Programs of the Department of Classics are designed to acquaint students with the ancient Greek and Roman cultures from which Western Civilization has developed. The Department endeavours to instruct with and utilize the full range of evidence available, including texts in Greek and Latin as well as material culture. Furthermore, it is understood that a degree of access can often be achieved by studying antiquity through translated sources. The Department therefore is committed to offering a wide range of courses and programs designed to explore the many aspects of the discipline.
Candidates for a Major in Classics are advised to choose their program in consultation with the Department.
The major program consists of a minimum of 39 credit hours in Classics courses in accordance with the following:
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At least 15 credit hours must be at the 3000 level or above
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An additional 18 credit hours at any level. With the exception of first year language courses, no more than two 1000-level courses may be counted towards the major.
Students wishing to pursue a minor in Classics will take 24 credit hours in Greek and Roman Studies courses. In place of any of these the student may substitute courses in Greek or Latin.
Candidates for Honours in Classics shall consult the Department before finalizing their program.
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At least 9 credit hours selected from Classics 2200, 2205, 2300, and 2305;
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Classics 4999;
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At least 36 additional credit hours in Classics at the 3000 level or above, of which 18 must be in Latin or Greek. Classics 2202 and 2302 may be substituted for courses at the 3000 level.
Classics may be combined with another subject to form a Joint Honours program. The Joint Honours Program in Classics shall include at least 51 credit hours in Classics, including the following.
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At least 6 credit hours selected from Classics 2200, 2205, 2300, 2305;
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At least 30 additional credit hours in Classics at the 3000 level or above, of which at least 15 must be in Greek or Latin. Classics 2202 and 2302 may be substituted for courses at the 3000 level.
Candidates for Honours in Greek and Roman Studies shall consult the Department before finalizing their program.
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Either a. or b.:
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15 credit hours in courses at the 2000 level;
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36 credit hours in courses at the 3000 level or above, including 4999.
Greek and Roman Studies may be combined with another subject to form a Joint Honours program. The Joint Honours Program in Greek and Roman Studies shall include at least 51 credit hours in Classics.
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Either a. or b.:
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15 credit hours in courses at the 2000 level;
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27 credit hours in courses at the 3000 level or above.
Note:
Although there are no formal prerequisites for any course in Greek and Roman Studies, students are encouraged to ensure that they have adequate preparation for the courses numbered above 3000 in which they intend to register.
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Classics 2205 is the normal prerequisite for any Latin course in the 3000 or 4000 series.
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Classics 2305 is the normal prerequisite for any Greek course in the 3000 or 4000 series.
In special circumstances, prerequisites may be waived with the permission of the Head of the Department.
Medieval Studies 3000 may be substituted for a Greek and Roman Studies course in both the Classics degree programs (Honours, Joint Honours and general degree) and the Greek and Roman Studies degree programs (Honours, Joint Honours and general degree).
In accordance with Senate's Policy Regarding Inactive Courses, the course descriptions for courses which have not been offered in the previous three academic years and which are not scheduled to be offered in the current academic year have been removed from the following listing. For information about any of these inactive courses, please contact the Head of the Department.
Classics courses are designated by CLAS.
1130
Elementary Ancient Greek I
is an introduction to the grammar and syntax of ancient Greek, with particular attention paid to the acquisition of basic skills in reading, composition, and aural comprehension.
Note:
Students may not receive credit for CLAS 1130 and the former CLAS 130B.
1131
Elementary Ancient Greek II
is a continuation of the work begun in Elementary Ancient Greek I.
Note:
Students may not receive credit for CLAS 1131 and the former CLAS 130B.
Prerequisite: CLAS 1130 or its equivalent.
2300
Intermediate Ancient Greek
is a continuation of the grammar, syntax, reading, and composition completed in the elementary program.
Prerequisite: CLAS 1131.
2302
Readings in New Testament Greek
- inactive course.
2305
Selected Attic Authors
Note:
Students may not receive credit for CLAS 2305 and the former CLAS 2301.
3310
Greek Tragedy I
3315
Attic Orators
- inactive course.
3320
Greek Historians
- inactive course.
3331
Greek Comedy
- inactive course.
4300
Greek Tragedy II
- inactive course.
4310
Greek Epic Poetry
4320
Greek Lyric Poetry
- inactive course.
4335
Greek Literature of the Roman Period
- inactive course.
4340
Greek Philosophical Authors
4370
Hellenistic Poetry
- inactive course.
4391
Special Authors
- inactive course.
4395
Greek Prose Composition
- inactive course.
4999
Honours Essay
is a requirement of the Honours program.
1120
Elementary Latin I
is an introduction to the grammar and syntax of Latin, with particular attention paid to the acquisition of basic skills in reading, composition, and aural comprehension.
