College of Arts & SciencesClassical StudiesConcentrations in the ClassicsCAS Foreign Language Requirement for Classics Concentrators Concentration in Classical Civilization (1545) Concentration in Ancient Greek (1120) Concentration in Latin (1119) Concentration in Ancient Greek and Latin (1121) Concentration in Classics and Religion (1546) Concentration in Classics and Philosophy (1547) BA/MA in Classical Studies (1504) Minor Concentrations in the Classics Minor in Classical Civilization (1545) Minor in Myth Studies (1596) Minor in Ancient Greek (1120) Minor in Latin (1119) Minor in Modern Greek (1190) Core Curriculum Courses Independent Work for Distinction The Dean Elsbeth Melville Latin Prize The John Oddy Memorial Award The Meyer Reinhold Prize The Classics House and Undergraduate Classics Association Courses Chair Loren J. Samons II Associate Chair/Director of Graduate Studies Patricia J. Johnson Director of Undergraduate Studies Zsuzsanna Várhelyi Aurelio Professor of Greek Henderson Professors Golder, Haase, Henderson, Ruck, Samons, Wiseman Visiting Professors Friedrich, Nisetich Associate Professors Esposito, Johnson, Scully, Vasaly Assistant Professors Alonge, Larash, Nelson, Várhelyi Lecturers on Modern Greek Holmberg, Polychroniou Professor Emeritus Carne-Ross The ancient Greeks and Romans created much of the political, social, and intellectual framework for Western civilization. For more than 2,000 years, classical civilization and tradition have influenced the political and religious institutions, languages, literature, and arts of many nations. To take only one example, the Constitution of the United States rested in part on the founding fathers’ deep respect for the literature and history of ancient Greece and Rome. The study of classics therefore not only provides access to the thoughts, achievements, and ways of life of the ancient Greeks and Romans, but also treats material relevant to the study of many cultures across the ages. Through courses in classical studies, students engage some of the most profound thinkers and writers of human history. They explore issues of enduring importance in ethics, politics, art, literature, and history. A concentration in classical civilization, also referred to as a classical studies or classics concentration, provides an ideal foundation for students interested in comparative literature, archaeology, linguistics, and a wide range of humanistic disciplines. Concentrators in classical languages can go on to pursue graduate study in Greek and Latin, as well as teaching careers at the secondary level. A concentration in classical studies also provides a superb foundation for students who wish to enter schools of law, business, medicine, or communications. The classical studies concentration teaches students to read and think clearly and enables them to deal from a critical perspective with the ethical and moral issues raised by a professional career. The Department of Classical Studies provides an introduction to classical civilization through courses in Greek and Roman literature in translation, history, philosophy, religion, art, and archaeology. The concentration in classical civilization focuses on courses exploring the cultural legacy of Greece and Rome through readings of classical writers in English translation. Students concentrating in classical civilization may, but are not required to, supplement these courses in translation through courses in the Greek and Latin languages. Students who desire a deeper understanding of Greek and Roman literature and culture may choose a concentration or minor concentration in ancient Greek or Latin, reading texts in the original language. Students may also choose a concentration that combines the studies of ancient Greek and Latin. A joint concentration in classics and religion or a minor concentration in myth studies is especially recommended for students with a particular interest in myth. Students especially interested in ancient philosophy may pursue a joint concentration in classics and philosophy. The department also offers a minor concentration in modern Greek that examines Byzantine and modern Greek language and culture in light of the ancient tradition. Students in any concentration who intend to go on to graduate study in classical philology, ancient history, or classical archaeology should take as much ancient Greek and Latin as possible. Concentrations in the ClassicsThe Department of Classical Studies offers concentrations