Classics and Ancient History
CLASSICS AND ANCIENT HISTORY
Below are brief descriptions for the courses which deal with material in English translation.
Descriptions of Latin and Greek language courses can be found under the GREEK and LATIN course
sections.
INTRODUCTORY LEVEL COURSES
1000 and 2000 level courses are designed for students in the first or second year of their programs,
and may be taken in any order. The courses are open to all students.
CLAS
1323
Discovering Archaeology (Cross-Listed: ARCH 1323)
3 ch (3C)
[W]
This course focuses on the exploration and discovery of sites, monuments and artifacts of
civilizations (Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Egypt, Greece and Rome) that shaped western society.
The tomb of King Midas, the pyramids of Egypt, the Greek theatre and Roman arena are
some of the fascinating topics awaiting students in this course.
CLAS
1403
The Ancient Greeks
3 ch (3C)
[W]
An illustrated introduction to the religion, literature, art and philosophy of the ancient
Greeks.
CLAS
1413
The Romans
3 ch (3C)
[W]
A survey of the political, military, literary, and architectural achievements of the Romans.
CLAS
1503
Introduction to Mythology: The Gods and Heroes of Greece
and Rome
3 ch (3C)
A survey of the myths which helped to shape the life and thought of the classical
civilizations of Greece and Rome. Emphasis will be placed on myths describing the gods and
their powers, the beginnings of the world, the earliest humans, the tales of the heroes, and
miraculous experiences in the lives of ordinary persons. Students who have successfully
completed CLAS 3503 may not enrol in this course.
CLAS
1703
Greek and Latin Roots of Scientific Terminology
3 ch (3C)
Designed for anyone with an interest in the origin of words, this course introduces the
student to basic scientific terminology, especially that of the life sciences, through the Greek
and Latin sources of these words. This course aids in the understanding of these modern
terms by exploring their basic meanings, the connections between these words, how they
came to be created, and the rules that govern the formation of new terms.
CLAS
2333
Introduction to Classical Archaeology: Methods and
Theory Cross-Listed: ARCH 2333
3 ch (3C)
[W]
This course focuses on Archaeology as a science. It covers the history of archaeological
investigations and presents the scientific methods used in identifying and excavating a site,
as well as, the scientific analysis of the material remains. Representative examples that
illustrate these scientific advancements are drawn from the major Mediterranean
civilizations (Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman), excavated over the
last few centuries.
ADVANCED CLASSICS COURSES
CLAS
3003
Ancient History: The Greeks from the Bronze Age to the
Persian Wars (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
Focuses on the Birth of Ancient Greece and traces its development to the end of the Archaic
period. Includes: Greek prehistory, the early historical period, the origin of democracy and
the crucial defeat of the Persian invasions of 490 and 480 B.C.
CLAS
3013
Ancient History: Greece in the Classical Age (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
Studies the social and political history of Greece in the 5th and 4th centuries B.C., including
Athens' rise to cultural and political brilliance, her rivalry with Sparta, and the Greeks'
ultimate failure to resolve their internal conflicts in the face of the Macedonian threat.
CLAS
3023
Ancient History: Alexander and the Hellenistic World (A)
[W]
The social and political impact of Alexander the Great, his empire and his successors on the
Mediterranean world, down to the Roman conquest.
CLAS
3033
Ancient History: The Rise of the Romans (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
Rome from its village origins to the conquest of the Mediterranean world. Examines the link
between Rome's diplomacy and wars of expansion, and her internal politics--the early kings,
the tensions and balances of the Republic, and the role of Julius Caesar and others in its
collapse by 31 B.C.
CLAS
3043
Ancient History: The Roman Empire (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
Rome as the capital of western civilization, from the emergence of the imperial system
under Augustus to its final decline in Western Europe in the 5th century A.D. Considers the
impact of the Roman army, administration, culture and law on ancient and modern thought.
CLAS
3053
The Roman Army (A)
3ch (3C) [W]
Examines the development of the Roman legions, from their beginnings as a peasant
conscript army to their imperial conquests and fame as a professional fighting force. Topics
discussed include: organization, armament, strategy and logistics, social impact, the Roman
navy, auxiliary forces, and the legions' significance as a model for modern armies.
CLAS
3073
Ancient History: Jewish Civilization from the Babylonian
Exile to the Great Revolt (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
An examination of the social, cultural, intellectual and political history of the Jews during the
period of the second temple (516 BCE - 70 CE).
