Department of Classics

• Department of Classics
  • FACULTY
  • UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
    • Major
    • Minor
      • Latin concentration
      • Greek concentration
      • Classics concentration
      • Emphasis on Greece
      • Emphasis on Rome
    • Departmental Honors
  • UNDERGRADUATE COURSES - CLASSICS
  • GRADUATE COURSE
  • UNDERGRADUATE COURSES - GREEK
  • UNDERGRADUATE COURSES - LATIN

Department of Classics

Mather House
Phone 368-2348; Fax 368-4681
Donald R. Laing, Jr.

The Department of Classics offers courses in the Greek and Latin languages and literatures, in ancient history, and in various other aspects of the culture and life of ancient Greece and Rome. In general, the purpose of the department is to provide the means by which students may acquaint themselves with the character and achievements of the ancient classical civilization of the Mediterranean world, which was the cultural progenitor of the modern West. A knowledge of classical antiquity constitutes an excellent base or a strong supplement for the liberal education or professional preparation of today's student, no matter in what field he or she may ultimately earn a livelihood. Such knowledge is also a valuable source of enrichment for the student's leisure. A major in classics, or even a minor may be, as it often has been, profitably combined with programs aimed toward religious, philosophic, literary, or historical studies, careers in the fine arts (visual or performing), museum or archival work, law, medicine, banking, journalism, librarianship, management, diplomatic service, or politics.

FACULTY

Donald R. Laing, Jr., Ph.D. (University of Cincinnati)

Martin Helzle, Ph.D. (Cambridge University, England)

ASSOCIATE FACULTY

Michael Altschul, Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins University)

ADJUNCT FACULTY

John J. Phillips, Ph.D. (Yale University), J.D. (Northwestern University)

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Major

The classics major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree requires 36 hours of departmental offerings. In addition, each student completing the classics major will be strongly advised to choose a related minor selected in consultation with and approved by the departmental advisor.

Courses from the Department of Classics (36 hours):

Eight courses (24 hours) in either Greek or Latin or a combination of both, provided that at least three courses are included from the most advanced level in one of the languages.

Four classics courses, of which at least two must be numbered above 300.

Recommended additional courses outside the Department of Classics (12 to 18 hours):

We strongly advocate the addition of four to six courses in a closely related field to be selected by the student in consultation with the departmental advisor. Examples of closely related fields are anthropology, art history, philosophy, comparative literature, history, theater, and English. A second major or a minor in one of these fields will normally satisfy this recommendation.

Minor

The minor programs in the Department of Classics are designed to acquaint the student with aspects of the ancient civilization of Greece and Rome by means of a coherent sequence of 15 to 18 hours of coursework. In order that the knowledge acquired may have the potential for depth and provide access to primary materials, some study of one or both of the classical languages is required in every minor program. The student may choose one of three basic patterns:

Latin concentration

Nine hours from courses in Latin above the 102 level, plus six hours from:

Greek concentration

Twelve hours in the Greek language, plus three hours from:

Classics concentration

(Requires consultation with departmental advisor)

Any two Latin or any two Greek courses, CLSC 111 or CLSC 112, or CLSC 201.

Three courses from:

Courses in Greek and Roman art at the 300 level

Any of these minor programs may be varied to suit the needs of the individual student, subject to the availability of other courses, after consultation with the chairman and with the approval of the student's major advisor.

A student may, with the consent of his or her major advisor, design and propose a more radically different minor in classics suited to his or her particular needs, with the approval of the department and such other curricular authorities as may be required.

Sequences (Case Core curriculum)

All sequences should include CLSC 111, 112, and two courses in either Greek or Roman culture. Students should consult with the advisor (Professor Laing) on the development of an acceptable sequence. The following are sample programs:

Emphasis on Greece

CLSC 111 Classical Civilization: Greece (3)

CLSC 112 Classical Civilization: Rome (3)

CLSC 203 Classical Literature I (3)

CLSC 302 Ancient Greece: Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods (3)

Emphasis on Rome

CLSC 111 Classical Civilization: Greece (3)

CLSC 112 Classical Civilization: Rome (3)

CLSC 204 Classical Literature II (3)

CLSC 304 Ancient Rome: Republic and Empire (3)

Departmental Honors

A student desiring to earn the Bachelor of Arts degree with departmental honors in classics must make written application to the department chairman no later than May 1 of the junior year. Permission to enter the Honors Program will be granted to majors who have earned an overall grade point average of 3.0 and an average of 3.25 in departmental offerings. Each candidate for honors must enroll in CLSC 381 in each semester of the senior year for a total of six hours credit and must pass a departmental examination on the work completed. A wide range of projects is available, and every attempt is made to suit the project to the interests and individual strengths of the candidate. Some projects require the completion of a thesis as the culmination of study; others employ different demonstrations of competence.