in classical civilization, ancient Greek, Latin, and ancient Greek and Latin, as well as joint concentrations in classics and religion, and in classics and philosophy. Courses may be credited toward concentration only if a grade of C or higher is earned. Required courses may be exchanged for others in the curriculum with the approval of the department chairman or the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Students are advised to choose a concentration before the beginning of their junior year. To develop a plan of study or for further information, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Classical Studies. CAS Foreign Language Requirement for Classics ConcentratorsAncient Greek, modern Greek, and Latin may be used to fulfill the CAS foreign language requirement. Students who choose to complete the foreign language requirement using a classical language or modern Greek may not count 100-level courses in that language toward a major or minor concentration in classical civilization, classical languages, modern Greek, classics and religion, or classics and philosophy. Concentration in Classical Civilization (1545)A concentration in classical civilization requires a minimum of ten courses. The requirements are as follows:
With permission of the faculty advisor, up to two related courses from other departments may be counted toward this concentration. Refer to the list of related courses recommended by the department, following the classical studies course listing. Concentration in Ancient Greek (1120)A concentration in ancient Greek requires a minimum of ten courses. The requirements are as follows:
Up to two courses in Byzantine or modern Greek above CAS CG 112 may be used to fulfill the requirements.With the permission of the faculty advisor, one course from the offerings under classical civilization may be counted toward this concentration. Concentration in Latin (1119)A concentration in Latin requires a minimum of ten courses. The requirements are as follows:
With the permission of the faculty advisor, one course from the offerings under classical civilization may be counted toward this concentration. Concentration in Ancient Greek and Latin (1121)A concentration in ancient Greek and Latin requires a minimum of ten courses. The requirements are as follows:
With the permission of the faculty advisor, one course from the offerings under classical civilization or UNI HU 539 or UNI HU 540 may be counted toward this concentration. Concentration in Classics and Religion (1546)A concentration in classics and religion requires a minimum of twelve courses; six in classics and six in religion. Classics requirements:
Religion requirements:
A joint concentration in classics and religion is especially recommended for students with a particular interest in myth studies. While this concentration does not require work in Greek or Latin, second- and third-year classical language courses are counted toward this concentration. Students are encouraged to consider the study of a classical language and reminded that both Greek and Latin fulfill the CAS language requirement. Refer to the previous section on the CAS language requirement for classics concentrators. Students interested in a concentration in classics and religion must consult an advisor in both the Department of Classical Studies and the Department of Religion. Concentration in Classics and Philosophy (1547)A concentration in classics and philosophy requires a minimum of twelve courses: six in classics and six in philosophy. Classics requirements:
Philosophy requirements:
Students interested in a concentration in classics and philosophy must consult an advisor in both the Department of Classical Studies and the Department of Philosophy. BA/MA in Classical Studies (1504)The Department of Classical Studies offers a combined BA/MA program leading to the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Master of Arts (MA) degrees. Advanced-level study in one or both classical languages is required. To fulfill the BA requirements, students must choose one of the following eligible undergraduate major concentrations:
Refer to the previous listing of each concentration for specific requirements. On the MA level, students concentrate in classical studies (1504), which has a minimum requirement of eight courses (32 credits):
