Information found in this online edition of the 2008-09 catalog is unofficial and for informational purposes only. By authority of the dean of the College, some factual corrections to the printed version may appear here. The official document of record is the printed edition of the 2008-09 Catalog. For more information, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Classical Studies
Director: Curtis N. Johnson
Classical studies is an interdisciplinary field focused on the study of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as the influences on them from the neighboring cultures of Egypt and the Near East. Echoes of Greece and Rome saturate our culture, from the shapes of our traditional buildings to the political institutions we embrace, from the mythological stories that reappear in our literature and art to the renewed interest in Hercules in our popular culture. The Classical Studies Program seeks to provide students the opportunity to gain intellectual grounding in a minor program that explores our debts to the ancient Greeks and Romans.
In addition to their historical significance, Greek and Roman works of art, literature, and philosophy have substantial continuing value, and the Classical Studies Program exposes students to many of the great works of these cultures. Serious engagement with these works can be forever enriching.
The Minor Program
The minor is inherently interdisciplinary. The courses required for the minor include two classical studies courses and an appropriate balance of disciplinary perspective within the minor and courses in a minimum of three of the traditional academic disciplines, including Greek or Latin language through 201. A student may choose specific courses of interest within Greco-Roman studies, but the minor grows from the foundation course and culminates in Classical Studies 450. For Latin and Greek course listings, see Foreign Languages listings elsewhere in this catalog.
Minor Requirements
In order to complete the classical studies minor, a minimum of 28 semester hours are required, at least 16 of which must be discrete to the minor (may not be used in any other set of major or minor requirements), distributed as follows:
- Classical Studies 200.
- Classical Studies 450.
- Greek or Latin language through 201.
- Eight semester credits selected from a list of approved electives, from a minimum of two disciplines. Such electives will ordinarily include the following (when available): Art 101; English 279; Greek 101, 102, and 201; Latin 101, 102, and 201; Philosophy 301, 451, 452, and 453 (must be approved by the program director); Political Science 310; Religious Studies 223 and 450; and Theatre 281.
Sponsoring Faculty
Stephanie K. Arnold, professor of theatre.
Lyell Asher, associate professor of English.
Eleonora Maria Beck, professor of music.
Chana B. Cox, senior lecturer in humanities.
Kurt Fosso, associate professor of English.
Steven B. Hunt, professor of communication.
Curtis N. Johnson, Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. Professor of Government.
Gordon Kelly, visiting assistant professor of humanities.
Robert A. Kugler, Paul S. Wright Professor of Christian Studies.
Stepan Simek, associate professor of theatre.
Nicholas D. Smith, James F. Miller Professor of Humanities.
Stephen Weeks, associate professor of theatre.
Benjamin W. Westervelt, associate professor of history.
CLAS 200 Introduction To Classical Studies
Cox, Smith, Staff
Content: Survey of various aspects of the expression of primary Greek and/or Roman cultural values, as they are found in the history, religion, visual arts, literature, theatre, and philosophy of ancient Greece and/or Rome. Works will be read in translations. An introductory course intended for first- and second-year students.
Prerequisite: None.
Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits.
CLAS 450 Topics In Classical Studies
Staff
Content: Serious scholarly study of some specific topic or area within classical studies. Topics may include focused study of Greek or Roman archaeology, architecture, art, epic or lyric poetry, comedy, history, music, tragedy, philosophy, political theory, religion, or ancient science, or else comparative study of some aspect of ancient Greek or Roman culture with others.
Prerequisite: Classical Studies 200 or consent of instructor.
Taught: Annually (through various departmental offerings), 4 semester credits. May be taken twice for credit with change of topic.