CLAS
The Byzantine Empire
3 ch (3C) [W]
3083
A historical analysis of Byzantine civilization from its emergence from the Late Roman
Empire to its medieval zenith under Basil II (r. 976-1025). Topics include the development
of a distinctive Byzantine culture, its interaction with Western Europe, confrontation with
Islam and its civilizing role in Eastern Europe.
CLAS
3093
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
Traces the more important changes which overtook the Roman world from the late third to
the seventh centuries AD. The course concentrates on the Roman experience at the court
and in the provinces, and considers some of the dramatic upheavals that swept the empire
in this period, which include the change of the principate into an autocracy, the intrusion of
the government in to all aspects of life, the decline of the cities, the politicization of
Christianity, and the loss of the western provinces.
CLAS
3313
Field School in Classical Archaeology (O)
3 ch (3C) [W]
This course is an introduction to archaeological field techniques through participation in a
field research project in the Classical lands. It introduces students to survey methods,
excavation techniques, documentation/recording of field procedures, recovery of artifacts,
and their preparation for storage.
CLAS
3323
Byzantine Art and Archaeology (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
This course presents an overview of the principle monuments and artistic forms of
Byzantium from AD 324 to the fall of the empire in AD 1453 and examines how these
cultural manifestations reflect contemporary political and religious attitudes.
CLAS
3333
Greek Art and Archaeology (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
A survey of the major monuments of the art and architecture of the Greeks from the Bronze
Age to the Hellenistic period. Students cannot receive credit for both CLAS 2303 and CLAS
3333.
CLAS
3343
Roman Art and Archaeology (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
A survey of the major monuments of the art and architecture of the Etruscans and the
Romans from the Iron Age to late Antiquity. Students cannot receive credit for both CLAS
2313 and CLAS 3343.
CLAS
3373
Pompeii and Herculaneum (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
A study of the physical remains of the area around Mt Vesuvius, concentrating on Pompeii,
Herculaneum and the nearby villas. Topics discussed include: town planning, architectural
development, local politics, Roman wall painting, domestic and public space.
CLAS
3403
The Comic Theatre of Greece and Rome (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
The development of comedy from the kômos in Greece; the reading, in English translation,
of an Old Comedy by Aristophanes, a satyr-play by Euripides and a New Comedy by
Menander; the development of comedy in Rome through the reading of plays by Plautus and
Terence. The history of the theatre, its changing structure, conventions, the production of
plays and their performance and the festivals at which they were performed.
CLAS
3413
The Tragic Theatre of Greece and Rome (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
The history of the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens and a survey of the origins of Greek
tragedy; the reading in English translation of a representative sample of the plays of
Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides; the dramatic festivals at which they were performed,
the production and performance of the plays, the dramatic conventions. The role of the
serious theatre in Rome; a tragedy of Seneca, in English translation, is read.
CLAS
3433
The Ancient World on Film (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
The course aims to help students understand and enjoy the reception of Greek and Roman
civilization in Hollywood and European films. History will be studied via cinematic versions
(such as Troy, Alexander, Spartacus, Life of Brian, Fellini’s Satyricon, Gladiator, etc.) and
Greek and Latin literature in translation. Attention will be given to the ways in which
filmmakers adapt historical subjects and how classical literature is recast as films, offering
an exciting commentary on our relationship with our classical heritage. By introducing
students to some of the literature and films about the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, it
will encourage them to address questions of how they shape our views about the past. The
focus will be on analyzing and discussing literature, film, and culture within a historical
context.
CLAS
3463
History of Modern Greece
3ch (3C) [W]
[O]
An introductory survey course of the history of Modern Greece beginning with the Greek
War of Independence in 1821 to World War II. Special attention will be paid to various
events and themes (such as the Asia Minor Catastrophe in 1922 and the Greek Diaspora
etc.) by utilizing literature and other historical sources and documentaries in order to
present the society, culture and politics of Greece and gain a better understanding of the
modern Greek identity. There are no prerequisites.
CLAS
3473
Introduction to Modern Greek Literature
3ch (3C) [W]
[O]
An introductory survey course of Modern Greek literature in translation. Emphasis will be
placed on the history and development of literature from the 19th and 20th centuries by
examining a selection of poetry, short stories and novel/s. Included in this survey are the
Nobel prize winners George Seferis and Odysseas Elytis. There are no prerequisites.
CLAS
3503
The Greek Gods and Their Cults (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
The Greek myths of creation and the Greek gods and their mythology. The historical origins
of the gods, the development of Greek religion from pre-historic times. Parallels are
adduced from Middle Eastern mythologies. Major Greek religious sites are illustrated.