Students typically concentrate in either Latin or Greek. One course in Greek or Roman art or classical archaeology and one course in ancient history are recommended. Students who wish to take more than two related courses must receive department approval. Master’s students are also required to demonstrate, by written examination, proficiency in the following:
Requirements for both the BA and MA can be completed with a minimum of 36 courses and a maximum of 40 courses. Graduate classes can be used to meet the CAS graduation requirement of a minimum of 32 courses. Advanced placement and/or prior fulfillment of college requirements on the undergraduate level may result in the completion of the BA/MA requirements in fewer than 40 courses. The usual completion time is five years. Approved course overloads, summer study, advanced placement, and/or exemption from college requirements may allow students to complete the program in less than five years. Please refer to Special Courses and Programs under College of Arts & Sciences on this site for general information about BA/MA programs. Students interested in enrolling in the BA/MA program should contact the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Classical Studies. Minor Concentrations in the ClassicsThe Department of Classical Studies offers minor concentrations in classical civilization, myth studies, ancient Greek, Latin, and modern Greek. Courses may be credited toward a minor concentration only if a grade of C or higher is earned. Required courses may be exchanged for others in the curriculum with the approval of the department chairman. Students are advised to choose a minor concentration before the end of their junior year. To develop a plan of study or for further information, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Classical Studies. Minor in Classical Civilization (1545)A minor in classical civilization requires a minimum of six courses, four at or above the 200 level. The requirements are as follows:
Minor in Myth Studies (1596)A minor in myth studies requires a minimum of six courses. The requirements are as follows:
Minor in Ancient Greek (1120)A minor concentration in ancient Greek requires a minimum of five courses. The requirements are as follows:
Minor in Latin (1119)A minor concentration in Latin requires a minimum of five courses. The requirements are as follows:
Minor in Modern Greek (1190)A minor concentration in modern Greek requires a minimum of five courses. The requirements are as follows:
Core Curriculum CoursesStudents who complete both of the following courses may, with advisor approval, receive credit for one course at the 200 level toward concentrations in classical studies: CAS CC 101 Core Humanities I: The Ancient World CAS CC 102 Core Humanities II: Late Antiquity and the Medieval World Independent Work for DistinctionThe department encourages work for distinction in classical civilization, ancient Greek, Latin, and the classical languages. A demanding independent study project, work for distinction is undertaken in the final two semesters of an undergraduate program and culminates in a thesis, an oral defense, and, ultimately, graduation with distinction. Students should discuss plans for this project with a faculty advisor no later than their junior year. Applications include a project proposal and must be completed and approved by the departmental Honors Committee and the College by the end of the junior year. Please refer to Independent Work for Distinction for more information. The Dean Elsbeth Melville Latin PrizeThe Department of Classical Studies, in conjunction with the Humanities Foundation, awards this prize to a junior or senior who has demonstrated superior achievement in the study of Latin and who anticipates a profession in the classics. The award is presented at the Humanities Foundation award ceremony held each May. The John Oddy Memorial AwardThe Department of Classical Studies, in conjunction with the Humanities Foundation, awards this prize to a junior or senior woman who has distinguished herself in a course in classical history or classical civilization. The award is presented at the Humanities Foundation award ceremony. The Meyer Reinhold PrizeThe Department of Classical Studies awards this prize to one or more students enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences who have demonstrated superior achievement in the study of ancient history, Roman civilization, or the classical tradition. The Classics House and Undergraduate Classics AssociationConcentrators and minor concentrators in classical studies are eligible for housing in the Classics House, a coed brownstone for 25 students located on picturesque Bay State Road. The house is the base for the Undergraduate Classics Association, a student-run organization that sponsors lectures, dinners, trips to museums and the theater, and various other social and scholarly events. CoursesCourses marked with a (†) satisfy divisional studies requirements. Consult the Class Schedule for an up-to-date list of courses offered in 2008/2009. Courses in the following list are divided into four categories: classical civilization, ancient Greek, modern Greek, and Latin. 