Classics

Classical Mythology

Explores methods of interpreting myths in their original contexts and affirms the continued relevance of mythology in modern society. Readings include Homer, Hesiod, Sappho, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Plato, Aristotle, Virgil, and Ovid. Offered every fall.

Introduction to Classical Archaeology

Introduces students to the methods common to both Old and New World archaeology, followed by an introduction to and interpretation of the material remains of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Mediterranean worlds. Offered intermittently.

Roman History

Students read and analyze wide-ranging secondary and primary sources from history, literature, and archaeology to explore Roman civilization from its earliest beginnings, through the period of Republican expansion and transition into a vast empire, concluding with the Empire's ultimate decline and dissolution. Special attention is given to Roman historiography and to the political changes from Republic to Empire.

World Literature I

A chronological survey of major literary works from Ancient Near Eastern Epic to the European Middle Ages. Emphasizes the close reading of ancient literature within its immediate cultural context and the analysis of this literature in well-argued papers. Prerequisite: ENG 105 with a grade of C or higher. Identical to ENG 263. Offered intermittently.

World Literature II

A survey of major works in world literature from the Renaissance to the present-day emphasizing texts outside the British and American traditions. Particular attention is given to texts that put themselves in dialogue with Ancient Near Eastern and Classical Greek and Roman literary traditions. Prerequisite: Sophomore status or consent. Identical to ENG 264. Offered intermittently.

Topics in Greek History

Students work closely with primary evidence, including historical texts and material culture, to examine a topic within the field of ancient Greek history. May be taken multiple times if topic differs.

Topics in Classics

Topics may include Epic, Tragedy, Archaeology, J.R.R. Tolkien and the Epic Tradition, the Ancient Novel, Greco-Roman Authors of North Africa, or others as determined by the instructor. May be repeated for credit if topics vary.

Women in the Ancient World

Examines gender roles and sexual identities in ancient Greece and Rome through readings in primary sources supplemented by current scholarship. Explores contrasts between representations of women in Classical literature and the limitations they historically faced and the changes that occurred in women's status according to place and time.

Classical Studies Abroad

Travel to a relevant area within the cultural orbit of ancient Greece and Rome for on-site study of ancient Greco-Roman history and literary and material culture. Prerequisite: Sophomore status or consent.

Classical Virginia

An exploration of how classical narratives of exploration, political thought, literature, and art and architecture helped to shape the culture of the state of Virginia.

The Ancient World in the Cinema

Studies how ancient Greece and Rome continue to interest and influence us through the modern medium of cinema. Includes readings of selected classical texts and comparisons with modern screen treatments. Attention is given both to modern cinematic adaptations of ancient literary works and to epic "historical" spectacles. Examines directorial creativity, audience expectation, historical accuracy, and modern myth-making.

Senior Seminar in Classics

Students enrolling in CLAS 430 will be responsible for reading and discussing the same material as students in CLAS 330, but will also help the instructor to present the material, and will write a 20+ page senior thesis instead of the shorter final paper required of students in CLAS 330. Students who have taken CLAS 330 may only take 430 for credit if the topic differs. Offered intermittently.

Beginning Latin I

Introduces the elements of the language of the Ancient Romans: vocabulary, syntax, and grammar. Students learn how to translate sentences and short stories. Focuses on translation and reading skills. Offered every year.

Beginning Latin II

Introduces the elements of the language of the Ancient Romans: vocabulary, syntax, and grammar. Students learn how to translate sentences and short stories. Focuses on translation and reading skills. Prerequisite: LATN 111. May be used toward fulfillment of the language requirement. Offered every year.

Intermediate Latin

Introduces students to advanced grammar as they read a real Latin text such as the poems of Catullus or the speeches of Cicero. The primary goal is to gain facility in reading Latin, but the course also introduces students to ancient Roman literary aesthetics and culture. Focuses on translation and reading skills rather than speaking/listening skills. May be used toward fulfillment of the language requirement. Prerequisite: LATN 112 or equivalent. Offered every year.

