College of Arts and Sciences
338 Millard Fillmore Academic Core, Ellicott Complex
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14261-0026
Phone: 716.645.2154
Fax: 716.645.2225
Web: www.classics.buffalo.edu
J. Theodore Pe�a
Chair
John Dugan
Director of Undergraduate Studies
The field of classics consists of the study of the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome, including their languages and literature, history, and archaeology.
The Department of Classics at the University at Buffalo offers majors and minors the opportunity to pursue either a general program of study, termed classical civilization, or one of several specialized subject concentrations, including ancient Greek language and literature, Latin language and literature, classical languages and literature, ancient history, and Mediterranean archaeology. The department also administers programs in Judaic studies and religious studies. (For descriptions of these two programs, refer to their separate listings in this catalog.)
The department supports an honors program that allows qualified students to pursue special interests through a project performed under the direction of a faculty member.
The Classics department provides opportunities for majors and minors to participate in archaeological field projects in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Israel, and facilitates the placing of majors and minors in study abroad programs in Italy, Greece, and Israel.
The completion of a major or minor in classics provides students with a broad understanding of Greco-Roman civilization and its role in the development of both Western and world civilization. A classics degree may qualify a student for admission to a graduate program in one or more of a wide variety of disciplines, including not just classical studies, but also history, archaeology, anthropology, museum studies, Near Eastern studies, comparative literature, linguistics, and religious studies. Alternatively, classics majors/minors frequently pursue careers in fields as diverse as law, library science, and public/private secondary education in languages and social studies.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Only courses at the 200-level or above may be used to satisfy requirements.
A course of �ancient literature in translation� is any course that focuses on the literature of Greek, Roman, or Near Eastern society but does not require it to be read in the original language. Examples include: CL 205 Heroes, CL 313 Classical Mythology, CL 315 Epic in Translation, CL 316 Greek Drama in Translation.
A course of �classics in later tradition� is any course, often offered in English, art history, political science, or philosophy, that traces the legacy of the ancient world in later cultures. Examples include: ENG 375 Heaven, Hell, and Judgment; ENG 315 Milton; and PHI 366 Medieval Philosophy.
Students interested in concentrating in ancient religions should make an appointment to meet with the director of undergraduate studies to discuss a sequence of courses.
Required Courses
Greek or Latin language through the 200 level (GR 101, GR 102, GR 201, GR 202; OR LAT 101, LAT 102, LAT 201, LAT 202)
One course in each of the following areas:
Ancient Literature in Translation
Ancient Art or Archaeology
The Classical tradition in later societies
Four 300-400 level Classics courses, or approved 300-400 level courses in other departments
Required Courses
CL 222 Greek Civilization
CL 223 Roman Civilization
Both Greek and Latin through the 200 level (GR 101, GR 102, GR 201, GR 202 ; LAT 101, LAT 102, LAT 201, LAT 202)
One course in ancient archaeology or art
Two courses in either language at the 300-400 level
Two 300-400 level Classics courses, or approved 300-400 level courses in other departments
Required Courses
CL 222 Greek Civilization
CL 223 Roman Civilization
Five courses in 200-400 level Greek
One course on Greek art or archaeology
Three 300-400 level Classics courses, or approved 300-400 level courses in other departments
Required Courses
CL 222 Greek Civilization
CL 223 Roman Civilization
One course on Roman art or archaeology
Five courses in 200-400 level Latin
Three 300-400 level Classics courses, or approved 300-400 level courses in other departments
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major (not including 100-level languages courses)...33
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
FIRST YEAR
Fall�GR 101 or LAT 101
Spring�GR 102 or LAT 102
SECOND YEAR
Fall�CL 222; GR 201 or LAT 201
Spring�CL 223; GR 202 or LAT 202
THIRD AND FOURTH YEARS
An additional eight courses in the upper levels in language, literature, and ancient civilizations (art history, archaeology, history, etc.) chosen in consultation with advisors.
