Department of Classics — Course

CLSICS G175
Athenian Democracy

CLSICS G210
The Greeks

CLSICS G212
Women in Ancient Greece

CLSICS G215
Women in Ancient Rome

CLSICS G220
Myth in Literature and Drama: Orestes

For a complete description of these courses, see the "First-year and Intermediate Seminars" section of this publication.

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CLSICS 161
Word Power

The debt our language owes to Latin and Greek. An introductory consideration of English vocabulary, word formation, and word origins. Attention is given to medical terminology. The course is suggested as an aid to basic skills development and to general language awareness.
Distribution I Area: Philosophical and Humanistic Studies.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 162
Grammar Power

Study of the fundamental structure and patterns of English grammar, with emphasis on developing a conceptual framework for analysis of language. Some attention to the comparison of English structures with those of other languages. Designed to serve, with or without CLSICS 161, to facilitate study of foreign language, increase in general language awareness, and enhance verbal skills and reasoning in English.
Distribution I Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms McDermott

CLSICS 273
Hellenistic Art and Culture

This course introduces students to the Hellenistic period–the three centuries between the death of Alexander the Great in 324 B.C. and the defeat of Cleopatra at Actium in 31 B.C.–primarily through a close examination of the visual arts. Attention is also paid to contemporary poetry and philosophy in order to arrive at a full portrait of the age.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.

CLSICS 281
Greek Civilization

A consideration of the major periods of Greek civilization through the reading of literary masterpieces supplemented by a text and lectures on cultural and historical backgrounds. Discussion of Homer, the tragedians (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides), Aristophanes, Plato. Introduction to archaeological and artistic materials.
Distribution I Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
Distribution II Area: World Cultures.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 282
Roman Civilization

A consideration of the major periods of Roman civilization through the reading of literary masterpieces supplemented by a text and lectures on cultural and historical backgrounds. Discussion of Cicero, Catullus, Virgil, Ovid, Petronius. Introduction to archaeological and artistic materials.
Distribution I Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
Distribution II Area: World Cultures.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 284
Greek and Roman Mythology

The analysis, background, and lasting influence of Greek and Roman myths. Some consideration of the ancients’ beliefs about divinity, worship and ritual practices. Both primary (ancient authors) and secondary (modern) sources are used.
Distribution I Area: Philosophical and Humanistic Studies.
Distribution II Area: Humanities.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 285
Greek and Roman Tragedy

A survey of the monumental dramatic production of fifth-century Athens, including the works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Background on period, tragic genre and theater conventions; influence on Rome and tragedies of Seneca.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
Distribution II Area: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 286
Greek and Roman Comedy

The origins of Western comedy through a reading of selected works (Aristophanes and Menander–Greece; Plautus and Terence–Rome).
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
Distribution II Area: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 287
Women in Greek Society and Literature

Readings in English translation of works of Greek literature dealing with women and their place in society. Particular attention is given to the social, historical, religious and economic forces that shaped gender roles in Greek society, and to the gulf between the roles of women in society and their images in literature. Not open to students who have taken CLSICS G212.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Distribution I Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
Distribution II Area: Humanities.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 288: Image and Reality
The Women of Rome

Readings in English translation of works of Roman literature dealing with women and their place in society. Consideration of the social structures and forces that affected gender roles in Roman society. Particular attention is given to typologies of women in Roman literature. Not open to students who have taken CLSICS G215.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Distribution I Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
Distribution II Area: Humanities.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 289
Rome in Hollywood

This course focuses principally on the treatment of Rome in American films. It compares ancient sources with their adaptations into film. The ways Romans change in the transition from page to screen furnish clues to America’s view of itself, providing a case study of how ideology distorts history.
Distribution I Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
Distribution II Area: Humanities.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 290
The Novel in Antiquity

This course considers the novels of Apuleius, Petronius and a variety of Greek authors. Participants discuss questions of genre (Are these "novels," "romances," or something else?), the literary precedents for the prose narratives, and their influence on later literature.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 291
Sport and Spectacle in Greece and Rome

