30 - or placement based on exam Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.

LAT 300 - Formerly 150 - Independent Study (2-4)

Readings in Latin authors chosen to satisfy students' special interests. Weekly meetings, conducted as a tutorial, for translation, with oral and written reports.
May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: LAT 201 - Formerly 30 - and permission of instructor Offered fall and spring semester.