Required Courses
Greek or Latin language through the 200 level (GR 101, GR 102, GR 201, GR 202; OR LAT 101, LAT 102, LAT 201, LAT 202)
One course in each of the following three areas:
Roman archaeology
Greek archaeology
Near East/Egypt archaeology
One course in the method, history, or theory of archaeology or an approved field program
Two courses in the archaeology of a non-Mediterranean culture
Three courses in the archaeology, history, art, and/or literature of a single ancient Mediterranean culture
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major...33
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements in the Mediterranean Archaeology track
FIRST YEAR
Fall�GR 101 or LAT 101*
Spring�GR 102 or LAT 102
SECOND YEAR
Fall�GR 201 or LAT 201; one Roman archaeology course
Spring�GR 202 or LAT 202; one Greek archaeology course
THIRD AND FOURTH YEAR
An additional eight courses at the upper levels chosen in consultation with the advisors
Required Courses
Greek or Latin language through the 200 level (GR 101, GR 102, GR 201, GR 202; or LAT 101, LAT 102, LAT 201, LAT 202)
One course in each of the following five areas:
Roman history
Greek history
Near East/Egypt history
The history of a non-Classical ancient, medieval, or early modern culture
The method or theory of a related field (e.g., anthropology, art history, gender studies, developmental economies, or post-ancient history)
Four courses in the history, archaeology, art, and/or literature of a single ancient Mediterranean culture
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major...33
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements for the Ancient History Track
FIRST YEAR
Fall�GR 101 or LAT 101*
Spring�GR 102 or LAT 102
SECOND YEAR
Fall� GR 201 or LAT 201; one Roman history course
Spring� GR 202 or LAT 202; one Greek history course
THIRD AND FOURTH YEAR
An additional eight courses at the upper levels chosen in consultation with the advisors
Students may pursue a general classical civilization minor or a specialized minor in one of five different subject areas. Note that only courses at the 200 level or higher may be used to satisfy the requirements for a classics minor.
CLASSICAL CIVILIZATION CONCENTRATION
One course in Greek or Roman civilization or history
One course in ancient literature in translation
One course in ancient archaeology or art
One course in the classical tradition in later societies
Two additional 300/400-level classics courses or approved courses in other departments
ANCIENT GREEK AND/OR LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE CONCENTRATION
GR 101- GR 102 or GR 201- GR 202; or LAT 101- LAT 102 or LAT 201- LAT 202
Two 300/400-level courses in Greek or Latin
Two courses in Greek or Roman civilization, history, archaeology, or art
ANCIENT HISTORY CONCENTRATION
Three courses concerned with the history, archaeology, art, and/or literature of one of the three ancient Mediterranean culture areas (Near East/Egypt, Greece, Rome), including one course in the history of that culture area
One course in the history of one of the other two ancient Mediterranean culture areas
One course in theory or methodology of a related field (e.g., anthropology, archaeology, art history, gender studies, post-ancient history)
One course in the history of a non-Mediterranean ancient, medieval, or early modern culture
MEDITERRANEAN ARCHAEOLOGY CONCENTRATION
Four courses concerned with the archaeology or art of one of the three ancient Mediterranean culture areas (Near East/Egypt, Greece, and Rome)
One course in the archaeology of a culture outside the ancient Mediterranean
One course in method, history, or theory of archaeology or an approved field program
Total required credit hours for the minor...18
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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A broad introduction to the archaeology of ancient Greece and Rome from the Bronze Age to the collapse of the Roman Empire. Gives particular emphasis to examining how archaeologists go about posing and answering questions.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Provides an introduction to the mythology of the Greeks and Romans. In addition to considering the myths themselves, we study how they have been employed by ancient through contemporary cultures as reflected in areas ranging from religious and social practice to works of art and architecture.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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History and structure of scientific terminology; the use of Latin and Greek roots in formation of technical terms in zoology, botany, and medicine.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Based on material in translation, the culture of competition in the ancient world: funeral games, celebrating the winners, tragedy, the Olympics and other Greek games, the gymnasium, Roman gladiators, education in Rome, emperors and Roman games, reaction against Roman sport.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Introduces the material world of Greece and Rome through the study of great archaeological discoveries and archaeologists from the renaissance to the present. Relates the archaeologists and their discoveries to the general development of classical archaeology and the cultural history of the era in which they took place.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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The archetype of the hero as it occurs in the psychology of the life cycle, in ancient heroic literature, and in modern popular culture. Readings from Gilgamesh, the Odyssey, the Mahabharata, Beowulf, the Arthurian cycle, and the Bible. Examples from cinema, comic books, etc.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Explores status of women; roles in literature; their social and economic context; and the origins of contemporary stereotypes and prejudices.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Topical survey of ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian cultures� contribution to Western history and thought, from the �invention� of writing to the fall of the Assyrian Empire. Same as HIS 211.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Introduces the political, military, intellectual, and social history of ancient Greece, from the neolithic beginnings to the eastern conquests of Alexander in the fourth century B.C.E.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Elements of Greek civilization analyzed from synchronistic and developmental views to produce a coherent image of that culture as a living and expanding entity.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Survey of Rome�s mythical beginnings to the time of the emperors that covers the full spectrum of Roman cultural expression. Topics covered are not only literature, painting, sculpture, and architecture but also details of everyday life in the Roman world, as well as the roles played by marginal figures (women, slaves, foreigners).
