Course Catalog 2012-2013
Professor Timothy Hofmeister, Chair
Professor Timothy P. Hofmeister; Associate Professor Garrett Jacobsen; Assistant Professor Rebecca Kennedy; Academic Administrative Assistant Becky Woods
The Department of Classics offers courses in the languages and culture of classical antiquity. The curriculum focuses on traditional elements of classical philology in Greek and Latin, but at the same time, through the study of major classical authors and literary genres, students are introduced to the intellectual, social, and cultural milieu of classical antiquity. As a discipline with a long tradition in the liberal arts, we encourage interdisciplinary approaches to understanding, and we emphasize the development of analytical skills applicable in universal situations. From the Homeric world of gods and heroes to the politics and society of Imperial Rome, students become engaged with a civilization both familiar and alien, as they confront the continuities and discontinuities of western society. The department offers majors and minors in ancient Greek (GRK), Latin (LAT), and in Classics (CLAS).
The major in ancient Greek (GRK) provides students with the skills and knowledge to read a variety of authors and genres, from Homeric Greek to the 'koine' of the New Testament. In addition to elementary and intermediate ancient Greek courses that may fulfill the General Education requirement in Foreign Languages, the curriculum focuses on the major authors and genres of ancient Greek literature, especially those of fifth century and fourth century BCE Athens. The 300 level seminars include the study of literature as a lens for understanding Hellenic culture, incorporating the concepts and methods of modern critical theory. The major in Greek will enable students to pursue post-undergraduate study in ancient Greek. However, those who are interested in a doctoral degree in Classics should be aware that undergraduate preparation must include the study of Latin beyond the elementary and intermediate levels. To major in ancient Greek, students must complete 24 credits in ancient Greek (GRK), 8 credits in Latin (LAT), 4 credits of either CLAS 201 or CLAS 301 (a topic related to Ancient Greece), a minimum of 4 credits of Senior Research (GRK 451-452), and the 1 credit Senior Classics Symposium (CLAS 440), including the Senior Comprehensive Examination.
To minor in ancient Greek, students must complete 20 credits in ancient Greek (GRK), and 4 credits of either CLAS 201 or CLAS 301 (a topic related to Ancient Greece)
The Department of Classics requires all majors (GRK, LAT, or CLAS) to pass a Senior Comprehensive Examination. This is a written and oral examination administered by the staff of the department, and it is completed in conjunction with the Senior Classics Symposium (CLAS 440). In preparation for the examination students will meet in a seminar taught by the staff, completing a syllabus of readings as the basis for a comprehensive examination on the literature, history, and culture of classical antiquity. This examination will also include a translation section, individualized according to each student's major language (GRK or LAT) or languages (CLAS). Students will also share the progress and results of Senior Research projects within the Senior Classics Symposium.
Elementary Greek (GRK-111). An introduction to the fundamental morphology and syntax of ancient Greek. Exercises in grammar and translation are based primarily upon quotations from Greek literature and the New Testament. No prerequisites. (Offered Fall only) 4
Intermediate Greek (GRK-112). Advanced study of ancient Greek grammar and language. Emphasis is given to the development of translation skills by reading extended passages of Greek. Prerequisite: GRK 111. (Offered Spring only) 4
Introductory Topics in Greek (GRK-199). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4
Greek Prose & Poetry (GRK-211). Readings from ancient Greek. Selections range from Homer to the New Testament. Prerequisite: GRK 112 or consent of instructor. (Offered Fall only) 4
Greek Orators (GRK-301). Selections from the speeches of Lysias and Demosthenes. Special attention is paid to the social and historical context of persuasion in ancient Greece. Prerequisites: GRK 211, previous enrollment in Greek 300-level, or consent of instructor. 4
Greek Comedy (GRK-302). Selected plays of Aristophanes and Menander. This course considers the context of performance of Old and New Comedy, the changing historical background, and the evolution of the audience in Athens. Prerequisites: GRK 211, previous enrollment in Greek 300-level, or consent of instructor. 4
Greek Historians (GRK-311). Study of the works of Herodotus and Thucydides. Both are read as examples of Greek historiography and as sources for Greek history. Prerequisites: GRK 211, previous enrollment in Greek 300-level, or consent of instructor. 4
Greek Elegiac and Lyric Poetry (GRK-312). Readings from the body of extant Greek elegy and lyric. Emphasis is on the context of oral performance of early Greek poetry. Prerequisites: GRK 211, previous enrollment in Greek 300-level, or consent of instructor. 4
Greek Epic (GRK-321). Study of either the Iliad or Odyssey of Homer. Some attention will also be given to the subsequent development of the epic poem within Western literary tradition. Prerequisites: GRK 211, previous enrollment in Greek 300-level, or consent of instructor. 4
Greek Tragedy (GRK-322). A careful reading of one play by each of the three great tragic poets: Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Prerequisites: GRK 211, previous enrollment in Greek 300-level, or consent of instructor. 4
Plato (GRK-331). Study of a major dialogue. The focus will be on the philosophical argument of the text, with additional consideration of Plato as literary artist. Prerequisites: GRK 211, previous enrollment in Greek 300-level, or consent of instructor. 4
Readings in the New Testament (GRK-332). Reading of one book of the Gospels or The Revelation of John. Prerequisites: GRK 211, previous enrollment in Greek 300-level, or consent of instructor. 4
Topics in Greek Language and Literature (GRK-341). An examination of a particular genre, theme, or topic in the language and literature of ancient Greek. For example, "Sophists, Signs, and Saviors." Prerequisites: GRK 211, previous enrollment in Greek 300-level, or consent of instructor. 4
Directed Study (GRK-361). Prerequisite: GRK 211 or consent of instructor. 1-4
Directed Study (GRK-362). Prerequisite: GRK 211 or consent of instructor. 1-4
Independent Study (GRK-363). Prerequisite: GRK 211 or consent of instructor. 1-4
Independent Study (GRK-364). Prerequisite: GRK 211 or consent of instructor. 1-4