Western Heritage
What if you could bring clarity to a very complex modern era by studying the history of Western civilization...
Western Heritage studies the rich history from classic antiquity through the Renaissance
THE PAST IS NOW
Where does it come from—our fundamental Western worldview? What makes it unique? How do these influences still play out in every election, every medical consultation, every work of fiction, every interpersonal relationship today? Studying the West helps you understand the answers.
A concentrated dose of the core liberal arts, this minor is comprised of a careful selection of courses from across Drew departments. You’ll make the connections between concepts and events in areas such as history, literature, theatre, archaeology, religion and philosophy.
Western heritage gives you great professional training both in terms of skills—your ability to read deeply and accurately, think through problems carefully and write your conclusions powerfully—and knowledge: a mastery of the formative period of Western science, art and humanities.
Passionate Faculty
John R. Lenz
Associate professor & chair
I once had a student tell me that he went to a job interview and got the job because they talked about the Greek historian Thucydides the whole time. As for me, I’m researching ancient Greek religion and how it differed from, and evolved into, Christianity.
Ph.D., Columbia University
Passionate Faculty
Carol Ueland
Professor of Russian & director
I’ve made more than two dozen trips to Russia, leading Drew International Seminars to Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as to fascinating provincial cites and historical sites such as Novgorod, Tver and, soon, Vladimir.
Ph.D., Columbia University
Imagine Studying
Moral thinking, both philosophical and theological, in “Classical Morality & Religious Ethics”
Minor
Requirements for the Minor (20 credits)
I. Core (4 credits)
- CLAS 312 - 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.
Offered: fall semester in even-numbered years.
- CLAS 336 - Foundations of the European Intellectual Tradition (4) (Same as: HIST 336.)
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.
- HIST 336 - 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 Presocratics, the sophists, Plato and Aristotle, Hellenistic schools, Lucretius and Cicero, early Christians, and representatives of medieval scholasticism and Renaissance humanism. For continuation, see HIST 337.
Same as: CLAS 336.
Offered: spring semester in odd-numbered years.
- HUM 211 - Classical Antiquity (4)
The courses in the Western Humanities sequence offer rich possibilities for study. While the time frame for each course (Classical period, Middle Ages, Renaissance to Enlightenment, Modernity) is a constant, the emphasis on specific themes and materials will be determined by the faculty who currently teach the course. Please check the course announcements each semester.
Offered: fall semester in odd-numbered years.
- HUM 213 - The European Middle Ages (4)
The courses in the Western Humanities sequence offer rich possibilities for study. While the time frame for each course (Classical period, Middle Ages, Renaissance to Enlightenment, Modernity) is a constant, the emphasis on specific themes and materials will be determined by the faculty who currently teach the course. Please check the course announcements each semester.
Offered: spring semester in even-numbered years.
- PHIL 210 - History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (4)
A survey of the history of philosophy from pre-Socratic Greek thought to medieval scholasticism. Particular attention is given to works of Plato and Aristotle. The views of pre-Socratics, Stoics, Epicureans, Augustine, and Aquinas are also discussed.
Offered: fall semester.
- REL 312 - 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.
Offered: Fall semester in even years.
II. Classical Literature and Civilization (8 credits)
- ARTH 101 - Western Art I: Ancient and Medieval (4)
This course explores the art and architecture of the ancient and medieval eras, including study of the cultures of the Mediterranean, Near East, and northern Europe. Students will master a chronological history of representation and investigate the relationship between works of art and the cultures in which they were produced.
Offered: fall semester.
- ARTH 301 - Greek and Roman Art (4)
This course studies the art and architecture of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, from the Bronze Age Aegean through the late imperial Roman era. The study will be chronological, with focus on topics that may include the "Greek revolution," Roman architectural innovations, social constructs and the human body, urban planning, and art and political ideology. The classical ideal and its revival may be explored, including study of the Romans as early collectors of Greek art.
Offered: fall semester in odd numbered years.
- CLAS 215 - 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.
