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College of Arts and
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Course Descriptions
01825/Greek , Hebrew & Roman Classics
The department offers two types of courses. (a) Classics courses in English on various aspects of Mediterranean life and literature. No knowledge of Greek, Hebrew or Latin languages is required. (b) Courses in Greek, Hebrew or Latin in which the student acquires the basic skills necessary to read texts in the original, and, at advanced levels, reads extensively in texts by major authors.
CLASSICS
LOWER LEVEL
C071. Greek Drama (3 s.h.) (AR)
Introduction to literature and performing arts of Ancient Greece:
theater, rituals, athletic contests, political debates,
architecture, and city planning.
C077. Introduction to the Ancient City (3 s.h.) (IS)
Introduction to the people, urban forms, and urban institutions
of the ancient Greco-Roman world. Readings from translations of
primary materials and from modern authors will survey such cities
as Corinth, Pergamon, and Ostia. Audio-visual enhancement.
UPPER LEVEL
R112. Race: Ancient and Modern (3 s.h.)
Comparative case studies on race and ethnicity in the ancient and
modern worlds, concentrating on events and themes in the modern
world that originate in or share key traits with racial/ethnic
relations in Greek and Roman antiquity. These include: notions of
racial information and racial origins: theories of ethnic
superiority; the relationship among slavery, trade and
colonization, imperialism, genocide, assimilation, and native
revolts; racial migration; linguistic and cultural
differentiation; Indo-European language and culture; and ethnic
differentiation in modern Mediterranean cultures.
The following Writing Intensive courses (W) are sometimes offered as non -writing instensive courses.
W160 Ancient Greek Historians (3 s.h.) F
This course will survey Greek history from c. 800 BCE until the
death of Alexander the Great (323 BCE) and the works of two of
the most important Greek historians: Herodotus and Thucydides. A
major component of the course will be an examination of the
historiographical methods of these writers, but attention also
will be paid to the other types of sources which are available.
W161. Ancient Roman Historians (3 s.h.) S
This course will survey Greek history from c. 800 BCE until the
death of Alexander the Great (323 BCE) and the works of two of
the most important Greek historians: Herodotus and Thucydides. A
major component of the course will be an examination of the
historiographical methods of these writers, but attention also
will be paid to the other types of sources which are available.
W251. Classical Greek and Roman Mythologyy (3 s.h.)
(D1) F
A survey of the gods, heroes, and governing concepts of Greek and
Roman mythology with close attention to their importance in
ancient society, religion, and culture; to the ways in which
myths are treated by the major ancient authors; to the survival
of mythic archetypes in the Middle ages, Renaissance, and modern
world. Audiovisual materials used. Students encouraged to write.
W252. Comparative Mythology (3 s.h.) S 98 and
alternate S
Materials from a variety of cultures will show how human beings
deal with such ideas as the creation of the universe and mankind,
the definition of the hero, order in the cosmos, and eschatology.
Greek and Roman myths will serve throughout as the basis for
comparison with a varying selection of myths from other cultures.
W261. Topics in Classics Culture (3 s.h.)
Topics from classical antiquity which are of general and current
interest based on reading Greek and Roman texts in translation.
Lectures, audiovisual presentations, and large and small group
work used to explore the significance of the texts.
W263. Ancient City: Periclean Athens (3 s.h.) S99
Focusing on Athens in the 5th centure B.C.E., this
course will survey the history of the period but will concentrate
on life in a major ancient participatory democracy. We will cover
drama, philosophy, archaeology, and daily life.
W264. Ancient City: Hellenistic Alexandria (3 s.h.)
S00
At the death of Alexaander 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.
W265. Ancient City: Augustan Rome (3 s.h.) S01
As first princeps (emperor of Rome, Augustus claimed to
re-establish republican Rome after years of external and internal
wars. We will study the city that emerged from the efforts of
architects, engineers and artists of all kinds enlisted to assist
Augustus in the new founding of Rome.