1. Classical Civilization The following courses are given in English and are intended not only for students concentrating in classics, but also for the general undergraduate population: †CAS CL 101 The World of GreeceGreek antiquity viewed as fact and myth in Western tradition; Mycenaean Greece and emergence of the heroic mind; worldview of the Archaic Age; fifth century and classicism; breakdown of the city-state, coalescence of oriental and Greek cultures, and growth of the Hellenistic monarchies. Alonge, Henderson. 4 cr, either sem. (HU) †CAS CL 102 The World of RomeThe Roman sociopolitical achievement; the public and private values of the ancient Roman people as viewed in their literature, culture, and art. Roman family life, religion, and education and their meaning for our own age. TBA. 4 cr, 1st sem. Johnson. 4 cr, 2nd sem. (HU) CAS CL 202 Warfare in AntiquityNot offered 2008/2009 †CAS CL 213 Greek and Roman MythologyA general introduction to the myths of the ancient classical world, with particular regard to the patterns of experience, both religious and psychological, from which they evolved. Ruck, Golder. 4 cr, either sem. (HU) CAS CL 303 The Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe causes and consequences of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Topics include Romans and barbarians; the rise and spread of Christianity; Constantine the Great; the death of classic paganism; theories of decline; the grand strategy of the Roman Empire; monasticism; the emergence of Byzantium and Constantinople; the origins of Islam; and the transformation of classical art, literature, and thought and their influence on Christianity. Samons. 4 cr, 2nd sem. CAS CL 305 Topics in MythThis course may be repeated for credit as topics change. Topic for Fall 2008: Greek Tragic Myth and Film. Topic for Spring 2009: TBA. Golder. 4 cr, 1st sem. Ruck. 4 cr, 2nd sem. CAS CL 310 The Classical Tradition in Modern LiteratureNot offered 2008/2009 CAS CL 314 Women in Ancient RomeNot offered 2008/2009 CAS CL 317 Greek and Roman ReligionNot offered 2008/2009 †CAS CL 321 Greek HistoryIntroduction to the political, social, and economic history of Greece from the earliest historical period through the death of Alexander the Great. Samons. 4 cr, 1st sem. (HU) †CAS CL 322 Roman HistoryIntroduction to the political, social, and economic history of Rome from the foundation of the city through the fall of the western empire. Várhelyi. 4 cr, 2nd sem. (HU) †CAS CL 324 Greek Drama in TranslationClose and comparative study of selected tragedies by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, in the light of theories of tragedy, ancient and modern, and of alternative forms of tragic drama in English. Ruck. 4 cr, 1st sem. Scully. 4 cr, 2nd sem. (HU) CAS CL 326 Ancient Epic in TranslationStudies, in translation, the tradition of Greek and Roman epic: heroic, cosmogonic, didactic. Possible authors include Hesiod, Homer, Apollonius, Aratus, Lucretius, Vergil, Ovid, Lucan, Statius. Focus on the social context, values, structure, and narrative of each poem. Alonge. 4 cr, 1st sem. CAS CL 329 Roman ComedySelected plays. Explores the Roman adaptation of Greek comic forms, the development of a Roman point of view, practical aspects of staging plays, and the influence of early Roman comedy on later literature.Vasaly. 4 cr, 2nd sem. CAS CL 335 Mystery Cults in the Graeco-Roman WorldNot offered 2008/2009 CAS CL 336 The Roman EmpireAn in-depth engagement with the political, social, cultural, and religious history of the Roman Empire from the political developments that led to its emergence after the death of Caesar to the first victories of Christianity under Constantine. Várhelyi. 4 cr, 1st sem. CAS CL 401, 402 Senior Independent WorkPrereq: approval of the Honors Committee. 