Classical Studies
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Helma Dik, G-B
437, 702-8563,
h-dik@uchicago.edu
Administrative Assistant: Kathleen M. Fox, Cl 22B, 702-8514,
kfox@midway.uchicago.edu
E-mail: classics-department@uchicago.edu
Web: humanities.uchicago.edu/depts/classics
Programs of Study
The B.A. degree in Classical Studies allows students to explore Greek and Roman antiquity in a variety of ways and provides excellent preparation for careers that require strong skills in interpretation and writing, such as teaching, scholarly research, law, and publishing, and in the humanities in general. Students may choose from the following three variants based on their preparation, interests, and goals: (1) The Language and Literature Variant combines the study of Greek and Latin texts with coverage of diverse areas, including art and archeology, history, philosophy, religion, and science. (2) The Language Intensive Variant focuses on languages with the aim of reading a larger selection of texts in the original languages; it is designed especially for those who wish to pursue graduate studies in classics. (3) The Greek and Roman Cultures Variant emphasizes courses in art and archeology, history, material culture, and texts in translation.
Students in other fields of study may also complete a minor in Classical Studies. Information follows the description of the major.
Program Requirements
Degree Program in Classical Studies:
Language and Literature Variant
Students who take the Language and Literature Variant may focus exclusively on Greek or exclusively on Latin, or they may study both languages with an emphasis on one or the other. The program assumes that, in addition to the requirements for the major, students have completed, or have credit for, a year of language study in either Greek or Latin.
No course that is used to meet one of the following requirements may be used simultaneously to meet a requirement under any other category.
1. Six courses in Greek or Latin in the major that must include the 20100-20300 sequence or higher in at least one language.
2. Six courses in Greek or Roman art, history, philosophy, science, religion, or classical literature in translation, with courses divided between at least two fields, and with approval of the director of undergraduate studies. Any course that carries a Classical Civilization listing or a Classics listing between 30100 and 39000 meets this requirement. Other eligible courses are offered in disciplines such as Art History, Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities, Philosophy, and Political Science. These courses should be chosen in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies.
3. The B.A. Paper Seminar (CLCV 29800), a one-quarter course spread over two quarters, as described below.
Summary of Requirements:
Language and Literature Variant
6 courses in Greek or Latin
(must include 20100-20200-20300)
science, religion, art, or classical literature in translation
1 B.A. Paper Seminar (CLCV 29800)
13
Degree Program in Classical Studies:
Language Intensive Variant
The Language Intensive Variant is designed for students who expect to continue Classical Studies at the graduate level. It aims to provide the level of linguistic proficiency in both Greek and Latin that is commonly expected of applicants to rigorous graduate programs. The program assumes that, in addition to the requirements for the major, students have completed, or have credit for, a year of language study in either Greek or Latin. Students must also use some of their general electives to meet the language requirements of this program variant.
No course that is used to meet one of the following requirements may be used simultaneously to meet a requirement under any other category.
1. Six courses in one classical language (Greek or Latin) at the 20000 level or above and six courses or the equivalent in the other (three of which may be at the introductory level).
2. Four courses in art, history, philosophy, religion, science, material culture, or classical literature in translation, with courses divided between at least two fields, and with approval of the director of undergraduate studies. Any course that carries a Classical Civilization listing or a Classics listing between 30100 and 39000 meets this requirement. Other eligible courses are offered in disciplines such as Art History, Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities, Philosophy, and Political Science. These courses should be chosen in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies.
3. The B.A. Paper Seminar (CLCV 29800), a one-quarter course spread over two quarters, as described below.
Summary of Requirements: Language Intensive Variant
6 courses in Greek*
6 courses in Latin*
4 courses in Greek or Roman art, history, philosophy, science, religion, or classical literature in translation
1 B.A. Paper Seminar (CLCV 29800)
17
* Six courses in one classical language (Greek or Latin)
at the 20000 level or above and six courses or the equivalent
in the other (three of which may be at the introductory level).