- CLAS 230 - History of Ancient Greece (4) (Same as: HIST 230.)
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.
- CLAS 232 - History of Ancient Rome (4) (Same as: HIST 232.)
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.
Offered: Offering varies.
- CLAS 240 - 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.
Offered: Offering varies.
- CLAS 250 - 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.
Offered: Offering varies.
- CLAS 260 - 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.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
- CLAS 270 - 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.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
- CLAS 302 - Greek and Roman Religions (4) (Same as: REL 302.)
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.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
Prerequisite: A previous Classics course (preferably CLAS 215) or a previous REL course.
- CLAS 310 - 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.
May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
Offered: spring semester.
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.
- CLAS 312 - 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.
Offered: fall semester in even-numbered years.
- CLAS 336 - Foundations of the European Intellectual Tradition (4) (Same as: HIST 336.)
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.
- ENGL 101 - Western Literature I (4)
Reading and analysis of selected works in the Western literary tradition from ancient to early medieval periods. Approaches may vary from a survey of works from Homer to Augustine, to a topical approach such as a study of justice and individual choice represented in the works, to a genre approach such as a study of epic.
Offered: fall semester.
- HIST 230 - 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.
Same as: CLAS 230.
Offered: fall semester in even-numbered years.
- HIST 232 - 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: CLAS 232.
- HIST 336 - 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 Presocratics, the sophists, Plato and Aristotle, Hellenistic schools, Lucretius and Cicero, early Christians, and representatives of medieval scholasticism and Renaissance humanism. For continuation, see HIST 337.
Same as: CLAS 336.
Offered: spring semester in odd-numbered years.
- HUM 211 - Classical Antiquity (4)
The courses in the Western Humanities sequence offer rich possibilities for study. While the time frame for each course (Classical period, Middle Ages, Renaissance to Enlightenment, Modernity) is a constant, the emphasis on specific themes and materials will be determined by the faculty who currently teach the course. Please check the course announcements each semester.
Offered: fall semester in odd-numbered years.
- PHIL 104 - Introduction to Ethics (4)
An examination, both critical and historical, of moral theories that have shaped Western thought. Of central concern are questions about the criteria of moral goodness, the strictures of moral obligation, and the nature of justice. Some attention is given to the subjects of moral relativism, hedonism, and egoism. The theories of moral reasoning considered include those of Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, the Cynics, the Epicureans, Hobbes, Kant, Bentham, and J. S. Mill.
Offered: every semester.
- PHIL 210 - History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (4)
A survey of the history of philosophy from pre-Socratic Greek thought to medieval scholasticism. Particular attention is given to works of Plato and Aristotle. The views of pre-Socratics, Stoics, Epicureans, Augustine, and Aquinas are also discussed.
Offered: fall semester.
- REL 222 - Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (4)
A study of religious developments in ancient Israel in their historical contexts. Emphasizes the understandings of Israel as covenant people of God, the relation of religious understandings to historical and social circumstances, the role of prophecy, and the religious restoration following the exile.
Offered: fall semester.
- REL 230 - Introduction to the New Testament (4)
A study of the development of early Christian thought based on its earliest writings. Gives special treatment to the pre-literary origins of the gospel tradition, the variety of early theological assessments of Jesus of Nazareth, and the development of Gentile Christianity out of Jewish Christianity.
Offered: spring semester.
- REL 234 - Introduction to Early Christianity (4)
This course traces the history of Christianity from the death of Jesus to the break up of the Roman empire (seventh century) and the rise of Islam. Important theological questions (such as: who is Jesus [Christology]; what does he do [soteriology]; the nature of God; why is there evil in the world [theodicy]) are considered and placed in the context of ancient Roman history and philosophy. These considerations help us to understand the meaning of Christian martyrdom, the effect of Constantine's conversion, the origins of Christian worship and sacred space (Constantine's St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, in particular), ecclesiastical and clerical orders (bishops and priests, for example), monasticism, the doctrine of "original sin," and apocalyptic expectations. The appeal of alternate Christianities such as Gnosticism and Arianism and the decline of Classical religion are also considered. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years.