4 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem. CAS CL 406 Advanced Topics in Classical CivilizationPrereq: junior standing and two courses in classical civilization, or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. 2008/2009 Topics: TBA. Esposito. 4 cr, 2nd sem. CAS CL 491, 492 Directed Study in Classical StudiesPrereq: approval of the Academic Advising Center and the Department of Classical Studies. Variable cr, 1st & 2nd sem. CAS CL 513 Studies in Classical CivilizationNot offered 2008/2009 CAS CL 540 Studies in Roman HistoryNot offered 2008/2009 2. Ancient Greek Ancient Greek may be used to fulfill the CAS foreign language requirement. Refer to the previous section on the CAS language requirement for classics concentrators. CAS CL 161 Beginning Greek 1Introduction to grammar, forms, and vocabulary of ancient Greek. Scully. 4 cr, 1st sem. CAS CL 162 Beginning Greek 2Prereq: CAS CL 161 or equivalent. Further study of ancient Greek grammar, forms, and vocabulary. Esposito. 4 cr, 2nd sem. CAS CL 261 Intermediate Greek 1: ProsePrereq: CAS CL 162 or equivalent. Reading of selections from Greek prose. Authors read may include Plato and Lysias, as well as selections from the New Testament. Alonge. 4 cr, 1st sem. CAS CL 262 Intermediate Greek 2: PoetryPrereq: CAS CL 261 or equivalent. Reading of selections from the Iliad or Odyssey. Henderson. 4 cr, 2nd sem. CAS CL 391 Greek SeminarPrereq: CAS CL 262 or equivalent. Intensive study of selected major authors. Two topics are offered 2008/2009. Students may take either or both for credit. Topic for Fall 2008: Sophocles’ Maidens of Trachis. Topic for Spring 2009: TBA. Esposito. 4 cr, 1st sem. Alonge. 4 cr, 2nd sem. CAS CL 461 Advanced Greek SeminarPrereq: one 300-level Greek seminar or equivalent. Advanced-level Greek seminar emphasizing close reading and literary analysis. Changing topics will explore a variety of texts linked by chronology, genre, or theme. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Henderson. 4 cr, 2nd sem. CAS CL 493, 494 Directed Study in GreekPrereq: approval of the Academic Advising Center and the Department of Classical Studies. Variable cr, 1st & 2nd sem. CAS CL 502 Studies in Ancient Greek and Roman LiteratureTopics may vary. Topic for Fall 2008: Englished Homer. Hear the voice of Homeric heroes in our tongue, from the robust cadences of George Chapman’s Elizabethan English to the measured beauty of Alexander Pope’s Iliad and Odyssey to the beating drums of Christopher Logue’s contemporary War Music. Open to advanced undergraduate and graduate students. No knowledge of Greek required. Scully. 4 cr, 1st sem. CAS CL 561 Survey of Greek Literature INot offered 2008/2009 CAS CL 562 Survey of Greek Literature IIReading course designed to study the history of Greek literature through a chronological survey of representative authors and genres: Classical through Hellenistic period. Henderson. 4 cr, 1st sem CAS CL 563 Greek Prose CompositionNot offered 2008/2009 3. Modern Greek Modern Greek may be used to fulfill the CAS foreign language requirement. Refer to the previous section on the CAS language requirement for classics concentrators. CAS CG 111 Beginning Modern Greek 1For beginners only. Course may not be elected by anyone with previous study of modern Greek without consent of the department. Provides a basic reading knowledge of modern Greek (demotic) and introduces students to the spoken language. Staff. 4 cr, 1st sem. CAS CG 112 Beginning Modern Greek 2Prereq: CAS CG 111 or equivalent. Review of grammar and syntax of modern Greek, reading in both prose and poetry, intensive oral practice. Staff. 4 cr, 2nd sem. CAS CG 211 Intermediate Modern Greek 1Prereq: CAS CG 112 or equivalent. Intensive review of modern Greek grammar and syntax and drill material from CAS CG 111 and 112. Development of advanced oral and reading skills. Staff. 4 cr, 1st sem. CAS CG 212 Intermediate Modern Greek 2Prereq: CAS CG 211 or equivalent. Discussion in Greek on everyday themes. Development of reading skills through the analysis of contemporary texts. Analysis of contrasting modes of expression and their influence on separate national cultures in Greek and in English. Staff. 4 cr, 2nd sem. CAS CL 350 The Modern Greek Short StoryPrereq: CAS CG 212 or equivalent. A study of Greek short fiction from its beginnings to the present with emphasis on its historical context and cultural ideologies. Close reading of Papadiamantis, Vizyenos, Myrivilis, Venezix, Nollas, Gritse-Milliex, and others. Conducted in Greek. Staff. 