Degree Program in Classical Studies
Greek and Roman Cultures Variant
This variant is designed for students who are interested in ancient Greece and Rome but wish to focus more on history (political, intellectual, religious, social) and material culture than on language and literature. Because the program allows many courses taught in other departments to count toward the major, it is especially suited to students who declare their major late or who wish to take complete two majors. The program assumes that, in addition to requirements for the major, students have satisfied the College civilization requirement by taking the Ancient Mediterranean World sequence (CLCV 20700-20800), the Athens Program, or the Rome Program. Students who have satisfied the College civilization requirement with a different sequence should complete one of these three sequences, which may then count as three of the nine courses in classical civilization required for the major.
No course that is used to meet one of the following requirements may be used simultaneously to meet a requirement under any other category.
1. Three courses in Greek or Latin beyond the level of any credit earned by examination. Students who have not received credit by placement tests or Advanced Placement examinations may register for first-year Greek or Latin courses.
2. Nine courses in art, history, philosophy, religion, science, material culture, or classical literature in translation, with courses divided between at least four fields, and with approval of the director of undergraduate studies. Any course that carries a Classical Civilization listing or a Classics listing between 30100 and 39000 meets this requirement. Other eligible courses are offered in disciplines such as Art History, Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities, Philosophy, and Political Science. These courses should be chosen in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies.
3. The B.A. Paper Seminar (CLCV 29800), a one-quarter course spread over two quarters, as described below.
Summary of Requirements: Greek and Roman Cultures Variant
3 courses in Greek or Latin*
9 courses in Greek or Roman art, history, philosophy, religion, science, or classical literature in translation
1 B.A. Paper Seminar (CLCV 29800)
13
* Credit may not be granted by examination.
B.A. Paper Seminar and B.A. Paper. Candidates for the B.A. degree in all variants of the Classical Studies major are required to write a substantial B.A. paper. The purpose of the B.A. paper is to enable students to improve their research and writing skills and to give them an opportunity to focus their knowledge of the field upon an issue of their own choosing.
In their third year, by Monday of eighth week of Spring Quarter, students must submit to the director of undergraduate studies a short statement proposing an area of research, and the statement must be approved by a member of the Classics faculty who agrees to be the director of the B.A. paper. At the same time, students should meet with the preceptor of the B.A. Paper Seminar to plan a program of research.
Students are required to register for the B.A. Paper Seminar (CLCV 29800) in Autumn Quarter of their fourth year and participate in the seminar throughout Winter Quarter. The focus of the seminar is to discuss research problems and compose preliminary drafts of their B.A. papers. They are expected to exchange criticism and ideas in regular seminar meetings with the preceptor and with other students writing papers, as well as to take account of comments from their faculty readers. The grade for the B.A. Paper Seminar is identical to the grade for the B.A. paper and, therefore, is not reported until the paper has been submitted in Spring Quarter. The grade for the B.A. paper depends on participation in the seminar, as well as on the quality of the paper.
The deadline for submitting the B.A. paper in final form is Friday of third week of Spring Quarter. This deadline represents the formal submission, which is final; students should expect to submit and defend substantial drafts much earlier. Copies are to be submitted to the faculty director, seminar preceptor, and director of undergraduate studies. Students who fail to meet the deadline may not be able to graduate in that quarter and will not be eligible for honors consideration.
Students who undertake a double major may meet the requirement for a B.A. paper in Classical Studies by making it part of a single B.A. paper that is designed to meet the requirements of both majors. This combined paper must have a substantial focus on texts or issues of the classical period, and must have a Classics faculty member as a reader. The use of a single essay to meet the requirement for a B.A. paper in two majors requires approval from directors of undergraduate studies in both majors. A consent form, to be signed by the directors of undergraduate studies, is available from the College advisers. It must be completed and returned to the College adviser by the end of Autumn Quarter of the student's year of graduation.