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Warfare has been a constant feature of societies and civilizations. Provides a historically anchored survey of warfare in the ancient Mediterranean civilizations, particularly those of Greece and Rome. Not simply a history of strategies and battles, our intent is to look at the wide range of issues influencing and impacted by armed conflict.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Surveys the development of Christianity as a historical and cultural process from its birth until the height of the Middle Ages. Emphasizes the interrelationship among religion, culture, and history; includes monasticism, the role of women, and the place of heresy.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Traces the history and development of ancient Assyrians' culture; helps students see how individual strains of different cultures�the variegated peoples that make up the ancestry and contemporaries of the historical Assyrians�can be reworked by these ancient peoples to create (or force the creation of) a sense of common heritage; introduces the specific character of the Assyrian Palace and its bureaucracy; improves student skills in analyzing both written text and the visual record of an ancient culture for the purpose of writing history.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Introduces the primary cultures of the Eastern Mediterranean in the second millennium B.C.E. The course concentrates on the culture of the Egyptian Empire, its external relations with the Levant and the Aegean and the development of the Canaanite and Minoan-Mycenaean civilizations. The instructors are archaeologists whose experience includes Greece, Cyprus, and Syria-Palestine.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Introduces the development of Greek intellectual life in myth, literature, philosophy, and political thought.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Dynamics of mythological thought, especially among the Greeks in relation to Greek religion and philosophy; deployment in literature and art.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Readings in translation designed to provide an understanding of the forms and particular visions of the epic genre, especially its Greek and Roman exemplars.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Studies the major dramatic works of Greece (in English translation), the historical, philosophical, and cultural background of Greek drama, as well as its subsequent influence on Western theatre.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Explores, analyzes, and evaluates chosen subjects, which may be literary, historical, philosophical, etc., or have several interfaces. Subject varies from year to year.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Growth and nature of Roman imperialism; Rome�s involvement in the Greek East; career of Pompey the Great; foreign policy of Augustus; reign of Trajan.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Athenian Empire of the fifth century B.C.E.; consequences of its policies toward Sparta and Persia.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Remains of the Aegean littoral and their relation to the more advanced civilizations of the Near East, from earliest beginnings to ca. 700 B.C.E.; emphasizes advanced Bronze Age civilizations of Crete and Mycenae.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Surveys architecture, sculpture, and painting from ca. 700 B.C.E. to ca. 350 B.C.E. Traces the development of artistic types, towns, and sanctuaries against the setting of the history, political institutions, and public figures of the times.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Traces the development of Italic culture (early Iron Age, Etruscan, and during the Roman Republic) via avenues ranging from burial practices to urbanism.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Focuses on the Roman Empire from Augustus (d. A.D. 14) to Constantine (d. A.D. 337), considering art, architecture, and archaeology both at home and in the far-flung provinces.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Examines Greek theatre from many perspectives: the surviving plays, both tragedies and comedies; the evidence of the theaters themselves and associated inscriptions; and what ancient authors wrote about theatre. Also considers questions of performance in religious festivals, actors, costumes, and audience. Same as ENG 386, TH 371.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Examines the life and world of Alexander the Great, beginning with his father, Philip, and concluding with the division of his kingdom among his lieutenants. Analyzes the sources, both literary and archaeological, for Alexander�s life. Same as HIS 386.
Credits: 3 - 6
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: TUT
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The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Seniors only. Consult with chair or director of undergraduate studies during junior year.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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History of the Greek city as a political and social institution with attention to physical environment, economic and agricultural resources, use of urban space, public architecture, and representations of civic ideology.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Analyzes the role of religion in the ancient Greek polis with attention to the archaeological evidence for cult practice, the representation of ritual acts in Greek literature, gender difference and religious ideology, and the ritual of life cycle.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Examines in depth the nature of economic activity in the Greco-Roman world. Places particular emphasis on the employment of general models to understand the ancient economy, and how textual and archaeological evidence has been used to develop and evaluate these models.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Systematic survey of the archaeological remains of the buried city of Pompeii. Uses the unique evidence offered by Pompeii to examine the nature of municipal life in Roman Italy, including society, economy, politics, and private life.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Explores the development of early Christianity in the context of the changing Roman Empire. Begins with the life of Jesus, considering him as a subject of Rome and continuing through the development of Christian communities in the first�third century A.D. Roman Empire.