CLAS
3513
The Trojan War: Myth and History (A)
3ch (3C) [W]
Fought over the theft of a woman, the Trojan War has been a part of popular culture for
3000 years. It has been told and retold by poets since Homer, depicted in the arts of
ancient Greece through the Middle Ages and Renaissance into modern times, sparked the
romantic imaginations of early archaeologists, and most recently been interpreted on the
screen in films such as Unforgiven and Troy. This course will explore the Trojan War through
literature, historical texts, archaeology, the visual arts, drama and film.
CLAS
3523
The Mythology and Religion of the Romans (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
A study of the legends surrounding the foundation and growth of early Rome and of the
Italian gods. Roman religion is studied under such headings as prayer, sacrifice, divination,
the religious year and calendar, priests and emperor-worship. [Not open to students who
received credit for CLAS 4023 .]
CLAS
3703
Socrates (A)
3 ch (3C/S)
[W]
Examines the central intellectual, political, religious and social controversies of the Golden
Age of Greece (450-350 BC), by focussing on Socrates in conflict with both the citizens of
Athens and the new professional teachers, the “Sophists”.
CLAS
3723
Ancient Science (A)
3ch (3C) [W]
An examination of the development of scientific theory and practice among the ancient
Greeks and Romans.
CLAS
3733
Ancient Philosophers (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
A survey of the various forms of philosophical literature produced in the classical
civilizations of Greece and Rome.
CLAS
3803
The Graeco-Roman Background of the New Testament
(A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
Examines the social, literary, philosophical and religious milieu in which the writing of the
New Testament took place.
CLAS
3813
The Early Church (A)
3ch (3C) [W]
The history of Christianity from the apostles to the fifth century: its organization and
doctrinal development, and its interaction with Roman civil authority and paganism.
CLAS
3903
Women in Ancient Greece (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
Examines the portrayal of women in ancient Greek literature and the realities of women’s
lives as reconstructed from the historical, legal, and archaeological records.
CLAS
3913
Love and Sexuality in Greece and Rome (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
A study of Greek and Roman attitudes towards love and sexuality. Literary and artistic
evidence will be used to explain why scenes of erotica were widely on display within the
ancient home and in the public realm. Analysis of these attitudes in their own context will
be combined with a discussion of how they relate to modern values and gender issues.
Topics include social morality, homosexuality, marriage and adultery, erotic art, fertility
rituals, and pornography.
CLAS
3923
Roman Law (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
A survey of the development and practice of the Roman legal system, upon which all
modern civil law systems are based. Topics include: sources of Roman law and legal
institutions; legal procedure; Roman legal concepts (persons, property, obligations,
succession); equity and social change in legal reform; survival and modern revival.
CLAS
Sports and Recreation in Greece and Rome (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3933
An examination of sport and recreational activities among the ancient Greeks and Romans,
the ancient values they reflect and their influence on modern sport in such matters as
organization and policing of events, professionalism, athletes as celebrities, and 'blood'
sports. Students cannot receive credit for both CLAS 2903 and CLAS 3933.
CLAS
4063
Caesar Augustus: Architect of the Roman Empire (A)
3 ch (3CS)
[W]
A seminar dealing with the controversial career of Caesar Augustus, from his unexpected
rise to power to his establishment of the Imperial system of government at Rome, through
systematic analysis of the primary sources, using the Res Gestae, Augustus' own public
statement of his achievements, as a starting point. Prerequisite: 60 ch, or permission of the
instructor.
CLAS
4303
Topography and Monuments of Athens (A)
3 ch (3S) [W]
A seminar on the topography and monuments of Athens and environs from the Bronze Age
to late Antiquity, based on the archaeological, literary and epigraphic sources. Prerequisite:
60 ch, or permission of the instructor.
CLAS
4313
Topography and Monuments of Rome (A)
3 ch (3S) [W]
A seminar on the topography and monuments of Rome from the Iron Age to Late Antiquity,
based on the archaeological, literary and epigraphic sources. Prerequisite: 60 ch, or
permission of the instructor.
CLAS
4333
Greek & Roman Housing (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
This course examines the Greek and Roman dwelling from the Iron Age to Late Antiquity by
studying the architectural developments in plan, construction techniques and adornment
through the material remains and literary evidence. A special emphasis is placed on the
socio-political and economic factors that influenced domestic design, as well as the current
methods of analyses of material remains that shed light on the function and distribution of
space within the household, the relationship between gender and space domestic cult
practices, household economy, and regional diversity in domestic organization.
Prerequisites: 60 ch, or permission of the instructor.