Grading. The first-year sequences in Greek and Latin (GREK 10100-10200-10300, GREK 11100-11200-11300, LATN 10100-10200-10300, LATN 11100-11200-11300) and the courses in Greek and Latin composition are open for P/N grading for students not using these courses to meet language requirements for the major. All courses taken to meet requirements in the major must be taken for quality grades.
Honors. To be recommended for honors, a student must maintain an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher and a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major, and must also demonstrate superior ability in the B.A. paper to interpret Greek or Latin source material and to develop a coherent argument. For a student to be recommended for honors, the B.A. paper must be judged worthy of honors both by the faculty director and an additional faculty reader.
The Paul Shorey Foreign Travel Grant. The Paul Shorey Foreign Travel Grant provides $500 annually to "needy and deserving students studying Greek or Latin" for participation in the Athens Program or the Rome Program of the College. The application deadline is March 1.
The Classics Prize. The Classics Prize is a cash award of $300 made annually to the student who graduates with the best record of achievement in the Classical Studies major.
Minor Program in Classical Studies
The minor in Classical Studies requires a total of seven courses in Greek, Latin, or classical civilization. Students may choose one of two variants: a language variant that includes three courses at the 20000 level or higher in one language or a classical civilization variant.
Students who elect the minor program in Classical Studies must meet with the director of undergraduate studies before the end of Spring Quarter of their third year to declare their intention to complete the minor. Students choose courses in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. The director's approval for the minor program should be submitted to a student's College adviser by the deadline above on a form obtained from the adviser.
Courses in the minor (1) may not be double counted with the student's majors(s) or with other minors and (2) may not be counted toward general education requirements. Courses in the minor must be taken for quality grades, and more than half of the requirements for the minor must be met by registering for courses bearing University of Chicago course numbers.
The following groups of courses would comprise a minor in the areas indicated. Other programs may be designed in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. Minor program requirements are subject to revision.
Greek (or Latin) Sample Variant*
GREK (or LATN) 10100-10300. Beginning Greek (or Latin)
GREK (or LATN) 20100-20300. Intermediate Greek (or Latin)
CLCV 21200. History and Theory of Drama
(or, for example, CLCV 21400 [Marginal Populations of
the Roman Empire])
Greek (or Latin) Sample Variant*
GREK (or LATN) 20100-20300. Intermediate Greek (or Latin)
CLCV 20700-20900. Ancient Mediterranean World
CLCV 21400. Marginal Populations of the Roman Empire
(or, for example, CLCV 21200 [History and Theory of Drama])
Classical Civilization Sample Variant*
CLCV 20700-20900. Ancient Mediterranean World
(or, for example, Greek [or Latin]10100-10300)
CLCV 22000. Ancient Philosophy
CLCV 22100. Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius
CLCV 24200. The Invention of the Love Poem
CLCV 27100. Ancient Studies Seminar
* Credit may not be granted by examination
to meet the language requirement for the minor program.
Faculty
D. Allen, M. Allen, E. Asmis, S. Bartsch, H. Dik, C.
A. Faraone, J. Hall, W. R. Johnson,
D. Martinez, M. Payne, J. M. Redfield, D. N. Rudall, R. Saller, L. Slatkin, P.
White,
D. Wray
Courses
Courses designated "Classical Civilization" do not require knowledge of Greek or Latin.
Classical Civilization (clcv)
20700-20800-20900. Ancient Mediterranean World I, II, III. (=ANST 20700-20800-20900, HIST 16700-16800-16900/30700-30800-30900) This sequence meets the general education requirement in civilization studies. For course description, see History. J. Hall, Autumn; R. Saller, Winter; C. Grey, Spring.
21000. Disasters in the Ancient Mediterrean. (=ANCM 30900, ANST 21000, CLAS 31000, HIST 20600/30600) For course description, see History. C. Grey. Spring.