W266. Ancient City: Jerusalem (3 s.h.) S02
Jerusalem, the ancient eternal magnet for Islam, Christianity and
Judaism, is always in the news. 5000 years old, the city whose
name means harmony and peace was destroyed and rebuilt twenty
times. The course will explore the centrality of the city in
mid-eastern history and will try to answer the eternal question:
Why Jerusalem?
W278. Jewish Humor - Past and Present (3 s.h.) (D1) S
This survey of development of Jewish humor from the medieval ages
through the Enlightenment through modern Israel focuses on the
different literary forms of wit and humor. Representative works
and authors are Ibn Zabara, Book of Delight; Perl, The Discovery
of Secrets; and Sholom Aleichem selections. The course concludes
with selections from Kishon, Ben-Amotz (Israel), Woody Allen, Sam
Levenson, and Nadir (U.S.) Offered in English.
W279.Literature and Art of the Holocaust (3 s.h.) (D1)
FS
One of the main assumptions of the course is that the Holocaust,
which was considered to be a Jewish catastrophe, is humanity's
catastrophe and affirmation of the bankruptcy and failing of
Western civilization. The literature of the Holocaust transmits
the horrors and terrors in concentration camps, on the trains and
in the snowy fields. The course will be conducted in English.
(Cross-listed with Jewish Studies 02331)
0210. History of the Hebrew Language (3 s.h.)
Selected readings from representative Hebrew sources showing the
development, growth, and usage of the modern Hebrew Language.
(Cross-listed with Jewish Studies 0201)
0236. Israel in the middle East (3 s.h.) S
Law, geography, education, religion, politics, Eastern and
Western communities, and culture examined by experts in these
fields. Offered in English. (Cross-listed with Jewish Studies
0232)
0253. Hebrew, Myth and Legend (3 s.h.) S
The course will cover a selection of 3000 years of Hebrew legend
and folktale. Two sources will be used. The first is stories that
are included in the Bible, Mishnah, Talmud, and other written
collections of stories. The second source is a collection of oral
stories published by the Israel Institute for Folklore. Themes
and literary devices will be analyzed, and the use of allegory,
fable, and symbol will be explored. Stories and motifs will be
compared to the international classification of motifs by S.
Thompson. References will be made to the social religious
functions of the legend. This be conducted in English. (Cross
listed with Jewish Studies 0302)
0275. Israelis and Arabs (3 s.h.) (D1)
The four phases of the relationship between Israelis and Arabs as
reflected in Israeli literature will be examined. The first phase
is the romantic, erotic phase exemplified by the works of
Smilansky. The second phase is the moral phase, which will be
illustrated by the works of S.Izhar. The third phase is the
realistic phase. The fourth is the most problematic one, as it
reflects the guilt feelings hatred, fear, and confusion of the
present. Offered in English.(Cross-listed with Jewish Studies.
0331)
0352. Humor and Satire in Modern Hebrew Literature:
1800-1960 (3 s.h.) S
Humor and satire (1900-1960 explored through short stories of Y.
Erter, Y. Perl, Ashalom Aleichem, and A Meged. (Cross-listed with
Jewish Studies 0322)
0354. Love Themes in Hebrew Literature: 1800-1960 (3
s.h.) S
The development of the different love themes from the Song of
Songs through the golden age of Spain, Hebrew poetry in Italy,
the Enlightenment, revival period, and Israeli literature. Among
the themes will be great expectations, happiness and unity, and
the happy hell of withered love. Changes in style, form, and
context will be emphasized and recurring symbols will be
discussed. A special place in the course will be devoted to love
poetry written by women. (Cross-listed with Jewish Studies 0312)
0368. Development of Modern Short Story (3 s.h.) (D1)
F
A systematic analysis of the elements of the short story and its
development from the organized "traditional" short
story to the disorganized "modern" short story. Among
the selections are stories by Y Stienberg, Brenner, Bialik, and
D. Frishman. (Cross-listed with Jewish Studies 0321)
0379. Holocaust and Resistance (3 s.h.)
Selection from the literature of the Holocaust and resistance
during the Second World War. Through the selections, the class
will explore life and death on another planet where logic is
non-existent and where terror, disbelief, and loss of faith are
dominant. An attempt will be made to reveal the challenge of
portraying the experiences of the Holocaust.