Credits: 5
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Introduces ancient Greek, studying the essential grammar and readings in a variety of simple texts. Also deals with the Greeks� linguistic and historical background, and the cultural milieu in which the great literary and philosophical works were created. Same as RSP 110, RSP 120.
Credits: 5
Semester:
Prerequisites: GR 101
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Introduces ancient Greek, studying the essential grammar and readings in a variety of simple texts. Also deals with the Greeks� linguistic and historical background, and the cultural milieu in which the great literary and philosophical works were created. Same as RSP 110, RSP 120.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Advanced work in grammar and composition together with readings from prose and poetry. Includes selections from a wide range of authors in order to demonstrate the diversity and appeal of Greek literature. Emphasizes developing reading ability.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: GR 201
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Advanced work in grammar and composition together with readings from prose and poetry. Includes selections from a wide range of authors in order to demonstrate the diversity and appeal of Greek literature. Emphasizes developing reading ability.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Selections from the Iliad and the Odyssey. Emphasizes improving reading ability.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Selections from Herodotus� Histories, and representative Greek poets, such as Sappho, Alcman, and Pindar. Emphasizes improving reading ability.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. Selections from Thucydides� Pelopennesian War.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. Selections from Plato�s dialogues, such as Apology, Crito, Republic, Phaedrus.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. Readings from the great Athenian dramatists, including Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. Slander, murder, and innuendo�great political speeches and courtroom dramas from the ancient world. Selections from Lysias, Isocrates, Demosthenes, etc.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. Selections could include Plato, Herodotus, Thucydides, oratory, the Greek novel, the New Testament.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. Greece�s great lyric poets, including Sappho, Bacchylides, Alcman, Pindar, selections from Greek Anthology.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
For advanced undergraduates. Topic varies from semester to semester.
Credits: 5
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Introduces Latin; the reading of simple texts by various Roman authors. Also deals with Roman culture and civilization, and with the influence of Latin in English vocabulary.
Credits: 5
Semester:
Prerequisites: LAT 101
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Introduces Latin; the reading of simple texts by various Roman authors. Also deals with Roman culture and civilization, and with the influence of Latin in English vocabulary.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Advanced work in Latin grammar with readings from Latin prose and poetry. Includes selections from a wide range of authors in order to demonstrate the richness, diversity, and appeal of Latin literature. Emphasizes developing reading ability.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: LAT 201
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Advanced work in Latin grammar with readings from Latin prose and poetry. Includes selections from a wide range of authors in order to demonstrate the richness, diversity, and appeal of Latin literature. Emphasizes developing reading ability.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Selections from the work of Ovid, which includes Metamorphoses, Ars Amatoria, Herodies, Fasti, and other poems. Emphasizes improving reading ability.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Selections from the Latin lyric poets, from Horace and Catullus to poetry of the early Middle Ages. Emphasizes improving reading ability.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. Selections from the Roman satirical writers Horace, Juvenal, and Persius.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. Love poetry by Ovid, Propertius, Tibullus.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. Slander, murder, and innuendo from the Roman world. Political speeches and courtroom oratory by Cicero, the Roman world�s greatest public speaker.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. Selections from Lucretius� philosophical epic poem De Rerum Natura, with a discussion of the Greek philosopher Epicurus�s influence.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. Selections from Sallust, Livy, Tacitus, Caesar, Cicero, Apuleius, and Petronius.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. Selections from such writers as Livy, Tacitus, Caesar, Cicero, Apuleius, and Petronius.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. The origins of the sitcom? Selections from the Roman comic writers Plautus and Terence.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. Readings from Rome�s greatest poet, Virgil, including selections from Eclogues, Georgies, and Aeneid.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For advanced undergraduates. Selections from authors from the first century A.D., including Lucan, Petronius, Silius, Italicus, Martial, Satius, and others.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
View Schedule
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
For advanced undergraduates. Topic varies from semester to semester.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
View Schedule
Engages two distinct, and yet ultimately complimentary tasks: the reading of and stylistics analysis of selected Latin prose texts.
Updated: Apr 12, 2006 11:03:58 AM