21200. History and Theory of Drama I. (=ANST 21200, CLAS 31200, CMLT 20500/30500, ENGL 13800/31000, ISHU 24200/34200) May be taken in sequence with ENGL 13900/31100 or individually. For course description, see English Language and Literature. D. Bevington, D. N. Rudall. Autumn.
21300. Contextualizing Ancient Historians. (=ANST 26200, CLAS 31300, HIST 20401/30401) For course description, see History. C. Grey. Winter.
21500. Medieval Book. (=CLAS 31500) This course surveys the cultural setting of books and book learning from end of antiquity to the age of print. We consider the new and varied historical impulses that shaped medieval techniques of writing, reading, and ordering of knowledge, as well as the details of physical construction, textual presentation, and decoration that often survived the transition from script to print culture. To illustrate our discussions, we make use of holdings in Regenstein Special Collections and the Newberry Library. M. Allen. Spring.
21700. Archaeology for Ancient Historians. (=ANCM 31700, ANST 21700, CLAS 31700, HIST 20901/39800) For course description, see History. J. Hall. Winter.
23400. Technologies of Memory in the Ancient World. In this course we examine memory and various "technologies of memory" (e.g., oral poetry, writing, rhetorical mnemonics) in Ancient Greece and Rome. Topics include the nature of memory in both ancient myth and culture, the development of literacy and the invention of the Greek alphabet, the use of writing and the nature of reading, and the compositional techniques of Homeric poets and ancient rhetoricians. We read both ancient sources (e.g., Plato, Hesiod) and modern secondary literature related to this topic. In addition, one component of the course compares these ancient types to the modern "technology of memory" represented by the computer revolution and electronic text. A. Romano. Autumn.
24100. Classical Heroines and Beyond. (=CLAS 34100, MUSI 22400) PQ: Knowledge of Latin or music not required. This course focuses on two women of Greek mythology, Medea and Phaedra, and how the erotic and tragic narratives of their lives were rendered by artists working in the different social, political and cultural contexts of Nero's Rome (first century) and early modern (seventeenth- and eighteenth-century) Europe. Gender and genre are central issues of the course. Primary texts read (in translation) include Seneca's Medea and Phaedra, Euripides' Medea and Hippolytus, Corneille's Médée, Racine's Phèdre, and a Roman tragedy based on Nero's first wife, Octavia, by an ancient imitator of Seneca. Operas studied, partly in audio recording and partly through viewing, include Charpentier's Médée, Rameau's Hippolyte et Aricie, Traetta's Ippolito ed Aricia, and Monteverdi's L'Incoronazione di Poppea. D. Wray. Spring.
24200. Greek Drama in Translation. (=CLAS 34200) We examine the cultural, historical, religious, and performance contexts of Classical Greek drama. We read selections from the works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes, probably including The Oresteia, The Oedipus Plays, Medea, The Trojan Women, The Iphigenia Plays, and Lysistrata. Texts in English. D. N. Rudall. Winter.
24300. Law and Life in Ancient Rome. (=ANST 26100, CLAS 34300, HIST 20601/30601, LLSO 20801) Prior knowledge of ancient history or law not required. For course description, see History. C. Grey. Winter.
25000. Ovid's Metamorphoses. (=FNDL 21402) This course examines in depth Ovid's interlocking tales of transformation. We discuss the structure of the work, as well as aspects of narrative, myth, and philosophy. The course also considers the nachleben of The Metamorphoses and its influence on art and literature. Students choose an outside text/art work in which the theme of transformation is key. Reading books 1 through 3 before the first session is helpful. Texts in English. L. Behnke. Spring, 2006.
25300. Hellenistic Philosophy. (=CLAS 35300) We study major developments in Greek and Roman philosophy after Aristotle. Our main focus of attention is Epicurean and Stoic philosophy. We study both the doctrines and the way they were put in practice in Greek and Roman society. Texts include Epicurus's Letters, Lucretius's On the Nature of Things, Cicero's On the Goals of Life, selections from Seneca's Essays and Letters, and selected lectures by Epictetus. Texts in English. E. Asmis. Autumn.