Offered: fall semester in even-numbered years.
- REL 241 - Studies in the Gospels (4)
A detailed consideration of materials in the canonical and noncanonical gospels. Focuses on the variety of ways in which Jesus and his message were understood.
Course may be repeated.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
- REL 242 - The Pauline Epistles (4)
An analysis of the letters of Paul, leading to an understanding of his significance in early Christianity and his contributions to subsequent Christian thought.
Offered: spring semester in even-numbered years.
- REL 302 - 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.
Same as: CLAS 302.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
Prerequisite: A previous Classics course (preferably CLAS 215) or a previous REL course.
- REL 312 - 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.
Offered: Fall semester in even years.
III. Medieval and Renaissance (8 credits)
- ARTH 101 - Western Art I: Ancient and Medieval (4)
This course explores the art and architecture of the ancient and medieval eras, including study of the cultures of the Mediterranean, Near East, and northern Europe. Students will master a chronological history of representation and investigate the relationship between works of art and the cultures in which they were produced.
Offered: fall semester.
- ARTH 302 - Medieval Art (4)
This course examines the art produced from the fourth through the fourteenth centuries, from late antiquity through the end of the Gothic era. Painting, architecture, and sculpture will be the main concern, with some attention also to ivories, metalwork, and textiles. Works of art will be studied in their religious, political, social, and stylistic contexts, and topics may include the adaptation of late Roman art for Christian patrons, iconoclasm, monastic art, pilgrimage, manuscript painting and ideology, and the dissemination of architectural style.
Offered: fall semester in even-numbered years.
- ARTH 303 - Italian Renaissance Art (4)
The art of the Italian Renaissance from the fourteenth through the sixteenth centuries is examined in this course. Painting, sculpture and architecture of major artistic centers such as Florence, Rome and Venice and the diverse social structure of these autonomous city-states will be the main focus. Major figures such as Brunelleschi, Masaccio, Michelangelo, Cellini, and Titian are examined in a variety of political, social, and religious contexts. Issues concerning the paragone, the changing status of the artist, artist's biographies and the construction of identity, wealth, patronage both private and public, women, and the process by which art is made and changing philosophies of conservation are some of the topics discussed.
Offered: fall semester in even-numbered years.
- ARTH 304 - Baroque and Rococo Art (4)
This class concentrates on the work of the major painters, sculptors and architects of the 17th century, including Bernini, Caravaggio, Rubens, and Velazquez. French, Italian, Flemish, Netherlandish, and Spanish art is discussed in the context of historical events such as the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Attention is given to the growth of the city as artistic center with particular focus on: Rome, Paris, Amsterdam and Madrid. Related issues pertaining to the growth of the art market, the patron/artist relationship, the emergence of the female artist, and the "international" exchange of ideas are just some of the issues addressed in this course.
Offered: fall semester in odd-numbered years.
- CLAS 312 - 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.
Offered: fall semester in even-numbered years.
- CLAS 336 - Foundations of the European Intellectual Tradition (4) (Same as: HIST 336.)
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.
- ENGL 102 - Western Literature II (4)
Reading and analysis of selected works in the Western literary tradition from the High Middle-Ages to the modern period. Approaches may vary from a survey of works from Dante to Woolf, to a topical approach such as a study of power represented in the works, to a genre approach such as a study of prose narrative.
Offered: spring semester.
- ENGL 220 - History and Structure of the English Language (4)
A study of the development of English from Anglo-Saxon to its present status as a "global" language. The development of English is placed within the framing social, political and economic contexts of its speakers. May also examine the historical development of theories attempting to explain English, its styles, dialects, and literatures.
Offered: in alternate spring semesters.
