Courses

Courses

Fall 2007

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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.

Classics

016. Cultural Connections in the Ancient Mediterranean
James Higginbotham M 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55 VAC-Beam Classroom
Studies the degree and the nature of cross-cultural interactions, explores the influence of one society on another, and examines the characteristics that not only determine, but also unite, the civilizations of the Ancient Near East, Africa, Greece, and Rome. Thematic topics include the ancient trading economies of Corinth and Athens, the spread of ancient technologies and manufacture, the development and evolution of monetary systems, public and private religion, and the debt that the “Classical” world owes to African and Near Eastern societies. The seminar incorporates study of the rich collection of ancient art and artifacts housed in the Bowdoin College Museum of Art. Here, the same evidence used by archaeologists and historians to study the contacts between ancient cultures is examined (vases from Corinth and Athens; coins; votive terracotta figurines and other cultic instruments; portraiture; and implements of daily life).

222. Artisans, Artistry, and Manual Labor in Ancient Greece
Robert Sobak M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25 Sills-117
A topical history of craft labor and industry in the ancient world. Examines how ideas of manual labor, skill, and artisanship are presented in selected literary texts, and considers ancient and comparative evidence for particular types of work, such as shipbuilding, weaving, pottery, metallurgy, carpentry, and building construction. Also looks at modern analogs to these crafts, and includes at least one field trip to a local shipbuilding workshop. In addition to providing a focused introduction to ancient Greek culture and history, one of the main goals of the class is to develop students’ appreciation for the knowledge, skill, and contributions of common, working people throughout history and in our own society.

312. Ancient Greek Medicine
Jennifer Kosak T 1:00 - 2:25, TH 1:00 - 2:25 Sills-209
Research Seminar. Explores the development of scientific thinking in the ancient Greek world by examining the history of Greek medicine. Topics include the development of Greek rationalist thought; concepts of health and disease; notions of the human body, both male and female; the physician’s skills (diagnosis, prognosis, remedy); similarities and differences between religious and scientific views of disease; concepts of evidence, proof, and experiment; Greek medical thinking in the Roman world.

Greek

203. Intermediate Greek for Reading
Robert Sobak M 8:30 - 9:25, W 8:30 - 9:25, F 8:30 - 9:25 Sills-209
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
Barbara Boyd M 8:30 - 9:25, W 8:30 - 9:25, F 8:30 - 9:25 Sills-109
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
Jennifer Kosak T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25 Sills-111
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. Equivalent of Latin 204 or four years (or more) of high school Latin is required.

309. Tacitus
Barbara Boyd M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55 Sills-111
Historian Cornelius Tacitus is our single most important source for the first century of the Roman Empire and its rulers. His prose works provide unforgettable portraits of the early emperors, and keenly depict the disappearance of civil liberties and growth of a totalitarian regime in Rome. Focuses on his Annales, in particular his narratives concerning the reigns of Tiberius (A.D. 14-37) and Nero (A.D. 54-68), and compares them with other historical evidence for the period. Attention is paid throughout the semester to Tacitus’s unique and influential prose style.

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