Note:
Students may not receive credit for CLAS 1120 and the former CLAS 120A.
1121
Elementary Latin II
is a continuation of the work begun in Elementary Latin I.
Note:
Students may not receive credit for CLAS 1121 and the former CLAS 120B.
Prerequisite: CLAS 1120 or its equivalent.
2200
Intermediate Latin
is a continuation of the grammar, syntax, reading, and composition completed in the elementary program.
Prerequisite: CLAS 1121.
2202
Medieval Latin
- inactive course.
2205
Selected Latin Authors
3210
Latin Lyric Poetry
3215
Latin Orators
- inactive course.
3225
Latin Epistolography
- inactive course.
3230
Latin Elegiac Poetry
- inactive course.
4210
Latin Historians
4220
Latin Hexameter Poetry
4235
Latin Philosophical Authors
- inactive course.
4240
Latin Drama
4250
Latin Satire
- inactive course.
4271
Latin Patristic Authors
- inactive course.
4291
Special Authors
4295
Latin Prose Composition
- inactive course.
4999
Honours Essay
is a requirement of the Honours program.
Note:
For the following courses, no knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. Students are strongly advised to have completed at least one 1000-level or 2000-level Greek and Roman Studies course before registering in any 3000-level or higher Greek and Roman Studies course.
1051
Gods in Classical Mythology
is an introduction to some of the major myths of ancient Greece and Rome, with particular attention to the gods. The myths will be studied with reference to their social and historical contexts, literary and artistic representations, and modern theories of interpretation.
Note:
Students may not receive credit for both CLAS 1051 and the former CLAS 1050.
1052
Heroes in Classical Mythology
is an introduction to some of the major myths of ancient Greece and Rome, with particular attention to the heroes. The myths will be studied with reference to their social and historical contexts, literary and artistic representations, and modern theories of interpretation.
Note:
Students may not receive credit for both CLAS 1052 and the former CLAS 1050.
1100
Introduction to Greek Civilization
is a general illustrated survey of the origins and evolution of Ancient Greek Civilization. The course introduces the student to Greek social and political institutions, religion and myth, and achievements in art, philosophy, science and literature, as well as the influence of Ancient Greece on the modern world.
Note:
This course may qualify as a Research/Writing course.
1200
Introduction to Roman Civilization
is a general illustrated survey of the origins and evolution of Ancient Rome. The course introduces the student to social, political, and legal institutions, the growth of the Roman Empire, Roman art, literature, and religions, as well as Rome's pervasive influence in the modern world.
Note:
This course may qualify as a Research/Writing course.
2010
Greek Art and Architecture
is an introduction, through illustrated lectures, to the study of the art and architecture of Ancient Greece.
2015
Roman Art and Architecture
is an introduction, through illustrated lectures, to the study of the art and architecture of Ancient Rome.
2020
Hellenistic Civilization
is an illustrated survey of the political, social, intellectual and artistic developments in the Mediterranean world and the Near East from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C. until the incorporation of the Kingdom of Egypt in the Roman Empire in 30 B.C. Particular attention is given to the fusion of eastern and western thought-patterns and ideologies under the influence of Greek culture.
2025
Introduction to Ancient History
(same as History 2020) is an introduction to the history of ancient city-states, kingdoms and empires, including economic, social, political and cultural developments.
2035
History of Classical Greece
(same as History 2035) is a survey of Greek History from the Bronze Age to the death of Alexander the Great, with special reference to the social and political institutions of the fifth century B.C.
2040
History of Rome
(same as History 2040) is a survey of Roman History from the early monarchy to the reign of Constantine with special reference to society and politics in the late Republic and early Empire.
2055
Women in the Ancient World
is an examination of the role of women in ancient Mediterranean civilizations from the perspectives of social and political history and culture. Critical assessments of relevant scholarship and methodologies will be included.
2400
Literature of Ancient Greece
introduces students to Greek Literature from the Archaic to the Imperial Periods. Students will study epic poetry, drama and other genres typical of these periods. Students will also be introduced to important themes, methodologies and scholarship.
Note:
Students may not receive credit for Classics 2400 and Classics/English 3110.
2500
Literature of Ancient Rome
introduces students to Latin Literature from the Republican to the Late Antique Periods. Students will study epic poetry, drama and other genres typical of these periods. Students will also be introduced to important themes, methodologies and scholarship.
Note:
Students may not receive credit for both Classics 2500 and Classics/English 3111.
2701
History of Ancient Philosophy
(same as Philosophy 2701) is a survey of the origin and development of Western philosophy among the Greeks and Romans.