Classics (CLSC)

*UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

CLSC 111, Classical Civilization: Greek, 3

The enduring significance of the Greeks and Romans studied through their history, literature, art, and philosophy. Lectures and discussion.

CLSC 112, Classical Civilization: Rome, 3

The enduring significance of the Greeks and Romans studied through their history, literature, art, and philosophy. Lectures and discussion.

CLSC 201, The Ancient World, 3

(Also listed as HSTY 200) Ancient history from the origins of civilization in Mesopotamia to the dissolution of the Roman Empire in the West.

CLSC 202B, Classical Mythology, 3

The myths of Classical Greece and Rome, their subsequent influence, and the problems connected with them.

CLSC 203, Classical Literature I: Human Ideals and Accomplishments, 3

First half of a year-long sequence that examines human ideals and accomplishments found in the literature of Greek and Roman antiquity. Concepts important in Classical culture and transmitted to European thought. The development of the literary genres of epic, tragedy, comedy, history, philosophical dialogue, satire, the novel, and apologia.

CLSC 204, Classical Literature II: Human Ideals and Accomplishments, 3

Second half of a year-long sequence that examines human ideals and accomplishments found in the literature of Greek and Roman antiquity. Concepts important in Classical culture and transmitted to European thought. The development of the literary genres of epic, tragedy, comedy, history, philosophical dialogue, satire, the novel, and apologia.

CLSC 226, Introduction to Greek and Roman Art, 3

(See ARTH 226)

CLSC 227, Ancient Cities and Sanctuaries, 3

(See ARTH 227)

CLSC 295A, Greek and Latin Elements in English: The Basic Course, 0

A self-paced, computer-assisted course in the classical foundations of modern English in which the student learns the basic principles on which roots, prefixes, and suffices combine to give precise meanings to composite words. Available on CWRUnet.

CLSC 295B, Greek and Latin Elements in English: Biomedical Terminology, 0

(See CLSC 295A) Advanced section that is oriented especially toward scientific and medical terminology. Previous or concurrent registration in CLSC 295A required.

CLSC 301, Ancient Philosophy, 3

(Also listed as PHIL 301) Western philosophy from the early Greeks to the skeptics. The pre-Socratics, Plato and Aristotle. Consent of instructor required.

Prerequisite: PHIL 101

CLSC 302, Ancient Greece: Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic Periods, 3

(Also listed as HSTY 302) The rise of Hellenic thought and institutions from the eighth to the third century B.C. The rise of the polis, the evolution of democracy at Athens, the crises of the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars, fifth-century historiography, the growth of individualism, and the revival of monarchy in the Hellenistic period.

CLSC 304, Ancient Rome: Republic and Empire, 3

(Also listed as HSTY 304) Growth and development of the Roman state from the unification of Italy in the early third century B.C. to the establishment of the oriental despotism under Diocletian and Constantine. The growth of empire in the Punic Wars, the uncertain steps toward an eastern hegemony, the crisis in the Republic from the Gracci to Caesar, the new regime of Augustus, the transformations of the leadership class in the early Empire, and the increasing dominance of the military over the civil structure.

CLSC 314, Love Poetry from Sappho to Shakespeare, 3

Introduction to the love poetry of ancient Greece and Rome and its impact on the later European tradition in such poets as Petrarch, Chaucer, and Shakespeare. Readings will focus especially on questions of generic convention, audience expectation, and the social setting of love poetry in the different ages under consideration. No knowledge of the original languages required.

CLSC 328, Greek Sculpture, 3

(See ARTH 328)

CLSC 332, Art and Architecture of Ancient Italy, 3

(See ARTH 332)

CLSC 333, Greek and Roman Painting, 3

(See ARTH 333)

CLSC 334, Art and Archaeology of Greece, 3

Survey of the art and architecture of Greece from the beginning of the Bronze Age (3000 B.C.) to the Roman conquest (100 B.C.) with emphasis on recent archaeological discoveries. Lectures deal with architecture, sculpture, painting, and the decorative arts, supplemented by gallery tours at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

CLSC 381, Special Studies, 1-6

Subject matter varies according to need. Required is 18 hours in the Dept. of Classics and permission of the chair.

CLSC 395, Directed Readings, 1-3

Readings in English on a topic of interest to the student and acceptable to the instructor. Designed and completed under the supervision of the instructor with whom the student wishes to work. Consent of instructor required.

GRADUATE COURSE

CLSC 481, Special Studies, 1-6

Subject matter varies according to need. Consent of department chair required.

Greek (GREK)

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

GREK 101, Elementary Greek I, 3

Beginning course in Greek language, covering grammar (forms and syntax) and the reading of elementary selections from ancient sources. Makes a start toward reading Greek authors. (Both GREK 101 and 102 must be completed to obtain credit.)

