Classics Courses

CLAS 100

An Introduction to the Civilizations of Greece and Rome

An introduction to Greek and Roman culture through analysis of its most significant elements. The course reviews in broad outline the main periods of Greek and Roman history, and incorporates discussion of some of the basic social, political, literary, philosophical, and artistic developments.

CLAS 110

Greek and Latin Elements in English

The contribution of the classical languages to modern English, including the vocabulary of the sciences. The course is intended for students in any discipline as a practical means of enhancing English vocabulary.

CLAS 120

Latin and Greek in Scientific Terminology

An introduction to the Latin and Greek roots of scientific terminology. Through a study of Greek and Latin word elements, principles of formation and pronunciation, this course provides students with an understanding of the technical terms employed in fields such as anatomy, biology and the health sciences.

CLAS 150

Introduction to Latin I

An introduction to classical Latin through analysis of some of the fundamental elements of its grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Completion of the course will enable students to comprehend and translate basic sentences and passages. Discussion of various aspects of Roman literature and culture will complement language study.

CLAS 151

Introduction to Latin II

The follow-up course to Introduction to Latin I. Students will continue to learn many of the basic elements of Latin grammar and syntax in addition to expanding their acquisition of vocabulary. The course aims to improve students’ facility in translating Latin into English, and also English into Latin.
***Prerequisite: CLAS 150, or permission of the Department Head.***

CLAS 160

Introduction to Ancient Greek I

An introduction to classical Greek through a study of its vocabulary, grammar and syntax. The course aims to have students translating basic sentences by the end of the term. Language instruction will also include discussion of fifth century Athenian culture and civilization.

CLAS 161

Introduction to Ancient Greek II

The follow-up course to Introduction to Ancient Greek I. Students will continue to expand their knowledge of Greek vocabulary and grammar, with emphasis placed on mastering the fundamental components of the language. By the end of the course will be translating longer passages excerpted or adapted from ancient authors.
***Prerequisite: CLAS 160, or permission of the Department Head.***

CLAS 200

Classical Mythology

A survey of the main myths and legends of ancient Greece and Rome. The course examines many of the major myth cycles through a study of their expression in literature and the visual arts, the cultural context in which they were produced and transmitted, and some of the main theoretical approaches critics have adopted to interpret them.
***Prerequisite: CLAS 100, or completion of 15 credit hours, or permission of the Department Head.***

CLAS 210

Greek and Roman Epic

An introduction to epic poetry in the Greek and Roman literary traditions. Through study of such authors as Homer, Apollonius, and Virgil, students will learn about the main features and conventions of the genre, its history and evolution, and how the works operated within their respective cultural contexts.
***Prerequisite: CLAS 100, or completion of 15 credit hours, or permission of the Department Head.***

CLAS 211

Greek and Roman Drama

An introduction to the dramatic texts and performances of Greek and Rome. The course prioritizes close readings of representative playwrights such as Euripides, Aristophanes, and Plautus. But there is also discussion of such topics as the conventions of performance and the social contexts of production.
***Prerequisite: CLAS 100, or completion of 15 credit hours, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CLAS 211, THST 300AA, or THEA 350. *

CLAS 220

Women in Greece and Rome

A survey of the different lives, roles and representations of women in Greece and Rome within the context of changing historical circumstances. The course examines the subject through such categories as myth, class and sexuality and draws on evidence from a wide range of cultural production.
*** Prerequisite: Completion of 15 credit hours ***

CLAS 230

Ancient Sport and Spectacle

Explore the sport, physical training, athletic competitions, and spectacles of the Classical world. Topics include the ancient Olympics, gymnasiums, athletic festivals, chariot races, gladiators, staged hunts & arena games in the Roman empire, sport & spectacle venues.
***Prerequisite: CLAS 100, or completion of 15 credit hours, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CLAS 230 or CLAS 290AC.*

CLAS 260

Greek Language and Literature I

Continuation of the Greek language. Selected readings from the New Testament.
*** Prerequisite: CLAS 161 ***

CLAS 261

Greek Language and Literature II

Continuation of classical Greek.
*** Prerequisite: CLAS 161 ***

CLAS 280

Cities of Rome and Pompeii

This course examines the cities of Rome and Pompeii as they existed and flourished in the ancient world. Through lectures, assigned readings, and visits to various sites it aims to explore the topography and architecture of the cities and to analyze their infrastructure and relationships with their environs.
***Prerequisite: CLAS 100, or completion of 15 credit hours, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CLAS 280 or CLAS 290AA.*

CLAS 290AB

Ancient & Early Christian Art

This course begins with a review of Greek and Roman art, with a focus on key works and their principles and ideals. It then examines early Christian artistic production, with an emphasis on how craftsmen adopted and transformed the practices of their Classical predecessors.
***Prerequisite: CLAS 100 or completion of 15 credit hours or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CLAS 290AB or CATH 290AB.*

CLAS 290AD

The Ancient World in Film

This course examines a selection of films set in the ancient world (e.g., 300, Gladiator). These movies serve as starting points for discussion of the civilizations of Greece and Rome, the reception of the ancient world in modern culture, and the continuing relevance of studies of antiquity.
***Prerequisites: CLAS 100, or completion of 15 credit hours, or permission of the instructor.***

CLAS 291

Introduction to Classical Archaeology

An exploration of the material cultures of pre-classical and classical civilizations of Greece and Rome. Particular attention will be paid to the ways in which archaeological methods contribute to our understanding of the history and culture of these civilizations.
***Prerequisite: CLAS 100 or CLAS 200, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CLAS 291 and CLAS 390AB.*

CLAS 390AA

Honours Paper in Classical Studies

Completion of an honours paper in Classical Studies under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member.
***Prerequisite: Four 200-level CLAS courses, or permission of the Department Head.***

CLAS 390AB

Adv Studies - Class. Archaeology

An advanced exploration of the material cultures of pre-classical and classical civilations of Greece and Rome. Particular attention will be paid to the ways in which archaeological methods contribute to our understanding of the history and culture of these civilizations.
***Prerequisite: Four 200-level CLAS courses, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CLAS 390AB or CLAS 291.*

CLAS 390AC

Studies in Classical Women

Advanced studies in the lives and receptions of women from Classical Greece and Rome.
***Prerequisite: Four 200-level CLAS courses or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CLAS 390AC, CLAS 220, and WGST 280AN.*