Courses

Fall 2005

  • Visit Bearings to search for courses by title, instructor, department, and more.
  • Login to Blackboard. Instructional materials are available on a course-by-course basis.

Archaeology

101. Introduction to Greek Archaeology
James Higginbotham M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25 VAC-Beam Classroom
Introduces the techniques and methods of classical archaeology as revealed through an examination of Greek material culture. Emphasis upon the major monuments and artifacts of the Greek world from prehistory to the Hellenistic age. Architecture, sculpture, fresco painting, and other “minor arts” are examined at such sites as Knossos, Mycenae, Athens, Delphi, and Olympia. Considers the nature of this archaeological evidence and the relationship of classical archaeology to other disciplines such as art history, history, and classics. Assigned reading supplements illustrated presentations of the major archaeological finds of the Greek world.
202. Augustan Rome
Barbara Boyd M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55 Sills-207
Upon his ascent to power after a century of war, Rome’s first princeps, Augustus, launched a program of cultural reformation and restoration that was to have a profound and enduring effect upon every aspect of life in the empire, from fashions in entertainment, decoration, and art, to religious and political habits and customs. Using the city of Rome as its primary text, investigates how the Augustan “renovation” of Rome is manifested first and foremost in the monuments associated with the ruler: the Mausoleum of Augustus, theater of Marcellus, temple of Apollo on the Palatine, Altar of Augustan Peace, and Forum of Augustus as well as many others. Understanding of the material remains themselves is supplemented by historical and literary texts dating to Augustus’s reign, as well as by a consideration of contemporary research and controversies in the field.

Classics

202. Augustan Rome
Barbara Boyd M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55 Sills-207
Upon his ascent to power after a century of war, Rome’s first princeps, Augustus, launched a program of cultural reformation and restoration that was to have a profound and enduring effect upon every aspect of life in the empire, from fashions in entertainment, decoration, and art, to religious and political habits and customs. Using the city of Rome as its primary text, investigates how the Augustan “renovation” of Rome is manifested first and foremost in the monuments associated with the ruler: the Mausoleum of Augustus, theater of Marcellus, temple of Apollo on the Palatine, Altar of Augustan Peace, and Forum of Augustus as well as many others. Understanding of the material remains themselves is supplemented by historical and literary texts dating to Augustus’s reign, as well as by a consideration of contemporary research and controversies in the field.
229. Gender and Sexuality in Classical Antiquity
Jennifer Kosak T 1:00 - 2:25, TH 1:00 - 2:25 Sills-Peucinian Room
Explores male and female sexuality and gender roles in the ancient Greek and Roman world. What did it mean to be male or female? To what extent were gender roles negotiable? How did gender—and expectations based on gender—shape behavior? How did sexuality influence public life and culture? Using literary, documentary, and artistic evidence, the course examines the biological, social, religious, legal, and political principles that shaped the construction of male and female identities and considers the extent to which gender served as a fundamental organizational principle of ancient society. Also considers how Greek and Roman concepts of sexuality and gender have influenced our own contemporary views of male and female roles. All readings are done in translation.
231. Magic, Mysteries, and Monuments in Ancient Greece
Irene Polinskaya T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25 Searles-126
Explores the world of ancient Greek polytheism. Introduces students to the main dimensions of Greek religious life: civic religion, such as community worship in public sanctuaries; magic, as practiced by individuals; mystery cults, as a worshipping practice open only to the initiated. Using literary, artistic, and archaeological evidence, the course examines such aspects of Greek religion as animal sacrifice, building of temples, votive dedications, oracles, athletic games and religious festivals, myth-making and myth-telling, and use of magic. Studies the aspects of religious life in relation to the social and political structures of the ancient Greek world. In addition to specific questions of ancient Greek worship, addresses some general conceptual questions of religious studies: how we know what we know about religion, what religion is, and how we construct it. All readings of ancient sources are done in translation.

Greek

101. Elementary Greek
Jennifer Kosak M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25 Sills-209
Introduces students to basic elements of ancient Greek grammar and syntax; emphasizes the development of reading proficiency and includes readings, both adapted and in the original, of various Greek authors. Focuses on Attic dialect.
203. Intermediate Greek for Reading
Irene Polinskaya T 1:00 - 2:25, TH 1:00 - 2:25 Sills-107
A review of the essentials of Greek grammar and syntax and an introduction to the reading of Greek prose and sometimes poetry. Materials to be read change from year to year, but always include a major prose work. Equivalent of Greek 102 or two to three years of high school Greek is required.

Latin

101. Elementary Latin
Barbara Boyd M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25 Sills-109
A thorough presentation of the elements of Latin grammar. Emphasis is placed on achieving a reading proficiency.
203. Intermediate Latin for Reading
James Higginbotham M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25 Sills-209
A review of the essentials of Latin grammar and syntax and an introduction to the reading of Latin prose and poetry. Materials to be read change from year to year, but always include a major prose work. Equivalent of Latin 102 or two to three years of high school Latin is required.
206. Roman Comedy
James Higginbotham M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25 Sills-209
An introduction to the earliest complete texts that survive from Latin antiquity, the plays of Plautus and Terence. One or two plays are read in Latin, and several others in English translation. Students are introduced to modern scholarship on the history and interpretation of Roman theater.
306. The Roman Novel
Jennifer Kosak M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25 Sills-Peucinian Room
The Roman Novel.

Previous Semesters Courses