- ENGL 250 - Mapping the Anglo-American Literary Tradition: Medieval to Renaissance (2)
Taught in four two-credit modules, this course maps Anglo-American literary history from the medieval period to the twentieth century. This essential experience grounds English majors and minors in key texts as well as in major periods, transitions, shifts, and trends along with influences between and among them. Conducted primarily in lecture and discussion form to facilitate students' reading of difficult texts, the course involves extensive reading of primary works from each period and select twentieth-century texts set in dialogue with them. Assessment is primarily through written exams.
Offered: annually, 20 A/B in the spring, 21 A/B in the fall).
Prerequisite: ENGL+9.
- ENGL 276 - Shakespeare (4)
An advanced study of the development of Shakespeare as a dramatist through the study of about seven plays-comedies, histories, and tragedies. Course may be repeated. Enrollment priority given to English majors and minors.
Course may be repeated.
Offered: annually fall semester in London.
Prerequisite: ENGL+20A, 20B, 21A, 21B.
- ENGL 350 - Advanced Studies in Medieval or Renaissance Literature (2-4)
Topics may include Anglo-Saxon literature and culture, the impact of literacy on the fictions and poetry of medieval Britain, the medieval romance, medieval literature and spirituality, medieval and early Renaissance drama, Renaissance poetry.
Course may be repeated.
Offered: in alternate fall semesters.
Prerequisite: ENGL+20A, 20B, 21A, 21B.
- ENGL 376 - Shakespeare on Film: Seminar (4)
An intensive study of about four major plays by means of examination of different film versions.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
Offered: alternate spring semesters.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ENGL 250 , ENGL 251 , ENGL 252 , and ENGL 253.
- HIST 236 - Medieval Europe (4)
A study of the development of European civilization from the decline of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance. Emphasizes political development from the Germanic monarchies to the emergence of dynastic states, feudalism, Christian philosophy, and the development of the church, including economic, social, and cultural trends.
Offered: Alternate Years.
- HIST 241 - Jewish History from Roman Times to the Enlightenment (4)
An overview of the remarkable history of the Jewish people in post-biblical times, beginning with the Roman occupation of Palestine and concluding with the impact of the Enlightenment on Jewish identity. Among the topics to be studied are the Roman exile of the Jews, the religious traditions and national hopes that accompanied them in the diaspora, the emergence of European and Oriental Jewries, the martyrdom of Jews during the Crusades, the Jewish Golden Age in medieval Spain, the Spanish Inquisition, the European Jewish enlightenment.
Same as: JWST 241.
Offered: fall semester in odd-numbered years.
- HIST 242 - History of England to 1714 (4)
A survey of English history from the Roman invasion to Queen Anne. Traces the development of feudalism, the monarchy, parliament, religious conflict, and the pre-industrial economy. Describes the historical background to early English literature.
Offered: spring semester in alternate years.
- HIST 336 - 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 Presocratics, the sophists, Plato and Aristotle, Hellenistic schools, Lucretius and Cicero, early Christians, and representatives of medieval scholasticism and Renaissance humanism. For continuation, see HIST 337.
Same as: CLAS 336.
Offered: spring semester in odd-numbered years.
- HUM 213 - The European Middle Ages (4)
The courses in the Western Humanities sequence offer rich possibilities for study. While the time frame for each course (Classical period, Middle Ages, Renaissance to Enlightenment, Modernity) is a constant, the emphasis on specific themes and materials will be determined by the faculty who currently teach the course. Please check the course announcements each semester.
Offered: spring semester in even-numbered years.
- JWST 241 - Jewish History from Roman Times to the Enlightenment (4) (Same as: HIST 241.)
An overview of the remarkable history of the Jewish people in post-biblical times, beginning with the Roman occupation of Palestine and concluding with the impact of the Enlightenment on Jewish identity. Among the topics to be studied are: the Roman exile of the Jews, the religious traditions and national hopes that accompanied them in the diaspora, the emergence of European and Oriental Jewries, the martyrdom of Jews during the Crusades, the Jewish Golden Age in medieval Spain, the Spanish Inquisition, the European Jewish enlightenment.
Offered: fall semester in odd-numbered years.