GREK 102, Elementary Greek II, 3

Beginning course in Greek language, covering grammar (forms and syntax) and the reading of elementary selections from ancient sources. Makes a start toward reading Greek authors. (Both GREK 101 and 102 must be completed to obtain credit.)

Prerequisite: GREK 101

GREK 201, Greek Prose Authors, 3

Authors such as Plato, Lysias, Xenophon and Herodotus.

Prerequisite: GREK 102

GREK 202, Introduction to Greek Poetry, 3

Selections from Greek lyric and from such other poets as Homer, Hesiod and Theocritus.

Prerequisite: GREK 201

GREK 305, Readings in Ancient Philosophy: Plato, 3

Reading and interpretation of selected dialogues by Plato or other philosophical works.

Prerequisite: GREK 202

GREK 306, Tragedy, 3

Reading and interpretation of selected plays of Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles.

Prerequisite: GREK 202

GREK 307, History, 3

Extensive reading in Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War, especially Books VI and VII, the expedition against Syracuse.

Prerequisite: GREK 202

GREK 308, Comedy, 3

Origin, ambiance, and development of Greek old comedy and persisting characteristics of the genre. Translation of selected plays from Greek into English.

Prerequisite: GREK 202

GREK 380, Advanced Topics in Greek Literature, 3

Study and discussion of important authors, works, and topics not covered regularly. Content will reflect particular interests of students and faculty and timeliness of the topics.

Prerequisite: GREK 202

GREK 395, Directed Readings, 1-3

Readings in Greek of authors selected to serve the individual interests and needs of undergraduate students. Each program planned and completed under the supervision of the instructor with whom the student wishes to work. Instructor's permission must be obtained prior to registration.

Latin (LATN)

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

LATN 101, Elementary Latin I, 3

An introduction to the elements of Latin; pronunciation, forms, syntax, vocabulary, and reading. (both LATN 101 and 102 must be completed to obtain credit)

LATN 102, Elementary Latin II, 3

An introduction to the elements of Latin; pronunciation, forms, syntax, vocabulary, and reading (LATN 101 and 102 must be completed to obtain credit.)

Prerequisite: LATN 101

LATN 201, Latin Prose Authors, 3

Reading and discussion of such prose authors as Caesar and Cicero.

Prerequisite: LATN 102

LATN 202, Vergil, 3

Primarily readings from The Aeneid; selections from Virgil's other work may be introduced at instructor's discretion.

Prerequisite: LATN 201

LATN 306, Survey of Latin Literature, 3

Reading and discussion of selections from the various genres of Latin literature of the Roman Republic and Empire such as historical narrative, lyric and elegiac poetry, comic drama, forensic rhetoric, philosophical dialogue, didactic literature, letters, and epigrams.

Prerequisite: LATN 202

LATN 307, Livy, 3

Readings in Books I and XXI, with other selections from this major Augustan historian.

Prerequisite: LATN 202

LATN 308, Horace: Odes and Epodes, 3

Readings and discussion of extensive selections from the poetry of Horace; consideration of Horace as exemplifying the spirit of the Augustan Age.

Prerequisite: LATN 202

LATN 309, Medieval Latin Translation, 3

Reading and interpretation of Latin texts from the Middle Ages. Material selected according to the needs and interests of the students.

Prerequisite: LATN 202

LATN 352, History, 3

Works of Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus; his Annals I-VI dealing with his portrait of Emperor Tiberius and the Empire after the death of Augustus.

Prerequisite: LATN 202

LATN 353, Epic, 3

Extensive readings in Latin epic poetry, probably Virgil's Aeneid. Particular attention to the artistic and literary qualities of the work and to the development of Latin epic tradition.

Prerequisite: LATN 202

LATN 354, Drama, 3

Reading of at least one play each by Plautus and Terence. Attention to the history of Latin to Greek new comedy, and the contrasting styles of the two authors.

Prerequisite: LATN 202

LATN 356, Elegiac Poetry, 3

Translation and interpretation of selected elegies by Tibullus, Propertius, and Ovid.

Prerequisite: LATN 202

LATN 380, Advanced Topics in Latin Literature, 3

Study and discussion of important authors, works, and topics not covered regularly. Content will reflect particular interests of students and faculty and timeliness of topics.

Prerequisite: LATN 202

LATN 395, Directed Readings, 1-3

Directed readings in Latin of authors selected to serve the individual interests and needs of undergraduate students. Each program planned and completed under the supervision of the instructor with whom the student wishes to work. Consent of instructor is required prior to registration.

* Consult department chairman if you are uncertain about prerequisites. Ability to read Greek and Latin is not required.

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