Catalog 2023-2024

Classics

Teaching Faculty

Professors Campolo and Resinski (chair)
Associate Professor Rauh
 

 

Description

The program in Classics encourages students to develop a multi-faceted view of Greek and Roman antiquity through an interdisciplinary study of language, literature, history, and philosophy. Courses offered under the CLAS designation require no knowledge of Latin and/or Greek. Courses in Latin, Greek, and Classics provide students with the opportunity to learn about the language, history, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.

Major in Classics

11 courses distributed as follows:

  • 4 Latin and/or Greek language courses with at least 1 at the 200-level or above
  • CLAS 200 Classical Mythology
  • CLAS/HIST 301 Greek Civilization
  • CLAS/HIST 302 Roman Civilization
  • 1 of the following
    • CLAS/PHIL 285  Ancient Philosophy
    • CLAS/PHIL 318  Stoics, Skeptics, and Epicureans
  • 1 of the following
    • CLAS 490  Adv Topics in Classical Literature
    • CLAS 495  Adv Topics in Classical History
  • 2 elective courses chosen from offerings in Latin, Greek, and/or Classics (including courses cross-listed with Classics) 
  • At least 4 total courses must be 300-level or above

Note(s):

Students interested in graduate coursework in Classics should plan to take as many 300-level language courses as possible.

 

Senior Capstone Experience

The Senior Capstone Experience is a two-part examination. The exam includes a written component based on key concepts in the field and an oral component wherein students discuss with faculty a classics-oriented project they have completed. This project does not need to be something in addition to students' regular coursework or Odyssey projects. This can be any curricular or co-curricular project that the student selects from their time at Hendrix.

Minor in Classics

6 courses distributed as follows:

  • 6 courses in Latin, Greek, and Classics
  • 1 course in Latin or Greek at the 200 level or above

Program Course Listings

The courses for this program are organized into the following categories:

Classics Courses

Classes with the code CLAS are taught entirely in English and require no knowledge of Latin or Greek.

 

CLAS 200

Classical Mythology

A study of Greek and/or Roman mythology, particularly the structure and dynamics of the mythological cosmos and the roles assigned to mortals and immortals within it. No prerequisite.

Literary Studies LS
Values, Beliefs and Ethics VA
CLAS 250

Etymology and Philology

A study of word origins and particularly of the Latin and Greek elements of English words. This course aims to cultivate a curiosity about words and the development of the English language. No prerequisite.

CLAS 285

Ancient Philosophy

Study of ancient Western philosophers and philosophical systems. Subjects may include the Presocratics, Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, and Neo-Platonism. Cross-listed as PHIL 285.

Values, Beliefs and Ethics VA
CLAS 290

Topics in Classical Literature

A focused study of aspects of Greek and Roman literature which may include a consideration of the reception of Classical literature in later time periods. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Recent section topics include Myth in Children’s & Young Adult Literature and The Trojan War in Ancient & Modern Literature. Consult the online course schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught.

Literary Studies LS
CLAS 294

Topics in Classical History

A focused study of aspects of Greek and Roman history. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Recent section topics include Tyranny & Liberty and Catastrophe & Collapse. No prerequisite. Cross-listed as HIST 294. Cross-listed as CLAS 294.

Historical Perspectives HP
CLAS M21

Murphy Tutorial in Literature

Students pursue in-depth exploration of a literary topic from Greek or Roman antiquity or Classical adaptation/reception studies. Course readings are in English. The course, taught in one-hour weekly sessions, has a low faculty-to-student ratio (1:2 or 1:3) and stresses, writing, reading, peer critiquing, and oral presentation skills. It culminates in a group activity such as a field trip, student symposium, engaged-learning project, or gathering with other tutorial pairs. This course is open only to Murphy Scholars in Literature and Language.

CLAS 301

Greek Civilization

An integrated survey of the history, society, art, and literature of ancient Greece, from the Bronze Age to Alexander the Great. No prerequisite. Cross-listed as HIST 301.

Historical Perspectives HP
CLAS 302

Roman Civilization

An integrated survey of the history, society, art, and literature of ancient Rome, from the early Republic to the height of the Roman Empire. No prerequisite. Cross-listed as HIST 302.

