Classical Studies Courses

CLAS 185 First-year Seminar

4 hours

A variety of seminars for first-year students offered each January term.

CLAS 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. No prerequisite. (Same as WGST 220.) (HEPT)

CLAS 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 prerequisite. (HEPT)

CLAS 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)

CLAS 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 Readings will draw from ancient historical documents and Greek literature, but also modern archaeological excavations.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)

CLAS 255 Ancient Roman Culture

4 hours

This course explores various cultural institutions and practices of the ancient Romans through an examination of textual, historical, and archaeological evidence. Emphasis will be on the period from the late Republic to early Empire. Topics include Roman banquets, the toga, houses and villas, the bath complexes, the gladiatorial games and chariot races, the theatre, religion, and slavery. No prerequisite. Offered alternate years. (HEPT)

CLAS 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. No prerequisite. (HEPT, Hist, Rel)

CLAS 265 Greece and Rome on Film

4 hours

This course explores the ways in which various events and episodes from Greek and Roman myth and history have been adapted for modern film and television. We will examine a selection of films alongside their original ancient sources, and pay close attention to how these films interpret their sources, as well as how they reflect the cultural values and concerns of their audiences. What is lost or gained in the transition from page to screen? To what extent are films shaped by contemporary modes of production and reception? Are films convenient (yet inadequate) substitutes for reading, or do they allow us a valuable, continuing engagement with their original sources? Offered alternate years. No prerequisite.

CLAS 285/295 Directed Study

2, 4 hours

An opportunity to pursue individualized or experiential learning with a faculty member, at the sophomore level or above, either within or outside the major. CLAS 285 can be taken only during January term, CLAS 295 can be taken during the fall, spring, or summer terms.

CLAS 299 Study Abroad—Classics

4 hours

In-depth study of selected topics in the Greco-Roman world taught during January term as part of Luther's study-abroad offerings. Topics will vary according to faculty member and location. Possible topics may include the Ancient Empires of the Mediterranean, Age of Pericles, the World of Alexander, Caesar's Rome, and Roman Britain. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (Hist)

CLAS 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)

CLAS 395 Independent Study

1, 2 or 4 hours