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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
3 ch (3C)
Discovering Archaeology (Cross-Listed: ARCH 1323)
1323
[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
3 ch (3C)
The Ancient Greeks
1403
[W]
An illustrated introduction to the religion, literature, art and philosophy of the ancient
Greeks.
CLAS
3 ch (3C)
The Romans
1413
[W]
A survey of the political, military, literary, and architectural achievements of the
Romans.
CLAS
Introduction to Mythology: The Gods and Heroes of Greece
3 ch (3C)
1503
and Rome
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.
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CLAS
Greek and Latin Roots of Scientific Terminology
3 ch (3C)
1703
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
Introduction to Classical Archaeology: Methods and
3 ch (3C)
2333
Theory Cross-Listed: ARCH 2333
[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
Ancient History: The Greeks from the Bronze Age to the
3 ch (3C) [W]
3003
Persian Wars (A)
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
Ancient History: Greece in the Classical Age (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3013
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
Ancient History: Alexander and the Hellenistic World (A)
[W]
3023
The social and political impact of Alexander the Great, his empire and his successors
on the Mediterranean world, down to the Roman conquest.
CLAS
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Ancient History: The Rise of the Romans (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
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3033
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
Ancient History: The Roman Empire (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3043
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
The Roman Army (A)
3ch (3C) [W]
3053
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
Ancient History: Jewish Civilization from the Babylonian
3 ch (3C) [W]
3073
Exile to the Great Revolt (A)
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
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3093
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
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cities, the politicization of Christianity, and the loss of the western provinces.
CLAS
Field School in Classical Archaeology (O)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3313
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
Byzantine Art and Archaeology (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3323
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
Greek Art and Archaeology (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3333
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
Roman Art and Archaeology (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3343
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
Pompeii and Herculaneum (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3373
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
The Comic Theatre of Greece and Rome (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3403
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,
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conventions, the production of plays and their performance and the festivals at which
they were performed.
CLAS
The Tragic Theatre of Greece and Rome (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3413
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
The Ancient World on Film (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3433
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
3ch (3C) [W]
History of Modern Greece
3463
[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
3ch (3C) [W]
Introduction to Modern Greek Literature
3473
[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
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no prerequisites.
CLAS
The Greek Gods and Their Cults (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3503
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
The Trojan War: Myth and History (A)
3ch (3C) [W]
3513
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
The Mythology and Religion of the Romans (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3523
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
3 ch (3C/S)
Socrates (A)
3703
[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
Ancient Science (A)
3ch (3C) [W]
3723
An examination of the development of scientific theory and practice among the
ancient Greeks and Romans.
CLAS
Ancient Philosophers (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3733
A survey of the various forms of philosophical literature produced in the classical
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civilizations of Greece and Rome.
CLAS
The Graeco-Roman Background of the New Testament (A) 3 ch (3C) [W]
3803
Examines the social, literary, philosophical and religious milieu in which the writing of
the New Testament took place.
CLAS
The Early Church (A)
3ch (3C) [W]
3813
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
Women in Ancient Greece (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3903
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
Love and Sexuality in Greece and Rome (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3913
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
Roman Law (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
3923
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
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CLAS 3933.
CLAS
Caesar Augustus: Architect of the Roman Empire (A)
3 ch (3CS) [W]
4063
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
Topography and Monuments of Athens (A)
3 ch (3S) [W]
4303
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
Topography and Monuments of Rome (A)
3 ch (3S) [W]
4313
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
Greek & Roman Housing (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
4333
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
Greek Sculpture (A)
3 ch (3C) [W]
4353
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
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pottery, will also be used to illustrate the course. Prerequisite: 60 ch, or permission of
the instructor.
CLAS
Roman Sculpture (A)
3 ch (3CS) [W]
4363
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
Directed Studies in Classics
3 ch (3C) [W]
5003
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
Directed Studies in Archaeology
3 ch (3C) [W]
5013
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
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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.
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 3673
The Art and Architecture of Asia Minor: Hellenistic, Roman and
3 ch [W]
Early Christian (O)
A survey of the art and architecture of Asia Minor, organized around visits to
CLAS 3683
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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.
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