27100. Ancient Studies Seminar. (=ANST 27100) The content of this annual seminar changes but its focus is the interdisciplinary exploration of general themes across ancient societies. Its aim is to teach students how to combine historical, literary, and material evidence in their study of the ancient world. Spring.
28300. Ephron Seminar. This annual seminar of changing context is meant to promote innovative course design. Past Ephron seminars have been about violence in the ancient world. Spring.
28400. South Slavic Oral Poetry. (=CLAS 38400, CMLT 27600, SOSL 26700/36700) For course description, see Slavic Languages and Literatures (South Slavic). B. Rakic. Winter, 2005.
29700. Reading Course. PQ: Consent of faculty sponsor and director of undergraduate studies. Students are required to submit the College Reading and Research Course Form. Autumn, Winter, Spring.
29800. B.A. Paper Seminar. This seminar is designed to teach students research and writing skills necessary for writing their B.A. paper. Students register for one quarter. Participation is required in both quarters. Lectures cover classical bibliography, research tools, and electronic databases. Students discuss research problems and compose preliminary drafts of their B.A. papers. They are expected to exchange criticism and ideas in regular seminar meetings with the preceptor and with other students who are writing papers, as well as to take account of comments from their faculty readers. The grade for the B.A. Paper Seminar is identical to the grade for the B.A. paper and, therefore, is not reported until the B.A. paper has been submitted in Spring Quarter. The grade for the B.A. paper depends on participation in the seminar as well as on the quality of the paper. Autumn, Winter.
Greek (grek)
10100-10200-10300. Introduction to Attic Greek I, II, III. This sequence covers the introductory Greek grammar in twenty-two weeks and is intended for students who have more complex schedules or believe that the slower pace allows them to better assimilate the material. Like GREK 11100-11200-11300, this sequence prepares students to move into the second-year sequence (GREK 20100-20200-20300).
10100. Introduction to Attic Greek I. Knowledge of Greek not required. This course introduces students to the basic rules of ancient Greek. Class time is spent on the explanation of grammar, translation from Greek to English and from English to Greek, and discussion of student work. H. Dik. Autumn.
10200. Introduction to Attic Greek II: Prose. PQ: GREK 10100. The remaining chapters of the introductory Greek textbook are covered. Students apply and improve their understanding of Greek through reading brief passages from classical prose authors, including Plato and Xenophon. Winter.
10300. Introduction to Attic Greek III: Prose. PQ: GREK 10200. Students apply the grammatical skills taught in GREK 10100-10200 by reading a continuous prose text by a classical author such as Lysias, Xenophon, or Plato. The aim is familiarity with Greek idiom and sentence structure. Spring.
11100-11200-11300. Accelerated Introduction to Attic Greek I, II, III. This sequence covers the introductory Greek grammar in fifteen weeks. Like GREK 10100-10200-10300, this sequence prepares students to move into the second-year sequence (GREK 20100-20200-20300).
11100. Accelerated Introduction to Attic Greek I. This course introduces students to the rudiments of ancient Greek. Class time is spent on the explanation of grammar, translation from Greek to English and from English to Greek, and discussion of student work. M. Payne. Autumn.
11200. Accelerated Introduction to Attic Greek II. PQ: GREK 11100. The remaining chapters of the introductory textbook are covered. Students then apply and improve their knowledge of Greek as they read selections from Xenophon. H. Dik. Winter.
11300. Accelerated Introduction to Attic Greek III. PQ: GREK 11200. Students apply the grammatical skills taught in GREK 11100-11200 by reading a continuous prose text by a classical author such as Lysias, Xenophon, or Plato. The aim is familiarity with Greek idiom and sentence structure. Spring.