0380-0381-0382. Independent Study (2,3,4 s.h.) FS
Permission of department chairperson. Intensive study under
individual guidance in a specific area suggested by the student
and approved by the department adviser.
LATIN AND ANCIENT GREEK
NOTE: Any student taking Greek, Hebrew or Latin at any level for the first time should consult the GHR Classics Department for detailed information. Please note: The GHR Classics Department offers courses in classical Latin and Greek and in both classical and modern Hebrew.
For modern Greek, see Critical Languages.
Basic course descriptions for the three levels of Greek and Latin are as follows:
Return to the list of courses.
LOWER LEVEL
0151-0052. Elements I-II (4 s.h. each) (LA) (D4) FS
Beginning courses in Latin, with basic grammar and readings.
C061-0062. Intermediate I-II (3 s.h. each) (LB) (D4)
FS
Prerequisite: Latin 0052 or permission of the instructor.
Readings in Latin prose and poetry.
UPPER LEVEL
W101-102. Readings in Latin Literature I-II (3 s.h.
each) (D1) FS
Prerequisite: Latin 0062 or permission of the instructor.
0123. Prose Composition (3 s.h.)
An introduction to Latin prose style by composition of short
passages and close study of the style of important Latin authors.
0380-0381-0382. Independent Study (2, 3, 4 s.h.,
respectively) FS
Prerequisite: Latin 0062 or permission of the instructor.
Concentrated work at an advanced level on a topic chosen by
student and teacher. Weekly tutorial sessions.
Return to the list of courses.
LOWER LEVEL
0051-0052. Elements I-II (4 s.h. each) (LA) (D4) FS
Beginning courses in Ancient Greek with basic grammar and
readings.
C061-0062. Intermediate I-II (3 s.h. each) (LB) (D4)
FS
Prerequisite: Greek 0052 or permission of the instructor.
Readings in Ancient Greek prose and poetry.
UPPER LEVEL
W101-102. Readings in Greek Literature I-II (3 s.h.
each) (D1) FS
Prerequisite: Greek 0062 or permission of the instructor.
All language courses listed are ancient Greek only. For modern
Greek see Critical Languages.
0380-0381-0382. Independent Study (2, 3, 4 s.h.,
respectively) FS
Prerequisite: Greek 0062 or permission of the instructor.
Concentrated work at an advanced level on a topic chosen by
student and teacher. Weekly tutorial sessions.
Return to the list of courses.
0051. Beginners' Hebrew I (4 s.h.) (LA) (D4) FS
Cultivation of the ability to read, write, and speak the
language. Study of a basic vocabulary and fundamental rules of
grammar. (Cross-listed with Jewish Studies 0001.)
0052. Beginners' Hebrew II (4 s.h.) (LA) (D4) FS
Continuation of Hebrew I with emphasis on conversation and
composition. Reading of easy vocalized literature and reports.
(Cross-listed with Jewish Studies 0002.)
C061. Intermediate I (3 s.h.) (D4) F
Reading of moderately difficult Hebrew texts with discussion in
Hebrew. Introduction to nonvocalized literature. Principles of
vocalization and the irregular verb in all its conjugations.
Laboratory work emphasizes the retelling of literature.
(Cross-listed with Jewish Studies 0003)
0062. Intermediate II (3 s.h.) (LB) S
Reading of moderately difficult Hebrew texts with discussion in
Hebrew. Introduction to nonvocalized literature. Principles of
vocalization and the irregular verb in all its conjugations.
Laboratory work emphasizes the retelling of literature. NOTE:
Hebrew 0062 is not included as a distribution course in the
formal studies category. (Cross-listed with Jewish Studies 0004.)
