CLAS Course Descriptions

Classical Studies (2009-2010)

An introduction to Greek and Roman civilization, focusing on six key aspects of the discipline of classical studies: history, literature, philosophy, myth and religion, art and architecture, and classical archaeology.

An introductory study of the achievements of ancient Greece and/or Rome through some of their major figures. Each year two figures will be featured. These may include Homer, Pericles, Socrates, Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Augustus, Nero, Seneca, Hadrian, and Constantine.

A study of Greco-Roman mythology and legend, with special emphasis on the Olympian gods and the figure of the hero. Topics may include myths of creation, the rise of the gods, divine myths, the tales surrounding the cities of Troy, Mycenae and Thebes and the heroes Herakles, Perseus and Theseus.

An introduction to Medieval European civilization focusing on essential aspects of the discipline: history, literature, philosophy, religion, art, architecture and archaeology, law, and science and technology.

A survey of the civilization of Classical Greece, featuring such topics as the individual (male and female), political institutions, art, religion, philosophy, literature, social life and leisure activities.

A survey of the civilization of the Roman Republic and Empire, featuring such topics as the individual (male and female), political institutions, art, religion, philosophy, literature, social life and leisure activities.

A survey of medieval civilization featuring such topics as the individual (male and female), political institutions, art, architecture, religion, philosophy, literature, social life and leisure activities.

An historical introduction to law in the Ancient world. Babylonian, Assyrian, Hittite and Roman law, legal practices and concepts will be examined.

An introduction to the working assumptions, analytic approaches, and integrative and descriptive methods of archaeological anthropology.

This course offers an introduction to the etymology of the English language, in particular that part which has been derived from Latin and ancient Greek; the main focus will be the most important Classical roots from which the vocabulary of the life sciences and other academic disciplines derives.

A survey, through English translation, of Greek literature from the earliest times to the Byzantine period. Material studied may include the genres of epic, tragedy, comedy, history, poetry and philosophy through the works of Homer, Euripides, Aristophanes, Thucydides, and Aristotle.

A survey, through English translation, of Latin literature from the earliest times to the medieval period. Material studied may include the genres of epic, tragedy, comedy, history, poetry and philosophy through the works of Vergil, Catullus, Petronius, Livy, and Augustine.

A study of the civilizations of the Ancient Near East focusing on Mesopotamia (Sumer and Akkad, the Babylonian Dynasty and the Third Dynasty of Ur), Hatti, Assyria, Egypt and Persia.

A survey of Greek art and architecture from the earliest times to the coming of the Romans. Material studied may include the art of the Bronze Age, the development of Greek sculpture, the evolution of the Acropolis at Athens and the change in art and architecture after Alexander the Great.

A survey of Roman art and architecture from the earliest times to the age of Constantine the Great. Material studied may include the art of the Etruscans, the evolution of Roman portraiture, innovations in architectural materials and forms, the use of art and architecture by the Emperors and the change to Late Antique art.

A survey of ancient Greek history, from the Bronze Age to Alexander the Great, emphasizing particularly its political and military aspects.

A survey of ancient Roman history, from the Republic to the Empire, emphasizing particularly its political and military aspects.

A study of the lives of women in the Greek and Roman worlds, focusing largely on the primary evidence.

Cultural development from the agricultural revolution to the rise of literacy. Special attention to the development of agriculture as a means of subsistence and to the rise of early civilization. Areas and periods of emphasis will vary from year to year.

An examination of the religious beliefs and cult practices of the classical world. Topics include prayer and sacrifice; divination and oracles; temples, priests and festivals; mystery cults and their relation to Christianity.

An examination of the theory and practice of astrology and magic in the classical and medieval worlds. Topics include the relationship of astrology and magic to traditional Greco-Roman religion and Christianity, occult practices and the people who performed them.

An in-depth examination, through English translation, of a genre(s), author(s) or selected topic(s) in Greek and/or Roman literature. Material studied may include the genres of epic, tragedy, comedy, lyric, and satire, and authors such as Homer, Virgil, Sophokles, Seneca, Aristophanes, Menander, Plautus, Sappho, Pindar, Catullus, and Horace.

An advanced survey of the art and architecture from a selected time period of Greek history. Material studied may include the art and architecture of the Aegean Bronze Age, and the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods. Archaeological, historical and cultural issues specific to each time period will be discussed through the important media of the day.

An advanced survey of the art and architecture from a selected time period of Roman History. Material studied may include the art and architecture of the Etruscans, the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. Archaeological, historical and cultural issues specific to each time period will be discussed through the important media of the day.

An advanced study of aspects of Greek history, through the examination of a specific time period, event(s) or theme(s). Topics studied may include the Archaic Age and the rise of the Polis, the Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War, conflict in the 4th c. BCE, the history of the Hellenistic period and Greek social history.

An advanced study of aspects of Roman history, through the examination of a specific time period, event(s) or theme(s). Topics studied may include the Punic Wars, the end of the Republic, the Julio-Claudian Dynasty, history of the High Empire, later Roman history and Roman social history.

From Aristotle to the close of classical antiquity.

A study of scientific thought and achievements in such areas as astronomy, biology, anatomy and medicine, and of the technological skills which produced and distributed raw materials, manufactured goods and agricultural products.

This course features a combination of academic study and firsthand investigation of museums and ancient sites, normally in Greece and/or Italy.

This is a topic-oriented directed study course intended for senior students.

Each Fall and Winter term a senior seminar on some aspect of Greek or Roman civilization will be offered.

Students wishing to undertake a Senior Honours Thesis in their fourth year should consult the Department's Undergraduate Officer.

Continuation of the Senior Honours Thesis.

Under exceptional circumstances, and only with the prior approval of the Department, a student may substitute an individualized course of study at the senior level (worth a total of 1.0 credit). Such circumstances might include, for example, the student's participation in an approved archaeological dig. For further details, consult the Department.