Classical Studies

An introduction to the history, archaeology, literature, and philosophy of ancient Greece, paying particular attention to Fifth-Century Athens. This course will address a variety of themes pertinent to the period, including Athens’s relations with and attempts to shape its physical environment; Athenian religion, values and morality; the social and political structures of the city; the city’s military campaigns; and intellectual and cultural developments. Readings will be assigned from both primary and secondary materials.

An introduction to the history, archaeology, literature, and philosophy of ancient Rome, paying particular attention to the Late Republican and Early Imperial periods. This course will address a variety of themes pertinent to the period, including Roman social, political, and religious structures and values; art and architecture; and the impact of developments in literary and philosophical thought. Readings will be assigned from both primary and secondary materials.

Greek and Roman mythology and its interpretation, with an emphasis on ancient texts read in English translation. Art and archaeology of the classical world will also be considered. The course gives students a basic introduction to some of the theories and methodologies of comparative mythology and historiography. It provides useful background for further studies in classical studies, art history, English, comparative religion and cultural anthropology.