4 cr, 1st sem. CAS CL 350 The Modern Greek Short StoryNot offered 2008/2009 CAS CL 491, 492 Directed Study in Modern GreekPrereq: approval of the Office of Academic Advising and the Department of Classical Studies. Variable cr, 1st & 2nd sem. 4. Latin Latin may be used to fulfill the CAS foreign language requirement. Refer to the previous section on the CAS language requirement for classics concentrators. CAS CL 111 Beginning Latin 1Introduction to grammar, forms, and vocabulary of classical Latin. Vasaly, Staff. 4 cr, 1st sem. CAS CL 112 Beginning Latin 2Prereq: CAS CL 111 or equivalent. Further study of Latin grammar, forms, and vocabulary. TBA. 4 cr, 2nd sem. CAS CL 211 Intermediate Latin 1: ProsePrereq: CAS CL 112 or equivalent. Reading of selections from Latin prose. Authors read may include Caesar, Cicero, Livy, Petronius, and Pliny. Várhelyi, Staff. 4 cr, 1st sem. CAS CL 212 Intermediate Latin 2: PoetryPrereq: CAS CL 211 or equivalent. Reading of selections from Latin poetry. Authors read may include Catullus, Ovid, and Vergil. Johnson, Ruck. 4 cr, 2nd sem. CAS CL 351 Latin SeminarPrereq: CAS CL 212 or equivalent. Intensive study of selected major authors. Topics change each semester. Three topics are offered 2008/2009. Students may take one, two, or three for credit. Fall 2008 topics: Section A1: Roman Comedy: Plautus. Section B1: TBA. Topic for Spring 2009: TBA. Nelson, TBA, Várhelyi. 4 cr, either sem. CAS CL 451 Advanced Latin SeminarPrereq: two 300-level Latin seminars or equivalent. Advanced-level Latin seminar emphasizing close reading and literary analysis. Changing topics explore a variety of texts linked by chronology, genre, or theme. Two topics are offered 2008/2009. Students may take either or both for credit. Topic for Fall 2008: Caesar: The Man and His Image. Topic for Spring 2009: TBA. Vasaly. 4 cr, 1st sem. TBA. 4 cr, 2nd sem. CAS CL 497, 498 Directed Study in LatinPrereq: approval of the Academic Advising Center and the Department of Classical Studies. Variable cr, 1st & 2nd sem. CAS CL 521 Survey of Latin Literature IHistorical survey from archaic Latin through Republican literature; introduction to classical scholarship. For advanced students wishing to increase their language skills through extensive reading. Vasaly. 4 cr, 2nd sem. CAS CL 522 Survey of Latin Literature IINot offered 2008/2009 CAS CL 530 Latin Prose CompositionPractice in set and free composition of Latin prose, aimed at developing advanced language proficiency. Haase. 4 cr, 1st sem. Related Courses The following list of related courses may be used toward a concentration in classics with advisor approval only. Refer to the respective sections of this site for course information. Classical Civilization and Languages ConcentratorsCAS AR 100 Great Discoveries in Archaeology CAS AR 101 Introduction to Archaeology CAS AR 208 Lost Languages and Decipherments CAS AR 230 Archaeology of Classical Civilizations CAS AR 232 Archaeology of Ancient Egypt CAS AR 330 Greek Archaeology CAS AR 331 Etruscan and Roman Archaeology CAS AH 111 Introduction to Art History I: Antiquity to Middle Ages CAS AH 233 The Arts of Greece CAS AH 234 The Art of Rome CAS AH 240 Medieval Art CAS AH 331 Arts of Archaic Greece CAS AH 333 Arts of Classical Greece CAS AH 433 Seminar: Greek Art CAS AH 434 Seminar: Roman Art CAS AH 436 Seminar: Greek and Roman Art CAS AH 444 Seminar: Medieval Art CAS HU 221 Major Authors I CAS HI 203 History of Medieval Europe CAS PH 110 Great Philosophers CAS PH 300 History of Ancient Philosophy CAS PH 403 Plato I CAS PH 404 Plato II CAS PH 405 Aristotle I CAS PH 406 Aristotle II CAS PH 407 Stoics, Epicureans, and Skeptics CAS RN 202 From Jesus to Christ: The Origins of Christianity CAS RN 205 Major Western Religious Texts CAS RN 301 Varieties of Early Christianity CAS RN 442 Approaches to the Study of Myth Religion and Myth Studies ConcentratorsCAS AN 384 Anthropological Study of Religion CAS AN 568 Symbol, Myth, and Rite CAS AH 111 Introduction to Art History I: Antiquity to Middle Ages CAS AH 233 The Arts of Greece CAS AH 240 Medieval Art CAS AH 242 Christian Imagery in the Visual Arts, ca. 300–1350 CAS AH 331 Arts of Archaic Greece CAS AH 333 Arts of Classical Greece CAS AH 433 Seminar: Greek Art CAS AH 434 Seminar: Roman Art CAS AH 436 Seminar: Greek and Roman Art CAS AH 444 Seminar: Medieval Art CAS RN 202 From Jesus to Christ: The Origins of Christianity CAS RN 301 Varieties of Early Christianity CAS RN 442 Approaches to the Study of Myth Published by Trustees of Boston University
16 October 2008 |