Texts read in English translation
0803. The Art of Sacred Space. MWF 10-1050. (Fulfills Core AR and Gen Ed Arts) Karen Hersch, Assistant Professor. We will investigate Roman interpretations of sacred spaces, the activities performed in them, and the works of art created to honor them, with a view to identifying, approaching and discussing aspects of the sacred. By learning about the Roman world, we will also begin to learn how to recognize and appreciate sacred spaces in the modern world and what these may represent and contain.
0811. Greek Theater and Society STAFF 1-150 MWF Staff. Through close readings of surviving texts, through viewings of modern productions of ancient theatrical works, and classroom recreations of Greek performative media, we will examine and experience ancient Greek drama both as a product of its own historical period and as a living art form. Is this art just entertainment or does it engage and comment on the problems of Athens? How and why did this society invent theater in the Western world and why is ancient theater still powerful today?
0903. Honors Race in Greece and Rome. MWF 2-250. Daniel Tompkins, Associate Professor. An introduction to ancient thinking about race and ethnicity and to consider how ancient thinking remains current and influential today; how categories of race and ethnicity are presented in the literature and artistic works of Greece and Rome. Our case studies 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.
2101. The Greeks. MWF 2-250. Alex Gottesman, Assistant Professor. 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 interdisciplinary, 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, with 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.
3001. Classical Mythology (Cross-listed with English 2014). TTh 930-1050. Daniel Berman, Associate Professor. An overview of the major myths and religions of Classical Greece and Rome, mainly through examining primary sources, both literary and visual, particularly focusing on heroes. We will also examine the nature and social function of mythology, studying a number of different ancient and modern theories, as well as the legacy of classical mythology in modern art and literature, including popular culture. Students will learn how mythic narratives and symbols function in Western culture.
3312. Ancient Roman Historians (Cross-listed with History 3312). MWF 1-150 Eric Kondratieff, Visiting Assistant Professor . This course examines Rome's political and social history, from Romulus to Constantine; 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; the social, economic and political consequences of Rome's Mediterranean-wide hegemony. 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.
3496. Writing Seminar, "Ancient Economic History". MWF 11-1150. Daniel Tompkins, Associate. Professor. For all students interested in ancient history, economic sociology, the methodological challenges of describing remote cultures, the effects of technological progress, or ancient slavery, among other topics. No prior knowledge of ancient history is required. This course will be organized as a seminar, combining introductions to key topics by the instructor with student research in particular areas.
3796. Ancient City: Rome. MWF 3-350 . Eric Kondratieff, Visiting Assistant Professor. Upon achieving mastery of the Roman world through key military victories, Octavian ostensibly returned control of the "restored" Republic to the Senate and People of Rome in exchange for the quasi-religious, honorific title "Augustus" ("worthy of honor"). But he retained command of Rome's armies and transformed himself into the first true emperor of a vast territory that encompassed the entire Mediterranean basin. To legitimate and raise popular support for his rule, he instituted a massive building and beautification program in Rome, promoted the literary arts, and instituted legal and religious reforms, all of which ushered in Rome's "Golden Age." In this course we will study--and interact with—the influential history, physical structures, ideals, social institutions and arts of Augustan Rome.