Requirements and Curriculum
Note: This information reflects the requirements and curriculum printed in the 2007-08 course catalog.
Requirements
Required for a classics major
Nine courses—six courses in Latin or six courses in Greek, two courses in the other language, plus one course from classical studies, or art 271, history 241, philosophy 200, religion 321, 410. Other non-language courses may apply with the permission of the department head. Students contemplating graduate study in classics should take additional courses in both languages.
Teaching option in Latin
Students majoring in classics may become certified to teach Latin at a secondary level either as a primary field or as a second teaching area. See the education department for specific requirements.
Required for a classics minor
Five courses—four courses in Greek or four courses in Latin, plus one course from classical studies, or art 271, history 241, philosophy 200, religion 321, 410. Other non-language courses may apply with the permission of the department head.
Required for a classical studies minor
Five courses to be chosen from classical studies, art 271, history 241, philosophy 200, religion 321, 410. Other non-language courses may apply with the permission of the department head. Students may also apply a maximum of two Greek or Latin courses to the minor.
Curriculum
185 First-year Seminar 4 hours
A variety of seminars for first-year students offered each January term.
220 Women and Gender in the Classical World 4 hours
This course explores the constructions and representations of women and gender in ancient Greece and Rome through an examination of textual, art historical, and archaeological evidence. The course also addresses the intersections of women’s and gender issues with issues of legal status, class, and ethnicity, and pays close attention to current scholarly methodologies and approaches to the subject. (Same as women’s and gender studies 220.) (HEPT)
230 Race and Ethnicity in the Classical World 4 hours
An exploration of ancient Greek and Roman notions of issues surrounding race and ethnicity, drawing on evidence from ancient historians, ethnographers, geographers, poets, and philosophers, as well as material artifacts. Topics include racism, ethnocentrism, the dichotomy of East vs. West, representations of the barbarian, Romanization, cultural imperialism, and constructions of national identity. Close attention will be paid to current scholarly methodologies and approaches to the subject. No prerequisites. (HEPT)
240 Classical Mythology 4 hours
A survey of the major myths and legends of ancient Greece and Rome by reading such authors as Homer, Hesiod, Aeschylus, Euripides, and Ovid. The course also addresses the problem of interpreting myths and, when possible, introduces parallels from non-Greco-Roman traditions. No prerequisite. (HEPT)
250 The World of Ancient Greece 4 hours
A historical survey of ancient Greek culture from the Trojan War to the rise of Rome, including political, economic, social, literary, philosophical, and religious developments. Topics include the rise and fall of the Mycenaean kingdoms, the beginnings of the city-state, the interaction of Greeks with other cultures, Athenian democracy and imperialism, the role of women, Greek religion, the beginnings of literary genres, and the origins of Greek science and philosophy. Readings will draw from ancient historical documents and Greek literature, but also modern archaeological excavations. Open to all students without prerequisite. Offered alternate years. (HEPT)
260 The World of St. Patrick 4 hours
This course explores the world of late antiquity through the life and times of a young Roman nobleman, later known as St. Patrick. We will read the surviving letters of Patrick and other texts from the period to better understand life on the frontier of the Roman Empire in the fifth century. Topics will include the evolution of northwest Europe from the classical to medieval period, Christianity in late antiquity, and Celtic history, society, and mythology. (HEPT)
270 Ancient Writing 4 hours
A historical and linguistic survey of early writing systems from the ancient Mediterranean/Near East and beyond. Topics will include cuneiform, Egyptian hieroglyphs, Linear A, Mycenaean Greek, Etruscan, early Latin, Germanic runes, and Mayan glyphs. There will be a particular emphasis on the history and problems of decipherment as well as the relationship between writing and culture. No prerequisites. Offered alternate years. (HEPT)
300 Classics and Culture 4 hours
Using texts in translation, this course explores select aspects or themes from the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Topics range from consideration of a particular literary genre to the in-depth study of a particular place and time, and to broader explorations of Greco-Roman culture in comparison with other cultures. This course is writing intensive and fulfills the writing requirements for all majors in the classics department. Offered alternate years. (HEPT)
395 Independent Study 1, 2 or 4 hours, consent of instructor
Greek
101 Elementary Greek I 4 hours
The first course of a two-semester sequence emphasizing basic grammar, vocabulary, and syntax of ancient Greek. Translation passages are drawn from different Greek works, including the New Testament. No prerequisite.
102 Elementary Greek II 4 hours
The second course of a two-semester sequence which continues the study of ancient Greek grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. Passages are drawn from a variety of Greek works, including the New Testament. Prerequisite: 101.
185 First-year Seminar 4 hours
A variety of seminars for first-year students offered each January term.