This course will examine the competitive games of antiquity–especially athletics, chariot racing, and gladiatorial combat–and analyze the place they had in the religious and cultural lives of Greeks and Romans. Topics include athletic training, the Pan-Hellenic festivals, praise poetry, prizes, professionalism, nudity, the participation of women, amphitheaters, and the cult of violence in Rome.
Distribution I Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
Distribution II Area: Humanities.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 292
Alexander the Great and His Legacy

At age twenty, Alexander became king of Macedonia; at age thirty-three, he died the master of an empire that stretched from Greece to India. This course explores the personality that shaped his achievements, his self-presentation, the responses of conquered people to overwhelming power, and cultural identity among Greeks, Macedonians, Persians, and Egyptians.
Distribution I Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
Distribution II Area: Humanities.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 383
Heroes, Wars and Quests

The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer, the Aeneid of Virgil; intensive study of the background, meaning, and influence of ancient epic poetry, with some attention to minor ancient epics and developments of epic poetry in later periods.
Prerequisite: Any 200-level classics course or permission of instructor.
Distribution II Area: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 385
Greek and Roman Religion

The ancients’ belief in, and worship of, the ancient gods; oracles, mysteries, cults. Both primary sources (ancient authors in translation) and modern secondary sources are used.
Prerequisite: CLSICS 284 or permission of the instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 388
The Golden Age of Rome

"All roads lead to the Aeneid": a consideration of Augustan literature, with attention to the literary, philosophical, and historical backgrounds contributing to its unique character. Readings in Cicero, Lucretius, Catullus, Virgil, Horace, the elegiac poets, and Livy.
Prerequisite: CLSICS 282 or 383 or permission of the instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 390
The Heroines of Greek Drama:
Problems in Analysis

An in-depth consideration of the heroines of Greek tragedy and comedy, as shaped by literary, psychological and sociological factors. Emphasis is given to academic methodology and original research.
Prerequisite: CLSICS 287 or permission of the instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 391
Greek and Roman Historiography

Major Greek/Roman historians. Consideration of development of historical writing, historians’ concepts of causation, literary techniques; primary and secondary sources.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 395
Ancient Lyric Poetry

The poetry of Sappho, Alcaeus, Pindar and other Greek lyricists; their influence on Catullus and Horace; historical, religious, social and political background of ancient lyric poetry.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

CLSICS 478, 479
Independent Study

Selected research topics organized in consultation with individual students.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and department chair.
Hrs by arrangement, 1-3 Credits

CLSICS 490/91
Honors Program

Extensive reading in one broad segment of classical culture culminating in an honors thesis.
Prerequisites: 3.5 major average, 3.0 overall average, senior standing, permission of instructor.
Wkly Conf, 6 Credits

Greek Courses

GRK 101
Elementary Classical Greek I

Fundamentals of ancient Attic Greek, designed to complete a standard, basic textbook with Greek 102. (Course offered in the fall only.)
Distribution I Area: Foreign Languages.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 102
Elementary Classical Greek II

A continuation of Greek 101. (Course offered in the spring only.)
Distribution I Area: Foreign Languages.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 211
Intermediate Greek

Review of basic principles and introductory reading of a prose author: Plato, Lysias. (Course offered in the fall only.)
Distribution I Area: Foreign Languages.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
Prerequisite: GRK 102 or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 222
Intermediate Greek II: Homer

Introductory reading in the Iliad or Odyssey; continuation of Greek 211; credit may be applied toward any departmental major. (Course offered in the spring only.) Note: Either Greek 222 or Greek 224 is a prerequisite for all Greek courses at or beyond the 300 level. Students may not receive credit for both Greek 222 and 224.
Prerequisite: GRK 211 or permission of instructor.
Distribution I Area: Foreign Languages.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 224
Intermediate Greek II: Plato

Introductory reading in the Apology; continuation of Greek 211; credit may be applied toward any departmental major. (Course offered in the spring only.)
Note: Either Greek 222 or Greek 224 is a prerequisite for all Greek courses at or beyond the 300 level. Students may not receive credit for both Greek 222 and 224.
Distribution I Area: Foreign Languages.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 301
Attic Orators

Selected readings in Lysias, Demosthenes, and other major orators; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 302
Plato
Readings in selected dialogues; background and scholarship.

Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 303
Aeschylus

Reading of selected tragedies; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 304
Sophocles

Reading of selected tragedies; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 305
Euripides

Reading of selected tragedies; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 306
Aristophanes

Reading of selected comedies; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 307
Herodotus

Reading of selected books of the histories; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 308
Thucydides

Reading of selected books of the histories; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 309
Lyric Poetry

Selections from lyric and elegiac poets; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 310
Epic Poetry

Advanced reading of Homer’s Iliad and/or Odyssey; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

GRK 478
Independent Study

Directed projects in Greek language and literature.
Hrs by arrangement, 1-3 Credits

GRK 479
Independent Study

See GRK 478.

GRK 490
Honors

Special projects in Greek language and literature for honors candidates.
Hrs by arrangement, 1-3 Credits

GRK 491
Honors
See GRK 490.

Latin Courses

LAT 101
Fundamentals of Latin I

Designed to complete a standard basic textbook with Latin 102. (Course offered in the fall only.)
Distribution I Area: Foreign Languages.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 102
Fundamentals of Latin II

Continuation of Latin 101. (Course offered in the spring only.)
Distribution I Area: Foreign Languages.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 115
Intensive Elementary Latin

An intensive course aimed at developing reading skills in Latin. This course covers a year’s worth in one semester. Open to students with no previous training. No credit if LAT 101 or 102 has been taken.
Distribution I Area: Foreign Language.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
6 Lect Hrs, 6 Credits

LAT 211
Intermediate Latin

Review of basic grammar and introductory reading of prose, to include Caesar and Pliny. Students with 3 years of high school Latin may qualify. (Course offered in the fall only.)
Distribution I Area: Foreign Languages.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 222
Ovid–Metamorphoses

Continuation of Latin 211. Credit may be applied to major. (Course offered in the spring only.)
Distribution I Area: Foreign Languages.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
Note: LAT 222 or equivalent is a prerequisite for all Latin courses at or beyond the 300 level.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 301
Cicero

Reading in Cicero’s orations, philosophical, or rhetorical works; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 302
Caesar

Reading in the works of Caesar; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 303
Roman Comedy

Reading in the plays of Plautus and Terence; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 304
Catullus

Reading in the poems of Catullus; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 305
Roman Elegy

Reading in Tibullus and Propertius and other Latin elegiac poets; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 306
Tacitus

Reading in the historical works of Tacitus; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 307
Sallust

Reading in the historical works of Sallust; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 308
Livy

Reading in the historical works of Livy; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 309
Lucretius

Reading On the Nature of Things; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 310
Virgil

Reading in the works of Virgil with primary emphasis on the Aeneid; background and scholarship. Required for Latin majors, and for combined Greek/Latin majors.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 311
Petronius

Reading in the Satyricon; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 312
Horace

Reading in the works of Horace; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 313
Juvenal

Reading in the satires of Juvenal; background and scholarship.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 314
Catullus and Horace

In this course we read, in Latin, significant excerpts from the poetry of Catullus and Horace. We discuss the influences of lyric and Hellenistic poetic traditions; the political background of the late republic and early empire; and attitudes toward love, death, and nature.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 325
Literature in the Age of Nero

Readings of Latin authors from the age of Nero. Selections may include Seneca, Petronius, Lucan or Persius.
Distribution I Area: Foreign Languages.
Distribution II Area: World Languages.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 415
Methods of Teaching in the Latin Language

This course explores the theory and practice of teaching Latin in the schools (K-12). We will explore pedagogical approaches that have been developed in recent decades and the textbooks that they have produced. Members of the class will develop imaginative activities and techniques for reaching out to students.
Prerequisite: A 300-level course in Latin.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

LAT 478
Independent Study

Directed projects in Latin language and literature.
Hrs by arrangement, 1-3 Credits

LAT 479
Independent Study

Directed projects in Latin language and literature.
Hrs by arrangement, 1-3 Credits

LAT 490
Honors

Special projects in Latin language and literature for honors candidates.
Hrs by arrangement, 1-3 Credits

LAT 491
Honors

Special projects in Latin language and literature for honors candidates.
Hrs by arrangement, 1-3 Credits