0071. Biblical Hebrew I (4 s.h.) F
(Formerly 101.) This course provides an opportunity to learn the
fundamentals of the Hebrew language, the grammar, a working
vocabulary to gain knowledge of selections from the Pentateuch,
Psalms and Prophets, and discipline in the use of Lexica
commentaries. (Cross-listed with Jewish Studies 0101.)
0073. Biblical Readings-Torah (4 s.h.) (D1) F
(Formerly 103.) Selections from the Pentateuch will be read and
interpreted by traditional interpreters as well as modern
commentators. Methodology of reading the Bible will be taught,
and the historical background will be explored. (Cross-listed
with Jewish Studies 0102.)
UPPER LEVEL
0121. Modern Readings I (3 s.h.)
Selections of unvocalized, unedited texts. A dual approach
emphasizing literary and linguistic qualities of the text.
(Cross-listed with Jewish Studies 0202.)
0122. Bible-Prose and Poetry I (3 s.h.) F
Narrative and poetic portions of the literature of the Old
Testament in the original Hebrew. (Cross-listed with Jewish
Studies 0301.)
0380-0381-0382. Independent Study (2,3,4 s.h.) FS
Permission of department chairperson. Intensive study under
individual guidance in a specific area suggested by the student
and approved by the department adviser.
Return to the list of courses.
01820/Intellectual Heritage Program
LOWER LEVEL
X051. Intellectual Heritage I (3 s.h.) FS
Prerequisite: Completion of all English 40 and English C050
requirements.
The first course in a required two-course sequence. Close reading
and discussion of a common syllabus reflecting values and seminal
ideas explored through primary texts and documents in literature,
philosophy, religion, and science, from ancient times to the
Renaissance.
X052. Intellectual Heritage II (3 s.h.) FS
Prerequisite: Completion of all English 40 and English C050
requirements and IH X051. Second course in IH X051-X052 sequence.
Close reading and discussion of a common syllabus reflecting
values and seminal ideas explored through primary texts and
documents in literature, philosophy, religion, and science, from
the Enlightenment to the present.
X091. Intellectual Heritage I Honors (3 s.h.) FS
X092. Intellectual Heritage II Honors (3 s.h.) FS
Return to the list of courses.
LOWER LEVEL
0051. Elements I (4 s.h.) (LA) (D4) FS
Introduction to the use of Italian as a spoken language.
Fundamentals of grammar. Basic patterns of oral communication and
writing, acquisition of practical survival skills; simple graded
readings.
0052. Elements II (4 s.h.) (LA) (D4) FS
Prerequisite: Italian 0051 or equivalent.
A continuation of the activities of Italian 0051. The basics
already learned are practiced, and new patterns of oral
communication and writing are introduced. Additional fundamentals
of grammar; graded cultural readings.
C061. Intermediate I (3 s.h.) (D4) FS
Prerequisite: Italian 0052 or equivalent.
A continuation of the activities designed to achieve
communicative competence. Systematic review of material typically
covered in first year Italian, and a study of more sophisticated
structures and grammar. Emphasis on vocabulary building, on the
practical use of communicative patterns in speaking and writing,
and on reading comprehension.
0062. Intermediate II (3 s.h.) (D4) FS
Prerequisite: Italian C061 or equivalent.
Selected readings in modern prose and poetry. Using a variety of
texts, the students will gradually broaden their vocabulary, will
learn to organize ideas both in speaking and writing, and will
begin to appreciate the written text. Since the class will be
conducted (almost) entirely in Italian, the students'
communicative skill in speaking and writing will continue to
expand. Grammatical points will be reviewed when needed. Students
will be encouraged to use the Net for special projects.
UPPER LEVEL
W133. Composition and Conversation (3 s.h.) (D4) S
Intensive work on communicative skills in speaking and writing.
Having assimilated essentials of the Italian language, by the end
of this course the students should be able to express themselves
easily in conversational situations and in basic narrative prose.