20100. Intermediate Greek I: Phaedo. PQ: GREK 10300 or equivalent. This course focuses on a careful reading of the Apology with a view to reviewing grammatical constructions and appreciating the subtleties of Greek prose style. We also give attention to the rhetorical structures and philosophic ideas of this important work. A. Syson. Autumn.
20200. Intermediate Greek II: Sophocles. PQ: GREK 10300 or equivalent. This course includes analysis and translation of the Greek text, discussion of Sophoclean language and dramatic technique, and relevant trends in fifth-century Athenian intellectual history. C. Faraone. Winter.
20300. Intermediate Greek III: Homer. PQ: GREK 10300 or equivalent. This course is an introduction to the Homeric dialect and to the convention of oral epic through a study of the Iliad. D. Martinez. Spring.
21100/31100. Elegiac Poetry. PQ: GREK 203000 or equivalent. Poems composed over a number of centuries in the elegiac meter are studied, beginning with some of the works of Archilochus and Callinus, and continuing through Solon and Simonides, to Callimachus and other Hellenistic poets. M. Payne. Autumn.
21200/31200. Plato. PQ: GREK 20300 or equivalent. Plato's styles range from conversational to lyrical to rhetorical, and the list is endless. He is a master of characterization and parody and brings a deep appreciation of poetry to his prose. Or so we think. How can we actually identify Plato's "style" or "styles?" We ask this question as we consider the style and authenticity of literature in the Platonic corpus. J. Redfield. Winter.
21300/31300. Aeschylus. PQ: GREK 20300 or equivalent. This is an introduction to Aeschylean drama in general seen through the special problems posed by the play. Lectures and discussions are concerned with the authenticity of Prometheus Bound, its dating, and the chronology of Aeschylus's extant works. We also discuss the reconstruction of the hypothetical Promethia and the development and early form of Attic drama. Philosophical materials and modern Aeschylea scholars are also read and discussed. Texts in Greek. Spring.
26100/26100. Introduction to Papyrology. Prior knowledge of papyrology not required. This course concentrates on the methods and perspectives of the discipline of papyrology, including the "hands on" experience of working with actual texts in the Regenstein Library and the Oriental Institute, as well as in the Ptolemaic collection at the University of Texas at Austin. Topics include the major branches of papyrology (e.g., documentary, literary, magical, Christian texts), as well as analysis of the form and structure of different kinds of papyrus documents, the linguistic phenomenon of koine Greek, and the contribution of papyrology to other areas of the study of antiquity (e.g., literature, social history, linguistics, religion). D. Martinez. Spring.
29700. Reading Course. PQ: Students are required to submit the College Reading and Research Course Form. Autumn, Winter.
34400. Greek Prose Composition. PQ: Consent of instructor. This course focuses on intensive study of the structures of the Greek language and the usage of the canonical Greek prose, including compositional exercises. Autumn, 2006.
Latin (latn)
10100-10200-10300. Introduction to Classical Latin I, II, III. This sequence covers the introductory Latin grammar in twenty-two weeks and is intended for students who have more complex schedules or believe that the slower pace allows them to better assimilate the material. Like LATN 11100-11200-11300, this sequence prepares students to move into the second-year sequence (LATN 20100-20200-20300).
10100. Introduction to Classical Latin I. This course introduces students to the rudiments of ancient Latin. Class time is spent on the explanation of grammar, translation from Latin to English and from English to Latin, and discussion of student work. L. Behnke. Autumn.
10200. Introduction to Classical Latin II. PQ: LATN 10100. This course begins with the completion of the basic text begun in LATN 10100 and concludes with readings from Cicero, Caesar, or other prose. Texts in Latin. L. Behnke. Winter.
10300. Introduction to Classical Latin III: Cicero. PQ: LATN 10200. After finishing the text, the course involves reading in Latin prose and poetry, during which reading the students consolidate the grammar and vocabulary taught in LATN 10100 and 10200. L. Behnke. Spring.