CLAS
4353
Greek Sculpture (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
This course examines Greek sculpture, free-standing and relief, from the Archaic period
through the Classical and Hellenistic. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of
the human form and the representation of pose, as well as the problems of pedimental
construction. Material from contemporary arts, such as pottery, will also be used to
illustrate the course. Prerequisite: 60 ch, or permission of the instructor.
CLAS
4363
Roman Sculpture (A)
3 ch (3CS)
[W]
This course looks at free-standing and monumental sculpture of Ancient Rome, both as an
art form and as a socio-political phenomenon. Special attention is paid to imperial
portraiture and questions of ideology in both the public and private realms. Prerequisite:
60ch or permission of the instructor.
CLAS
5003
Directed Studies in Classics
3 ch (3C) [W]
A detailed study of a specific area of Classical Studies. Uses primary sources (in translation)
to illuminate the chosen topic. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.
CLAS
5013
Directed Studies in Archaeology
3 ch (3C) [W]
A detailed study of a specific area of Greek or Roman archaeology. Prerequisites:
Permission of the instructor.
OVERSEAS COURSES
CLAS 2643 Rome: the Eternal City I (O)
3ch
An introduction to the history of Rome from ancient times to the Renaissance. Taught on
location in Italy. Students may not receive credit for both CLAS 2643 and 3643 . Travel
costs not included in tuition.
CLAS 3603 The Art and Architecture of Greece I (O)
3 ch [W]
A study of the art and architecture of Greece organized around visits to important
archaeological sites and major museums in Greece. Travel costs not included in tuition.
CLAS 3605 Ancient Athens (O)
3ch [W]
A practical workshop introducing students to the Greek and Roman remains found at
archaeological sites and museums in and around Athens. Taught on location. Travel costs
not included in tution.
CLAS 3613 Mythology and Archaeology I (O)
3 ch [W]
The mythology and cults of the Greek gods, seen in the context of the archaeological
remains of some of their major cult centres, and the Mycenaean origins of the sagas of the
Greek heroes from the focus of this course. Travel costs not included in tuition.
CLAS 3623 The Art and Architecture of Greece II (O)
3 ch [W]
Directed study of selected topics in Greek art and architecture undertaken through visits to
important monuments, archaeological sites and museums in Greece. Travel costs not
included in tuition.
CLAS 3633 The Art and Architecture of Imperial Rome
3 ch [W]
A study of the art and architecture of Classical Rome organized around visits to important
monuments, archaeological sites and museums in Italy. Travel costs not included in tuition.
CLAS 3643 Rome: from Ancient Times to the Renaissance (O)
3ch
A study of the ancient and mediaeval history of the city of Rome, through on-site
examination of the material remains. Students may not receive credit for both CLAS
2643 and 3643 . Travel costs not included in tuition.
CLAS 3653 Mythology and Archaeology II (O)
3 ch [W]
Directed study of selected topics in the mythology and cults of the Greek gods undertaken
through study of the archaeological remains of major cult centres in Greece. Travel costs
not included in tuition.
CLAS 3663 Religion in Ancient Rome (O)
3 ch [W]
A study of religion in Rome from its pagan origins to the rise of Christianity in the late
Empire, based on first-hand examination in Rome of temples, altars, churches, sculpture,
inscriptions and other materialon site and in museums. Travel costs not included in tuition.
CLAS 3673
Ancient Cities and Civilizations of Western Turkey: Myth, Cult
3 ch [W]
and History (O)
A study of the history and civilizations of western Asia Minor, in particular the Hittite, Lydian
and Graeco-Roman. Myth, cult and history are introduced in varying degrees as appropriate
to the various sites visited during the tour. Particular attention is paid to the Greek cities of
the Aegean coast, their sanctuaries, public buildings and theatres. Travel costs not included
in tuition.
CLAS 3683
The Art and Architecture of Asia Minor: Hellenistic, Roman
and Early Christian (O)
3 ch [W]
A survey of the art and architecture of Asia Minor, organized around visits to important
archaeological sites and major museums in Turkey, and studying selected remains from the
Hellenistic, Roman and early Christian periods, including sculpture, temple architecture, and
examples of the early Christian basilica. Travel costs not included in tuition.
CLAS 3693 Roman Britain (O)
3 ch [W]
A study of ancient Roman presence in Britain based on firsthand examination of Roman
remain, including visits to Roman cities, villa and bath complexes, museum collections in
London elsewhere, and Hadrian's Wall and other military instillations. Travel costs not
included in tuition.