201 Intermediate Greek 4 hours
A review of ancient Greek grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, followed by readings in both the New Testament and classical authors. Prerequisite: 102. (HEPT)
202 Readings in Greek 4 hours
Fourth-semester readings from one or more ancient Greek authors or works, such as Homer, Plato, Sophocles, and the New Testament. Prerequisite: 201. (HEPT)
301 Advanced Greek Prose 4 hours
Prose readings chosen from a single Greek author or from a variety of authors within a particular genre. Authors and works may include Herodotus, Xenophon, Lysias, Plato, the New Testament, the Septuagint, or others. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Prerequisite: 202. (HEPT)
302 Advanced Greek Poetry 4 hours
Poetry readings chosen from a single Greek author or from a variety of authors within a particular genre. Authors and works may include Homer, Hesiod, Sappho, Sophocles, Euripides, or others. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Prerequisite: 202. (HEPT)
375 Directed Readings 1, 2, or 4 hours
Consent of instructor.
395 Independent Study 1, 2, or 4 hours
490 Senior Project 4 hours
493 Senior Honors Project 4 hours
A year-long independent research project. Applications are completed on the “Honors Program” form available at the registrar’s office, requiring the signatures of a faculty supervisor, the department head, the honors program director, and the registrar. Interdisciplinary projects require the signatures of two faculty supervisors. The project must be completed by the due date for senior projects. The completed project is evaluated by a review committee consisting of the faculty supervisor, another faculty member from the major department, and a faculty member from outside the major department. All projects must be presented publicly. Only projects awarded an
“A-” or “A” qualify for “departmental honors” designation. The honors project fulfills the all-college senior project requirement.
Hebrew
101 Elementary Hebrew I 4 hours
The first course of a two-semester sequence introducing the essential forms, grammar, and vocabulary of the language. Practice gained through graded exercises and readings provides the basis for translating passages drawn from the prose and poetry of the Hebrew Bible. No prerequisite.
102 Elementary Hebrew II 4 hours
The second course of a two-semester sequence which continues the presentation of basic forms and vocabulary. The course includes translation passages of increasing length and complexity, and more reading is done directly from the Hebrew Bible. Prerequisite: 101.
185 First-year Seminar 4 hours
A variety of seminars for first-year students offered each January term.
201 Intermediate Hebrew 4 hours
Selected books and/or passages from the Hebrew Bible chosen according to student interest with the guidance and approval of the instructor. Prerequisite: 102 or consent of instructor. (HEPT)
375 Directed Readings 1, 2, or 4 hours
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
Latin
101 Elementary Latin I 4 hours
The first course of a two-semester sequence emphasizing basic grammar, vocabulary, and syntax of Latin. No prerequisite.
102 Elementary Latin II 4 hours
The second course of a two-semester sequence which continues the study of ancient Latin grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. Passages are drawn from a variety of Latin works. Prerequisite: Latin 101.
185 First-year Seminar 4 hours
A variety of seminars for first-year students offered each January term.
201 Intermediate Latin 4 hours
A review of Latin grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, followed by readings from a variety of authors and works. Prerequisite: Latin 102. (HEPT)
202 Readings in Latin 4 hours
Fourth-semester readings from one or more Latin authors or works, such as Cicero, Catullus, Virgil, and Medieval Latin. Prerequisite: Latin 201. (HEPT)
301 Advanced Latin Prose 4 hours
Prose readings chosen from a single Latin author or from a variety of authors within a particular genre. Authors and works may include Cicero, Livy, Tacitus, early Christian literature, Medieval Latin, or others. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Prerequisite: Latin 202. (HEPT, W)
302 Advanced Latin Poetry 4 hours
Poetry readings chosen from a single Latin author or from a variety of authors within a particular genre. Authors and works may include Virgil, Horace, Ovid, or others. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Prerequisite: Latin 202. (HEPT, W)
375 Directed Readings 1, 2, or 4 hours
Consent of instructor.
395 Independent Study 1, 2, or 4 hours
490 Senior Project 4 hours
493 Senior Honors Project 4 hours
A year-long independent research project. Applications are completed on the “Honors Program” form available at the registrar’s office, requiring the signatures of a faculty supervisor, the department head, the honors program director, and the registrar. Interdisciplinary projects require the signatures of two faculty supervisors. The project must be completed by the due date for senior projects. The completed project is evaluated by a review committee consisting of the faculty supervisor, another faculty member from the major department, and a faculty member from outside the major department. All projects must be presented publicly. Only projects awarded an “A- or A” qualify for “department honors” designation. The honors project fulfills the all-college senior project requirement.