11100-11200-11300. Accelerated Introduction to Classical Latin I, II, III. This sequence covers the introductory Latin grammar in fifteen weeks and is appropriate both as an accelerated introduction and also as a systematic grammar review for students who have previously studied Latin. Like LATN 10100-10200-10300, this sequence prepares students to move into the second-year sequence (LATN 20100-20200-20300).
11100. Accelerated Introduction to Classical Latin I. This course covers the first half of the introductory Latin textbook (Wheelock). Classes are devoted to the presentation of grammar, discussion of problems in learning Latin, and written exercises. M. Allen. Autumn.
11200. Accelerated Introduction to Classical Latin II. PQ: LATN 11100. This course begins with the completion of the basic text begun in LATN 11100 and concludes with readings from Cicero, Caesar, or other prose texts in Latin. P. White. Winter.
11300. Accelerated Introduction to Classical Latin III. PQ: LATN 11200. Students apply the grammatical skills taught in LATN 11100-11200 by reading a continuous prose text such as a complete speech of Cicero. The aim is familiarity with Latin idiom and sentence structure. Spring.
20100. Intermediate Latin I: Prose and Grammar. PQ: LATN 10300 or 11300 or equivalent. The purpose of this course is to provide experience in reading connected passages of unsimplified Latin prose and, at the same time, to consolidate the understanding of Latin grammar acquired during the preceding year. Additional material is also presented on the social and historical background of the texts we read. A. Romano. Autumn.
20200. Intermediate Latin II: Seneca. PQ: LATN 20100 or equivalent. Readings consist of the Phaedra of Seneca and selections from his prose letters and essays. The point of the juxtaposition is to try to understand the feverish violence of Seneca's tragedies in relation to the philosophical project to which he devoted his life. Secondary readings on Rome in the Age of Nero are also assigned. P. White. Winter.
20300. Intermediate Latin III: Horace. PQ: LATN 20200 or equivalent. L. Behnke. Spring.
21100/31100. Roman Elegy. PQ: LATN 20300 or equivalent. This course examines the development of the Latin elegy from Catullus to Ovid. The major themes of the course are the use of motifs and topics, as well as their relationship to the problem of poetic persona. N. Rudall. Autumn.
21200/31200. Roman Novel. PQ: LATN 20300 or equivalent. The focus of this course is a reading of selected sections of a novel by Apuleius (e.g., the story of Cupid and Psyche, the initiation into the cult of Isis). The novel is studied in the context of the history of the ancient novel. Special attention is given to the unique contributions of Apuleius as magician and philosopher. M. Allen. Winter.
21300/31300. Virgil. (=FNDL 24711) PQ: LATN 20300 or equivalent. We read Book 2 of the Aeneid, along with the end of Book 1 and the beginning of Book 4. In addition to close examination of Virgil's imagery, metre, and poetic language, we consider Aeneas as narrator and victim of the fall of Troy and the role his story telling plays in Dido's subsequent infatuation. M. Payne. Spring.
23400/33400. Boethius. (=FNDL 24311) PQ: LATN 20300 or equivalent. The Consolation of Philosophy, which Boethius wrote in prison after a life of study and public service, offers a lense on Roman politics and culture in the period after Rome ceased to be an imperial capital. The Consolation is also a poignant testament from a man divided between Christianity and philosophy. About seventy pages of the text are read in Latin, and all of it in English. Secondary readings provide historical and religious context for the early sixth century A.D. P. White. Spring.
29700. Reading Course. PQ: Students are required to submit the College Reading and Research Course Form. Autumn, Winter, Spring.
34400. Latin Prose Composition. PQ: Consent of instructor. This is a practical introduction to the styles of classical Latin prose. After a brief and systematic review of Latin syntax, the course combines regular exercises in composition with readings from a variety of prose stylists. The course is intended to increase the students' awareness both of the classical artists' skill and their own command of Latin idiom and sentence structure. D. Wray. Autumn.