Historical Perspectives HP
CLAS 318

Stoics, Skeptics, and Epicureans

A philosophical exploration of these three post-Platonic traditions in ancient philosophy. Prerequisite: A previous course in philosophy or classics, or consent of instructor

A previous course in philosophy or classics, or consent of instructor
Values, Beliefs and Ethics VA
CLAS M31

Murphy Tutorial Topics

Students pursue in-depth exploration of a literary topic from Greek or Roman antiquity or Classical adaptation/reception studies. Course readings are in English. The course, taught in one-hour weekly sessions, has a low faculty-to-student ratio (1:2 or 1:3) and stresses, writing, reading, peer critiquing, and oral presentation skills. It culminates in a group activity such as a field trip, student symposium, engaged-learning project, or gathering with other tutorial pairs. This course is open only to Murphy Scholars in Literature and Language.

CLAS 490

Adv Topics in Classical Literature

A focused study of aspects of Greek and Roman literature which may include a consideration of the reception of Classical literature in later time periods. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Recent section topics include Classics & Trollope and Myth in Children’s & Young Adult Literature. Consult the online course schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught.

Literary Studies LS
Writing Level 2 W2
CLAS 495

Adv Topics in Classical History

A focused study of aspects of Greek and Roman History. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Recent section topics include Heroes & Villains. Consult the online course schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught.

Historical Perspectives HP
Writing Level 2 W2
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Greek Courses

Courses in Greek provide students with the opportunity to learn about the language, history, and culture of ancient Greece.

GREE 110

Fundamentals of Ancient Greek I

An introduction to the basic grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Ancient Greek, the language of Classical and New Testament authors. No prerequisite.

GREE 120

Fundamentals of Ancient Greek II

A continuation of GREE 110. By the end of the course, students read passages of Greek literature, both Classical and Biblical, in the original. Prerequisite: GREE 110 or the equivalent

GREE 110 or the equivalent
Language LA
GREE 210

Readings in Greek

Focus on the translation of Ancient Greek texts, with an emphasis on the strengthening of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Topics and authors vary by semester. Prerequisite: GREE 120 or the equivalent

GREE 120 or the equivalent
GREE 390

Topics in Greek Literature

A topics course focused on the translation and interpretation of Ancient Greek texts. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Recent section topics include Xenophon, Odyssey, Philostratus, and Herodotus. Consult the online course schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught. Prerequisite: GREE 210 or consent of instructor

GREE 210 or consent of instructor
Literary Studies LS
GREE 410

Adv Reading/Research in Greek Lit

A course in which the translation and interpretation of Greek texts is combined with the reading and analysis of current scholarship; the course culminates in a research project and portfolio. Specific topics and authors vary by semester. Prerequisite: a 300-level Greek course or permission of the instructor; open to seniors majoring or minoring in Classics

a 300-level Greek course or permission of the instructor; open to seniors majoring or minoring in Classics
Literary Studies LS
Undergraduate Research UR
Writing Level 2 W2
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Latin Courses

Courses in Latin provide students with the opportunity to learn about the language, history, and culture of ancient Rome. See the Classics section of the Catalog for information about courses in Classics as well as the Classics major and minor.

LATI 110

Fundamentals of Latin I

An introduction to the basic grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Latin. No prerequisite.

LATI 120

Fundamentals of Latin II

A continuation of Latin 110. By the end of the course, students read passages of Latin literature in the original. Prerequisite: Latin 110 or the equivalent

Latin 110 or the equivalent
Language LA
LATI 210

Readings in Latin

Focus on the translation of Latin texts, with an emphasis on the strengthening of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Topics and authors vary by semester. Prerequisite: LATI 120 or the equivalent

LATI 120 or the equivalent
LATI 390

Topics in Latin Literature

A topics course focused on the translation and interpretation of Latin texts. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Recent section topics include Early Roman Legends; Ceres, Pluto, Proserpina; Cicero. Consult the online course schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught. Prerequisite: LATI 210 or consent of instructor

LATI 210 or consent of instructor
Literary Studies LS
LATI 395

The Vulgate

A study of the Latin Bible involving the translation and interpretation of passages from Vulgate. This course also incorporates engaged learning activities related to book history, paleography, and manuscript culture. Prerequisite: LATI 210 or permission of the instructor

LATI 210 or permission of the instructor
Literary Studies LS
Special Projects SP
LATI 410

Adv Reading/Research in Latin Lit

A course in which the translation and interpretation of Latin texts is combined with the reading and analysis of current scholarship; the course culminates in a research project and portfolio. Specific topics and authors vary by semester. Prerequisite: a 300-level Latin course or permission of the instructor; open to seniors majoring or minoring in Classics

a 300-level Latin course or permission of the instructor; open to seniors majoring or minoring in Classics
Literary Studies LS
Undergraduate Research UR
Writing Level 2 W2
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