Classics Department.

Classics

Classics
Phone 757.455.2116

 

Course Descriptions

CLAS 105 Classical Mythology (3) (V)

Explores methods of interpreting myths in their original contexts while discussing the continued relevance of mythology in modern society. Readings include Homer, Hesiod, Sappho, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Plato, Aristotle, Virgil, and Ovid. Offered each fall.

CLAS 120 Introduction to Classical Archaeology (3)

Introduces students to the methods common to both old and new world archaeology. This is followed by an introduction and interpretation of the material remains of the ancient Greek world, with particular emphasis on the Athenian Agora. Offered on demand.

CLAS 175 Sports and Society in Ancient Greece and Rome (3)

Examines the history and culture of sports in ancient society. Topics include: the origins of sports competition in religious rituals, evidence for women's participation in sports, and the criticism of popular sports by the educated elite. Students are encouraged to use their own experiences as student-athletes as a primary source toward understanding the role of sports in different cultural contexts. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

CLAS 209 Greek History (3) (H)

Through readings in primary sources--works of history, literature, and philosophy written by the ancient Greeks themselves--this course attempts to recover the full picture of life in Ancient Greece, not only for its own intrinsic interest, but also for the relevance that the study of the distant past may have for the world in which we now live. Special attention given to the first writers of history and to the development of Athenian democracy.

CLAS 210 Roman History (3) (H)

Using wide-ranging sources from history, literature, and archaeology, this course explores Roman civilization from its earliest beginnings, through the period of Republican expansion and transition into a vast Empire, concluding with the Empire's ultimate decline and dissolution. Special attention given to Roman historiography and to the political changes from Republic to Empire.

CLAS 330 Classical and World Epic (3)

Students begin exploration of traditional epics by reading Classical texts such as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey and Virgil's Aeneid, exploring the cultural contexts and examining theories of epic composition and performance. The perspective is broadened to take in epics from a variety of cultural traditions from around the world and, finally, students consider the relation of these traditional epics to their modern equivalents in science fiction and cinema. All readings in English translation, Prerequisite: CLAS 105, 209 or 210.

CLAS 350 Women in the Ancient World (3)

Examines gender roles and identities of sexuality in ancient Greece and Rome through readings in primary sources supplemented by current scholarship. Exploration of contrasts between representations of women in Classical literature and the limitations women faced in the real world, with observation of changes in women's status that occurred according to place and time. Consideration of ancient definitions and expressions of alternate sexualities, marking the similarities and differences between ancient and modern labels and identities. Prerequisite: CLAS 105, 209 or 210.

CLAS 370 The Ancient World in the Cinema (3)

A study of how ancient Greece and Rome continue to interest and influence us through the modern medium of cinema. Readings of selected classical texts and comparisons with modern screen treatments. Attention both to modern cinematic adaptations of ancient literary works and also to epic "historical" spectacles. Examination of directorial creativity, audience expectation, historical accuracy, and modern myth-making. Prerequisite: CLAS 105, 209 or 210.

CLAS 450 Senior Seminar in Classics (3) (I,W)

Gives students the opportunity to do sustained research on a topic of their own choice, and to present the results of this research in a substantial piece of work, ranging from 20 to 30 pages of writing. Upon completion of the senior research project, students will present their work in a public oral defense. Prerequisite: senior major in classical studies or Latin. Offered annually as needed beginningýspring 2007.

GREK 111 Elementary Ancient Greek I (3)

An introduction to the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Ancient Greek. Completion of the year-long sequence prepares students to read connected passages in ancient texts such as the dialogues of Plato or the New Testament; emphasis on Attic Greek or Koine dialects varies according to the instructor and interest of the class. NOTE: Does not count toward the language requirement. Offered on sufficient demand.ý

GREK 112 Elementary Ancient Greek II (3)

An introduction to the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Ancient Greek. Completion of the year-long sequence prepares students to read connected passages in ancient texts such as the dialogues of Plato or the New Testament; emphasis on Attic Greek or Koine dialects varies according to the instructor and interest of the class. NOTE: Does not count toward the language requirement. Offered on sufficient demand.

GREK 121 Elementary Ancient Greek I (4)

Introduces the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Ancient Greek. Completion of the year-long sequence prepares students to read connected passages in ancient texts such as the dialogues of Plato or the New Testament; emphasis on Attic Greek or Koine dialects varies according to the instructor and interest of the class. NOTE: Does not count toward the foreign language requirement. Offered on sufficient demand.

GREK 122 Elementary Ancient Greek II (4)

Introduces the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Ancient Greek. Completion of the year-long sequence prepares students to read connected passages in ancient texts such as the dialogues of Plato or the New Testament; emphasis on Attic Greek or Koine dialects varies according to the instructor and interest of the class. NOTE: Does not count toward the foreign language requirement. Offered on sufficient demand.

GREK 211 Intermediate Ancient Greek (3)

Begins with a thorough review of basic Greek grammar as covered in GREK 111-112. Students then undertake extended readings in an ancient Greek text such as the New Testament or the Dialogues of Plato. Texts may vary depending on instructor. Emphasis is placed on translation and reading skills rather than speaking/listening skills. Prerequisite: GREK 112 with a grade of C or higher or placement. Offered on sufficient demand.ý