The Department of Classical Studies believes that the literature, monuments, and social institutions of the ancient world, together with the reflections of the Greek and Roman thinkers about their own cultures, are of unique value in themselves, well worth our contemplation and understanding; and that as we attempt to learn about and appreciate classical civilization, we necessarily learn as well a variety of contemporary methodologies and disciplines.
The department offers three groups of courses for distribution, those in Classical Civilization (introductory courses that require no knowledge of Greek or Latin), courses in Classical Archaeology, and upper-level language courses in Greek and Latin authors or genres. While only a few courses are repeated in yearly or biennial rotation, most courses are offered less regularly. This system guarantees that the instructor approaches the subject each time with fresh impetus. We believe in a healthy change and variation in our course offerings.
Classical Civilization offerings include the general surveys of Greek and Roman civilizations (CC 101 and 102), which provide (through readings, lectures, and discussions) a broad understanding of the literatures, thought, and social development of ancient Greece and Rome, and thus provide the student with knowledge of and appreciation for our cultural origins, as well as an acquaintance with modern methods for understanding an ancient culture. These courses are taught each year. CC 101 is offered in the Fall and CC 102 is offered in the Winter. Other courses provide understanding of particular aspects of the ancient world, approached from a variety of disciplines and studies - literary, philosophical, historical, sociological, and so on. Some students (particularly those who have already developed special interests in such disciplines) may wish to explore one of these topics without having had a broader introduction.
Classical Archaeology offerings include the broad surveys of the archaeology and monuments of Greece (Cl.Arch 221 - offered in the Fall) and Rome (Cl.Arch 222 - offered in the Winter) and a general introduction to archaeological field methods (Cl.Arch 323). Other courses use the material remains of specific cultures both to introduce students to the diversity of the ancient world and to demonstrate how, through a variety of multi-disciplinary approaches, the archaeological record can be used to reconstruct the life-ways of past societies.
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Elementary Courses
Two convictions are basic to the Elementary Latin Program of the Department of Classical Studies: (1) it is possible for every able-minded person to master the basic facts of a foreign language and (2) the learning experience leading to such a mastery is a privilege that is very specifically human and ought to be most satisfying. Essential facts of morphology, syntax, semantics, vocabulary, history and culture are taught, and a knowledge of these facts enables students to understand Latin written by the famous authors of the Golden Age. Since at least 50% of the vocabulary of an educated speaker of English is Latin in origin, English vocabulary improves as Latin stems and derivatives are learned. The program normally takes four terms to complete. A placement test may be taken at the beginning or end of a term, and a student may succeed in placing out of one or more courses in the introductory sequence.
In the Elementary Latin Program, the department is offering Latin 101, 102, 193, 231, and 232. Latin 101 (see below) is for students with little or no previous Latin. A placement examination will determine the appropriate course for other students who enter the elementary sequence. Students with questions about which course to elect are encouraged to visit Professor Knudsvig in 2147 Angell Hall, 764-8297.
101. Elementary Latin. No credit
granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 103, 193, or 502.
(4). (LR).
All of the assigned tasks/exercises in Latin 101 are directed toward the
reading and translation of Classical Latin and not toward writing or conversation.
The course has as its primary objective the acquisition of a fundamental
understanding of basic Latin grammar and the development of basic reading
skills. The text for the course is Knudsvig, Seligson, and Craig, Latin
for Reading. Latin 101 covers approximately the first half of the text.
Grading is based on quizzes, class participation, hour examinations, and
a final. Cost:1 WL:3
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102. Elementary Latin. Latin
101. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 193
or 502. (4). (LR).
All of the assigned tasks/exercises in Latin 102 are directed toward the
reading and translation of Classical Latin and not toward writing or conversation.
The course continues the presentation of the essentials of the Latin language
as it covers the last half of Knudsvig, Seligson, and Craig, Latin for
Reading. Extended reading selections from Plautus (comedy) and Eutropius
(history) are introduced. Grading is based on class participation, quizzes,
hour examinations, and a final. Cost:1 WL:3
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193. Intensive Elementary Latin I. No
credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 101, 102,
103 or 502. (4). (Excl).
This course is a rapid introduction to Latin and is intended for students
with little or no prior Latin. Upperclass undergraduates in such fields
as history, medieval or renaissance literature, or linguistics and who need
to acquire a reading competence in Latin as quickly and as efficiently as
possible should elect this course. So should other undergraduates who intend
to continue the study of Latin and want a rapid introduction that enables
them to take upper-level Latin courses as soon as possible. (Note: completion
of 193-194 alone does not satisfy the undergraduate language requirement).
This first term course covers elementary grammar and syntax. Cost:1 WL:1
(D.O. Ross)
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231. Introduction to Latin Prose. Latin
102 or 103. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled
in 194, 222, or 503. (4). (LR).
This course reviews grammar as it introduces students to extended passages
of classical Latin prose through selections from several authors of the
first centuries B.C. and A.D., but primarily from Pliny the Younger. Class
discussions center upon the readings. Some course materials require the
use of a computer. Grading is based on class participation, quizzes, hour
examinations, and a final. Cost:1 WL:3
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232. Vergil, Aeneid. Latin
231 or 221. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled
in 194, 222, or 503. (4). (LR).
The goal of this course is simple: to learn to read extensive passages of
the greatest work of Latin literature, Vergil's Aeneid, with comprehension
and enjoyment. This course will ask you to bring together and apply the
knowledge and skills you have acquired up to this point and to build on
these as you learn to read poetry. There will be some grammar review as
necessary. You will also study Vergil's epic poem in English translation.
By term's end you should have both a good understanding and appreciation
of what the Aeneid is all about and an ability to handle a Latin
passage of the poem with control and comprehension. Grading is based on
class participation, quizzes, hour exams, and a final. Cost:2 WL:1 (001:
Staff; 002: Wallin)
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Intermediate Courses
301. Intermediate Latin I. Latin
194, 222, or 232. (3). (HU).
The course aims to make a careful study of specific texts and to assist
students to acquire a coherent knowledge of Latin grammar by a systematic
review of morphology and syntax. Two Latin books (one in prose, the other
in verse) will be read and studied. (The texts may change from year to year:
examples are Cicero's Pro Caelio or In Catilinam and selections
from Catullus' poems.) In the translation of the texts, grammar and style
will be emphasised and assignments drawn from the texts will be given on
these aspects. The interpretation will cover matters literary, social, and
historical, and thus provide a kind of introduction to the study of Latin
literature, and through literature, of Roman culture. There will be quizzes,
a mid-term, and a final examination. It is expected that at the end of the
course students will have mastered enough morphology and the most important
elements of Latin syntax to be able to tackle the more advanced courses
offered in Latin. Cost: 3 WL: 3/4 (K. Garbrah)
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