- LING 220 - History and Structure of the English Language (4)
A study of the development of English from Anglo-Saxon to its present status as a global language. Examines the historical development of theories attempting to explain English, its styles, dialects, and literatures. Recommended: LING 101.
- MUS 301 - Music of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque Eras (4)
An overview of Western art music from ancient Greece to the music of Bach and Handel. We will study a core repertoire of music in its historical contexts and explore debates of what these pieces may have sounded like when they were first performed. Students will also learn about the field of music history and the tools available for music research at Drew. At least one class trip to a performance of music before 1750 will be required.
Offered: fall semester in alternate years.
Prerequisite: MUS 103.
- PHIL 210 - History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (4)
A survey of the history of philosophy from pre-Socratic Greek thought to medieval scholasticism. Particular attention is given to works of Plato and Aristotle. The views of pre-Socratics, Stoics, Epicureans, Augustine, and Aquinas are also discussed.
Offered: fall semester.
- REL 211 - Judeo-Christian Ethics (4)
An examination of different ethical theories and approaches in Judeo-Christian traditions. Examines special topics, such as marriage, divorce, romantic love, human sexuality, and friendship, from perspectives in traditional and contemporary Protestantism, Catholicism, and Judaism. Gives attention to certain topics in political thought, environmental, and medical ethics.
Offered: fall semester.
- REL 235 - Introduction to Medieval Christianity (4) (Same as: HIST+26.)
This course traces the history of Christianity from the break up of the Roman Empire to the reformations of the sixteenth century (Protestant and Catholic). Important topics include: the rise of the Papacy, the break with Byzantine Christianity, monasticism, sacred space, the medieval "discovery of the self," the mendicant orders (Franciscans and Dominicans), Eucharistic theology, the origins of the university, natural theology, late medieval mysticism, and the break up of Christendom in the sixteenth century. "Popular" religious practices, such as cults of the saints, miracles, and the unique artistic genius of the medieval cathedral are placed in a broader context. Fruitful Christian coexistence as well as violent conflict with Islam and Judaism are also considered, as are the multiplicity of "heretical" Christianities (including Catharism and Waldensians).
Offered: spring semester in even-numbered years.
- REL 244 - Eastern Christianity I (4)
History of the four Ancient Patriarchates and the seven separated churches of the East until the time of the Roman Schism.
Same as: CHIST+227.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
- REL 312 - 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.
Offered: Fall semester in even years.
- SPAN 312 - Love, Sex, and Spirituality in Early Modern Spain (4)
This course addresses the theme of love, both human and divine, as expressed in Spanish poetry, narrative, and drama from the late 15th to the early 17th centuries. Discussions of literary selections will address each work in its specific historical contexts during the early modern period, while also addressing the theories of love that inform these works. We will pay particular attention to the diverse modalities of amorous representations, both earthly and spiritual, as well as the roles of women as writers and characters.
Prerequisite: SPAN 310 or special permission.
- SPAN 333 - Colonial/Postcolonial Encounters: Europe, Africa and the Americas (4)
This course focuses on the interdisciplinary aspects of literature and texts that represent colonial, neo-colonial and post-colonial encounters (Columbus and the "cannibals;" Malinche and Cortez; Pocahontas and John Smith; Prospero and Caliban; contemporary migrants and the immigration officials at the sea or land border of USA or Spain). Our task will be to discuss the notions of power and powerlessness, center and periphery, purity and hybridism, First and Third World, cultural identity and globalization that may be present in these encounters.
Prerequisite: SPAN 310 or special permission.
- THEA 210 - Theatre History I: Origins to the Renaissance (4)
An examination of the development of Western theatre from its origins through the Greeks, Romans, Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Restoration, in relation to culture and society. Also includes study of Asian theatre, including Japanese Noh theatre. Gives consideration to plays, criticism, theatres, audiences, performers, styles, and conventions of theatrical production.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
Offered: fall semester.
Prerequisite: THEA 101.
Note
With the permission of the coordinator, a departmental special topics course or independent study may be substituted for one of the above courses, when the topic is appropriate.