Course Catalog 2007-2008

Professor Timothy P. Hofmeister, Chair

Professor Timothy P. Hofmeister; Associate Professor Garrett Jacobsen; Visiting Instructor, part-time, Stephen Kershner; Academic Secretary Deborah Bennett

The Department of Classics offers courses in the languages of classical antiquity. The curriculum focuses on traditional elements of classical philology in Greek and Latin, but at the same time, through the study of major classical authors and literary genres, students are introduced to the intellectual, social, and cultural milieu of classical antiquity. As a discipline with a long tradition in the liberal arts, we encourage interdisciplinary approaches to understanding, and we emphasize the development of analytical skills applicable in universal situations. From the Homeric world of gods and heroes to the politics and society of Imperial Rome, students become engaged with a civilization both familiar and alien, as they confront the continuities and discontinuities of western society. To this end, the department offers majors and minors in ancient Greek (GRK), Latin (LAT) and in Classics (CLAS).

The major in ancient Greek (GRK) provides students with the skills and knowledge to read a variety of authors and genres, from Homeric Greek to the 'koine' of the New Testament. In addition to elementary and intermediate ancient Greek courses that may fulfill the General Education requirement in Foreign Languages, the curriculum focuses on the major authors and genres of ancient Greek literature, especially those of fifth century and fourth century BCE Athens. The 300 level seminars include the study of literature as a lens for understanding Hellenic culture, incorporating the concepts and methods of modern critical theory. The major in Greek will enable students to pursue post-undergraduate study in ancient Greek, however, those who are interested in a doctoral degree in Classics should be aware that undergraduate preparation must include the study of Latin beyond the elementary and intermediate levels.

To major in Greek, students must complete 24 credits in Greek (GRK), 8 credits in Latin (LAT), a minimum of 4 credits of Senior Research (GRK 451-452), and the 1 credit Senior Classics Symposium (CLAS 440), including the Senior Comprehensive Examination.

To minor in Greek, students must complete 20 credits in ancient Greek (GRK).

The major in Latin (LAT) ideally enables a student to read fluently the language of ancient Rome and of authors and scholars from antiquity to the Renaissance. In addition to the elementary and intermediate Latin sequence that may fulfill the General education requirement in Foreign Languages, the curriculum provides courses on the major authors and genres of Latin literature from Roman comedy to Silver Age poetry. Advanced courses are conducted as seminars, and students read significant works in Latin, as well as examining the appropriate historical and cultural contexts and relevant critical theories. The major in Latin will fully prepare students to teach the language at the secondary level, and it will provide the necessary foundation for post-undergraduate study of Latin. Students, however, who are interested in a doctoral degree in Classics, should be aware that undergraduate preparation must include a commensurate amount of study in ancient Greek.

To major in Latin, students must complete 24 credits in Latin (LAT), 8 credits in ancient Greek (GRK), a minimum of 4 credits of Senior Research (LAT 451-452), and the 1 credit Senior Classics Symposium (CLAS 440), including the Senior Comprehensive Examination.

To minor in Latin, students must complete 20 credits in Latin (LAT).

The major in Classics is the traditional study of both classical languages, ancient Greek (GRK) and Latin (LAT). By studying both ancient Greek and Latin, students attain a more sophisticated comprehension of the Greco-Roman civilization which dominated the Mediterranean world of classical antiquity and then ultimately shaped the development and nature of modern western society. This major also gives the necessary preparation for graduate study in Classics, including the doctoral degree.

To major in Classics, students must complete 32 credits in ancient Greek (GRK) and Latin (LAT), with a minimum of 12 credits in either Greek (GRK) or Latin (LAT), a minimum of 4 credits in Senior Research (CLAS 451-452), and the 1 credit Senior Classics Symposium ( CLAS 440), including the Senior Comprehensive Examination.

To minor in Classics, a student must complete 20 credits in ancient Greek (GRK) or Latin (LAT), with a minimum of 8 credits in either Greek (GRK) or Latin (LAT).

The Department of Classics requires all majors to pass a Senior Comprehensive Examination. This is a written and oral examination administered by the staff of the department, and it is completed in conjunction with the Senior Classics Symposium (CLAS 440). In preparation for the examination students will meet in a seminar taught by the staff, completing a syllabus of readings as the basis for a comprehensive examination on the literature, history, and culture of classical antiquity. This examination will also include a translation section, individualized according to each student's major language (GRK or LAT) or languages. Students will also share the progress and results of Senior Research projects within the Senior Classics Symposium.

Greek (GRK) Please see Greek section for course descriptions.

Latin (LAT) Please see Latin for course descriptions.