Emphasis placed on vocabulary, phonetics, and sentence patterns,
in unsimplified language. Grammar review when needed.
0195. Independent Study (4 s.h.) FS
Prerequisites: Italian 0062 or equivalent. Permission of
adviser and Department Chair required. Considered only for
extraordinary reasons. Written petition to be submitted by
student(s) and instructor before the end of the pre-registration
period. Does not replace required courses.
0220. Italian Culture and Civilization (3 s.h.) S 00
Prerequisite: Italian 0062 or equivalent.
Depending on the expertise(s) of the teacher and the interests of
the students, this multi-disciplinary course will cover major
historical and cultural periods and phenomena. Examples: the
emergence of Italian language and dialects: medieval,
Renaissance, and baroque art and architecture; folk literature
and music; opera; the history of the Risorgimento and the
Unification; women and feminism; modern Italian culture and
politics; cinema.
0223. Introduction to Italian Literature I (3 s.h.) F
Reading and discussion of representative works of Italian
literature from the origins through the Renaissance. The course
will cover such authors as Dante, Petrarch, Boccaccio,
Machiavelli, Ariosto.
0224. Introduction to Literature II (3 s.h.) S
Reading and discussion of representative works of Italian
Literature from the Renaissance to modern times. The course will
cover such authors as Marino, Metastasio, Alfieri, Goldoni,
Leopardi, Manzoni, Ungaretti, Saba, Montale.
W250. Advanced Grammar (3 s.h.) F 99
This course has been designed to develop writing skills and
reading comprehension, gradually and consistently. The emphasis
of the course is practice in writing short essays, and in
translating different types of language. Introduction to literary
analysis. Attention to grammar, syntax and orthography. (Capstone
W course).
0301. Modern Italian Prose (3 s.h.) F
A study of the major literary movements of the twentieth century.
The course will cover authors such as Svevo, Pirandello, Moravia,
Pavese, Vittorini.
0304. Italian Poetry (3 s.h.) S
A study of major figures and movements in the history of Italian
poetry. According to the expertise(s) of the teacher and
interests of the students, the following might be covered:
medieval and Renaissance schools of poetry, Dante, Petrarch,
Poliziano, Bembo, Michelangelo, Gaspara Stampa, and/or other
women Renaissance poets; the baroque, Foscolo, Leopardi, Pascoli,
Carducci, D'Annunzio, I crepuscolari, Futurism, Ungaretti,
Montale, Quasimodo, neorealism, avant-garde, and experimental
movements of the post-World War II period, Zanzotto, Luzi, etc.
0345. Dante and the Middle Ages (3 s.h.) F 99
A study of Dante in the context of the medieval world. A
selection from The Inferno.
0352. Studies in the Renaissance (3 s.h.) S 00
The course will focus on Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks, sketches,
paintings, and city planning; Michaelangelo's letters, poems,
painting, sculpture, and architecture; and the poetesses del
Cinquencento, especially Gaspara Stampa. Related studies upon
need.
0395. Special Topics (3 s.h.) FS
Prerequisites: Permission of adviser and Department Chair
required. Considered only for extraordinary reasons. Written
petition to be submitted by students and instructor before the
end of the pre-registration period. Does not replace required
courses. A group tutorial on a topic not currently offered.
Return to the list of courses.
Latin American Studies Semester (LASS) S
A total immersion program (15 credits) in Spanish and Latin American Studies including a trip to Latin America during the spring break. For more information, contact the Latin American Studies Center, Anderson Hall, Room 411 (215-204-7527).
C050. Perspectives of Latin America (3 s.h.) (IS) FS
Examines essential characteristics and values of Latin American
societies, including class and ethnic matters, religious
traditions, intellectual life (art, music, and literature), and
social change. Meets International Studies Core Curriculum
requirement. One section fulfills the Studies in Race
requirement.
UPPER LEVEL
0100. Latin America Through Film and Fiction (3 s.h.)
S
Economic and political change; role of institutional forces
including the military and church. Cultural and intellectual
traditions and trends, past and present. Multi-media approach.
