Texts read in English translation

903 Honors Race in the Ancient Mediterranean. 140-230 MWF (Gen Ed Race)  Daniel Tompkins, Associate Professor of Classics
This course aims to introduce students to ancient thinking about race and ethnicity and to consider how ancient thinking remains current and influential today. We will investigate how categories of race and ethnicity are presented in the literature and artistic works of Greece and Rome. Our case studies will pay particular attention to such concepts as: notions of racial formation and racial origins; ancient theories of ethnic superiority; and linguistic, religious and cultural differentiation as a basis for ethnic differentiation. We will also examine ancient racism through the prism of a variety of social processes in antiquity: slavery, trade and colonization, migrations, imperialism, assimilation, native revolts, and genocide.

1004. Introduction to the Ancient City (Core IS) MWF 1240-130 Eric Kondratieff, Lecturer.  Introduction to the people, urban forms, and urban institutions of the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman world. Readings in translation of primary materials and from modern authors will survey cities of the ancient world such as Ur, Sumer, Babylon, Athens, Rome and other Greco-Roman cities such as Pompeii.

2101 Ancient Greek Civilization, 240-4 MW
Daniel Markovic, Lecturer in Classics
This course explores who the ancient Greeks were, what they did, how they lived and what they believed. It focuses on both what we owe to the Greeks and how radically different they are from us. This is not a history of ancient Greece, but a journey through a series of connected units that explore different facets of ancient Greek civilization, from the Trojan War, to the ancient Olympics, to slavery, the family life and other topics. These topics are pursued in an interdisciplinary manner so that students examine evidence from Greek art, literature, history and philosophy. This course can serve the needs of students who seek a broad background in ancient Greek civilization and those who seek an introduction to this subject before pursuing more advanced work in Classics.

2002 Gender in Antiquity 140-230 MWF Karen Hersch, Assistant Professor. What can we learn about the lives of ancient Greek and Roman women from ancient literature- literature written primarily by men?   Can we piece together the everyday lives of Greek or Roman women of any social class?  Even if we believe in the equality of the sexes, would a word like "equality" have had any meaning to the ancients? In this class we will find answers to these questions by reading Greek and Latin sources in translation as well as the works of modern Classicists. While focusing on women's lives, we will gain a greater understanding of what was expected of both genders in the ancient world.

3312 Ancient Roman Historians (Cross-listed with History 3312) MWF 240-330   
Eric Kondratieff, Lecturer in Classics.  
This course examines Rome's political and social history, from Romulus to Constantine. We shall consider how Rome came to rule the Mediterranean world; also, its political transition from Republic (rule by Senate and elected magistrates) to Principate (rule by emperors), a period dominated by Pompey, Caesar and Augustus. We will explore the social, economic and political consequences of Rome's Mediterranean-wide hegemony; the limitations to Rome's power; and how the West came to be Romanized by the spread of Roman cultural institutions. Students will read the works of Rome's own historians (e.g., Sallust, Livy and Tacitus) and biographers  (Plutarch and Suetonius), learning how to use ancient evidence to formulate arguments about problems in Roman History.

3001 Classical Mythology (Fulfills Upper-level Humanities Requirement. Cross-listed with English 2012) TTh 1010-1130
Robin Mitchell-Boyask, Professor of Classics
An overview of the major myths and religious structures of Classical Greece and Rome, mainly through examining primary sources, both literary and visual, with a particular focus on the role of heroes. We will also examine the nature and social function of mythology, studying a number of different ancient and modern theories. Also considered will be the legacy of classical mythology in modern art and literature, including popular culture. Students will learn how mythic narrative patterns and symbols function in Western culture. This course has a substantial technology component. 

3696 Ancient City: Alexandria 240-4 TTh (WI)
Martha Davis, Associate Professor
At the death of Alexander his general Ptolemy moved the capital of Egypt from Memphis to Alexandria, which soon became renowned for buildings such as the Library and the Lighthouse, and as a center for commerce and arts. We will survey the art, literature, philosophy, social and economic foundations, and urban problems of this largest of Greek cities.

 And you can start studying Ancient Greek and Latin. 3 sections of Latin and 1 of Greek. Ask any Classics teacher for more information! You can major in Classics, or minor in Classics, or in Ancient Mediterranean Studies.