2900
Science and Technology in the Ancient World
is an introduction to significant developments in ancient Greek and Roman science and technology with emphasis on interpreting the primary evidence, including written sources (in translation) and material remains, assessing the historical context, and considering the nature of advancements.
3010
Greek Religion
(same as Religious Studies 3010) is a study of the role of religion in the private and public life of the Greek world.
Note:
Students may not receive credit for CLAS/Religious Studies 3010 and the former CLAS/Religious Studies 3121.
3020
Roman Religion
(same as Religious Studies 3020) is a study of the role of religion in the private and public life of the Roman world.
Note:
Students may not receive credit for CLAS/Religious Studies 3020 and the former CLAS/Religious Studies 3121.
3030
Greece and Persia
is a study of relations between Greece and Persia from the foundation of the Persian Empire to the death of Alexander the Great.
3040
Socrates and Athens
is an introduction to and examination of Socrates within the context of Athenian political, social, cultural, intellectual, and religious life, and against the background of the fifth-century enlightenment and the sophistic movement.
3050
Augustus and Rome
is a course that examines the Age of Augustus (27 B.C. to A.D. 14) which witnessed not only Rome's greatest achievements in literature and art but also the replacement of republican government by a monarchy; this course, based on original sources, examines the period through its most powerful and influential figure.
3080
Themes and Genres in Greek and Roman Prose
is a detailed study of individual works in prose designed to illustrate themes or genres in the prose literature of Greece and Rome, such as the novel, biography, oratory, and historiography.
3150
Early Christian Thought: The First Five Centuries
(same as Religious Studies 3150) is an advanced study of selected themes and personalities in Christian thought and literature from the second to the sixth centuries. Particular attention will be given to the controversies centring on the doctrines of the Trinity and the Person of Christ.
3270
Christianity and the Roman Empire
- inactive course.
3405
Tragic Drama in Greece and Rome
is a detailed examination of the tragic dramas of ancient Greece and Rome. A selection of plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Seneca will be read in English translation. Topics to be discussed include the development of ancient tragedy, its literary, performative and thematic traditions, its representation of social and historical conditions, and its influence on later tragic drama.
Note:
Students may not receive credit for Classics 3405 and the former Classics 2805.
3410
Comic Drama in Greece and Rome
is a detailed examination of the comic dramas of ancient Greece and Rome. A selection of plays by Aristophanes, Menander, Plautus and Terence will be read in English translation. Topics to be discussed include the development of ancient comedy, its literary and thematic traditions, its representation of social and historical context, and its influence on later comic drama.
Note:
Students may not receive credit for Classics 3410 and the former Classics 2810.
3415
Epic Poetry in Greece and Rome
offers a detailed and in-depth study of the epic poetry or ancient Greece and Rome. The course will examine the poems of Homer, Apollonius of Rhodes and Virgil in English translation. Instructors may include additional poems. Topics to be discussed include the development of epic poetry, its literary traditions and its role in Greek and Roman society.
Note:
Students may not receive credit for Classics 3415 and the former Classics 2060.
3420
Lyric Poetry in Greece and Rome
is a study of Greek and Roman poetry often conventionally termed ‘lyric’, including such genres as choral and solo songs, elegy, epigram, love poetry, and others. A selection of important works from Archaic Greece to Augustan Rome will be studied with reference to their social and literary contexts.
3580
Bronze Age Archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean
- inactive course.
3600
Ancient Myth and Cult
develops the students’ knowledge of myth and material culture by examining specific religious sites in the Greek and Roman world as foci of ritual practice. Students will learn to integrate knowledge of the physical remains with the literary and ritual evidence in order to obtain a more integrated understanding of religious life in ancient Greece and Rome.
3700
The Ancient World in Film
examines the representation of the history and cultures of the ancient world in film. A selection of films will be studied and extensive reference will be made to the ancient evidence which informs them. The ancient world’s impact on modern Western society will be considered together with the film industry’s recasting of the ancient world in response to modern social and historical developments.
3710-3729
Special Topics in Classics
(available only as part of the Harlow campus semester)
4000
Seminar in Greek History and Society
- inactive course.
4010
Seminar in Roman History and Society
is a seminar in Roman History and Society.
4020
Seminar in Greek Literature and Culture
is a seminar in Greek Literature and Culture.
4030
Seminar in Roman Literature and Culture
is a seminar in Roman Literature and Culture.
4100-4109
Special Topics in Greek and Roman Studies
will have topics announced by the Department and may include field studies in topography, Greek and Roman art and architecture, archaeology, and related areas, to be held in the Mediterranean and other regions of Graeco-Roman influence.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and the Head of the Department.
4999
Honours Essay
is a requirement of the Honours program.