Given in Spanish as part of the LASS program (see above).
0129. Politics of Development in Latin America (3
s.h.) FS
An examination of Latin America's struggle for economic
development, one of the most important human dramas of the 20th
century. Emphasis on the relationships that have prevailed over
the last few decades between developmental theories and the
everyday lives of Latin American peoples. Discussion of the
political and ideological questions involved in Latin American
development. Exploration of how Latin American developmental
issues affect the United States through matters such as job
relocations and trade pacts.
0130. Democracy in Latin America (3 s.h.)
An examination of the structure and culture of Latin American
democracies organized around three major themes: (1) a discussion
of theories of democracy; (2) the formation and development of
democratic institutions in Latin America; and (3) the political
culture of Latin American democracy. Uses a social problems
approach to look at two controversial Latin American issues since
the late 1960's: the tension between adopting a procedural vs. a
substantive definition of democracy, and the emphasis on
political vs. socioeconomic factors in explaining
democratization.
0141. Religion in Latin America (3 s.h.)
Trends in Latin American religion, including the impact of
liberation theology, the challenge of evangelical Protestantism
to Catholicism, and the continuing vitality of Afro-Latin
American religion.
0145. Other Voices: Black, Native Peoples, and Women
in Latin American Literature (3 s.h.) S
The literature of Latin America includes many works which are not
part of the canon. Often these are writings of the oppressed:
persons of color, women, indigenous peoples. The texts such
authors produce are often not considered as deserving of literary
attention or as having artistic merit. By giving attention to
these writers, we can analyze their viewpoints on Latin American
society, history, and culture, comparing their vision as
outsiders with that of the official version.
0148. Puerto Ricans in Philadelphia (3 s.h.)
The history and present state of Philadelphia Puerto Rican
community with comparisons to other mainland Puerto Rican
communities. Course includes use of Puerto Rican materials in the
Paley Library Urban Archives.
0160. Environmental Issues in Latin America: A Social Problems
Perspective (3 s.h.) 98-99
Examination of the complex interrelationship between social
problems and environmental degradation in Latin America.
Consideration of the relationship between poverty and the
destruction of the environment. Emphasis upon three topics: (1)
the impact of human activity and resource utilization on the
Latin American environment; (2) the role of political and
economic factors in generating the Latin American environmental
crisis; and (3) the interaction between development priorities
and environmental protection.
0167. Gender and Society in Latin America (3 s.h.)
An interdisciplinary examination of the nature of gender
relations and women's subordination in Latin America with a focus
on contemporary societies. Issues discussed include: the impact
of family and kinship relations on women's participation in both
urban and rural labor markets and informal economies; ideologies
of gender subordination; cultural expression in the writings of
Latin American women as agents of history and ideology; the
significance of gender-based politics and movements; and the
impact of both national and grassroots development efforts on the
status and identity of women.
0170. Historical Continuity and Social Change in Latin
America (3 s.h.) F
Overview of Latin American history from a social change/social
problems perspective. Some of the historical themes addressed
include: social inequality and unequal exchange, cultural
domination and resistance, racial minorities and indigenism, the
role of women in Latin American societies, political imposition
and democracy, and national independence.
0189. Indians and the Nation-State in Latin America (3
s.h.) S
An examination of the lived experiences of contemporary Indians
struggling for human dignity in the lowest strata of Latin
American class structures. A focus from an indigenous point of
view upon issues such as land rights, environmental health, and
political and economic self-determination.
0302. Contemporary Brazilian Scene (3 s.h.)
Modern and contemporary Brazilian themes including democracy,
neoliberalism and nationalism, cultural and ideological dissent,
and popular social movements. Course materials include Brazilian
writings, documents and films.
W315. Latin American Studies Seminar (3 s.h.)
A multidisciplinary course open to Latin American Certificate
candidates and juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Uses
seminar format to prepare and discuss individual student research
projects on Latin America.
Return to the list of courses.
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