Topics in Latin Prose

Reading and translation from one or more Latin prose authors arranged by author (e.g., Apuleius) or by topic or genre (e.g., the Roman novel, Arthurian legends, etc.). May be repeated for credit as the topic varies. Prerequisite: LATN 213 or placement. Offered intermittently.

Topics in Latin Poetry

Reading and translation from one or more Latin poets, arranged by author (e.g., Virgil) or by topic or genre (e.g., lyric, epic). May be repeated for credit as the topic varies. Prerequisite: LATN 213 or placement. LATN 305 is not a prerequisite. Offered intermittently.

Practicum in the Teaching of Latin

A workshop that introduces advanced students of Latin to current teaching methods in the language. Students serve as assistants in Elementary Latin while meeting regularly with the instructor to gain hands-on experience in the practical aspects of teaching Latin. Ordinarily taken in the semester prior to EDUC 445/446. Prerequisites: LATN 305 or 306 and consent. Offered intermittently.

Beginning Ancient Greek I

An introduction to the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of ancient Greek. Completion of the year-long sequence prepares students to read connected passages in ancient texts such as the dialogues of Plato or the New Testament; emphasis on Attic Greek or Koine dialects varies according to the instructor and interest of the class. Does not count toward the foreign language requirement. Offered intermittently.

Beginning Ancient Greek II

An introduction to the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of ancient Greek. Completion of the year-long sequence prepares students to read connected passages in ancient texts such as the dialogues of Plato or the New Testament; emphasis on Attic Greek or Koine dialects varies according to the instructor and interest of the class. Does not count toward the foreign language requirement. Offered intermittently.

Intermediate Ancient Greek

Begins with a thorough review of basic Greek grammar as covered in GREK 121-122. Students then undertake extended readings in an ancient Greek text such as the New Testament or the Dialogues of Plato. Emphasizes translation and reading skills rather than speaking/listening skills. Prerequisite: GREK 122 with a grade of C or higher or placement. Offered intermittently.

World Religions

A survey of major religions of the world, their beliefs, practices, and ethical concerns. Focusing primarily on Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, students examine the history, literature, structures, and manifestations of each of these religions. They examine how such disciplines as psychology, sociology, theology, art, and ethics shape, and are shaped by, religious world views. Concludes with an examination of some of the key conflicts/disagreements between two of these religious traditions. Offered every semester.

The Old Testament World

The ancient Israelites wrote stories of their past. They preserved laws. They wrote prophecies, biographies, common-sense advice, love poetry, and apocalypses. An introduction to some of these writings; specifically, the writings preserved in the Old Testament and in the Apocrypha. Examines both the history of the Hebrews and Israelites and the literature they used to express and communicate their faith. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.

The New Testament World

The first Christians wrote letters to each other, they wrote tales about Jesus, they wrote sermons, and apocalypses. An introduction to some of those writings preserved in the New Testament and to those apocryphal and non-canonical works that shaped how the New Testament was remembered and how Christianity developed. Examines both the earliest Christians and the literature they used to create communities and to express and communicate their faith. Prerequisite: at least 3 semester hours in English, history, philosophy, or religious studies. Offered spring of odd-numbered years.

Bible and Literature

Examines the Bible as the source and inspiration for works of fiction, non-fiction, biography, letters, parables, poetry, and epistles from the world's literature, both classic and modern. These works are studied from the perspective of the literary modes of discourse drawn from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. Offered intermittently.

Ancient Greek Philosophy

An introduction to ancient Greek philosophy. Focuses on Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle; may also include the early scientific thinkers or "pre-Socratics," who abandoned the supernatural and the Hellenistic schools, which conceived of philosophy as a way to find peace of mind. Prerequisite: Sophomore status or consent. Offered every fall.

Developments in Science and Technology

Explores the nature of scientific inquiry and the role of science and technology in our society by tracing the historical development and current state of several areas of science and technology. Considers the influence of culture, politics, religion, economics, and society on these developments and the impact of these developments on the society. Does not fulfill any requirements for Latin honors. Prerequisites: ENG 105 with a grade of C or higher, junior/senior status, and one "L" course. Offered January Terms of even-numbered years.