Additional Course Information
Spring 2013
Suggestions for the Spring Semester 2013:
For first-year students and sophomores, CLS 113, CLS 117, CLS 242, and/or an appropriate-level Latin or Greek course are good choices.
Juniors and seniors should consider a Greek and/or Latin course at the appropriate level and an advanced Classics course (CLS 421).
All faculty members can be reached via e-mail and will welcome your inquiries!!!
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Sophomores who declare a major or minor in the Department of Classics are eligible to compete for the 2013 Departmental Summer Foreign Travel Award.
The major and minor programs in the Department of Classics can be found in the catalog.
Courses for the Spring Semester 2013
Ancient Greek
GRK 102 Elementary Ancient Greek II – MWF 9:00-9:50 – Strolonga
GRK 102 continues the study of the basic grammar and syntax of classical Greek. Prerequisite: GRK 101 or placement.
GRK 202 Introduction to Greek Poetry – WF 8:30-9:50 – Biles
Reading of Euripides’ Medea in its entirety. Emphasis on translation skills and understanding of poetic meter, diction, syntax. In addition, introduction to tragic genre, with particular emphasis on literary antecedents of tragedy and the place of Euripidean tragedy in Athenian society during the fifth century BC. Prerequisite: GRK 201 or placement.
GRK 320 Greek Philosophy - Plato – Tutorial – Houser
An examination of a Platonic dialogue with emphasis on translation, interpretation, evaluating scholarship, and research.
Latin
LAT 102 Elementary Latin II –
Section A: MWF 8:00-8:50 – Strolonga
Section B: MWF 10:00-10:50 – O’Bryhim
LAT 102 continues and completes the study of the basic grammar and syntax of classical Latin. Prerequisite: LAT 101 or placement.
LAT 103 Accelerated Latin – MWF 12:30-1:20 – Biles
This course covers the material of the year-long course in elementary Latin (LAT 101 and 102) in one semester. It is intended for highly motivated students and for students with previous experience in high-school Latin. Class time will be devoted to instruction in grammar and drills, while towards the end of the semester we will read excerpts from Caesar’s Gallic War. Prerequisite: placement or permission of the instructor.
LAT 202 Introduction to Latin Poetry – TR 10:00-11:20 – O’Bryhim
The primary aim of LAT 202 is to strengthen the student’s knowledge of the Latin language. It is also a literature course and as such includes a study of rhetorical and literary terms, an introduction to scansion, and essays by modern critics. The text is Catullus. Prerequisite: LAT 201 or placement.
LAT 311 Latin Historians: Livy – TR 2:15-3:35 - Meyers
An examination of selections from Livy’s Ab urbe condita, with an emphasis on translation, interpretation, evaluating scholarship, and research.
***We will offer GRK 101 and LAT 101 in Fall ‘12, so students may begin their study of either or both languages then!***
History
CLS 113 History of Ancient Greece – MWF 11:00-11:50 – Castor
Ancient Greece from the Bronze Age to the death of Alexander the Great, in the Mediterranean and Near Eastern context. Students are also introduced to the problems and methods of historical inquiry. Same as HIS 113.
CLS 421 Alexander the Great – WF 2:30-3:50 – Castor
At age 20, a young prince inherited the rich and powerful kingdom of Macedon upon the assassination of his father. Thirteen years later, he had conquered territory from Greece to India and was worshipped as a god. Such unimaginable accomplishments can be matched only by Alexander’s own extreme personality. What qualities or talents did Alexander have that allowed him to achieve such success? This question has intrigued historians, philosophers, and biographers since his own time. We will consult a variety of ancient sources – texts, images, archaeological remains – in order to study the historical and cultural circumstances of the era, the personality of the man, and the history of his legend. Prerequisite: CLS 113 and/or permission of the instructor. Same as HIS 421.
Art and Archaeology
CLS 117 Roman Art and Archaeology – MWF 10:00-10:50 – Meyers
This course provides an overview of the archaeological monuments of ancient Rome. Coursework will focus on methodological approaches to analyzing building techniques, trends, and styles, and the social, political, and religious functions of art and monumental architecture in ancient Roman society. Topics covered in lecture and classroom discussion will include archaeological and art historical interpretations of sacred and public architecture, urbanism, three-dimensional sculpture, relief sculpture, painting, and decorative arts. There is a required field trip. Same as ART 149.
Courses in Translation
CLS 242 Gender and Sexuality in Antiquity – TR 12:45-2:05 – Meyers
The aim of this course is to explore the cultural constructions of gender and sexuality in the ancient societies of Greece and Rome. We will approach questions such as the status of women and the context of misogyny, the societal role of same-sex relations, the presentation and visualization of sexuality, desire and the body. We will examine archaeological, visual and literary evidence through assigned reading and class discussion. This interdisciplinary approach will allow us to gain an understanding of gender and sexuality in antiquity and will offer insights into the shaping of our own cultural and personal attitudes. Same as WGS 242.
CLS 381 Plato – TR 12:45-2:05 – Franklin
An intensive treatment of some of the major philosophical themes in selected dialogues of Plato. Prerequisite: PHI/CLS 210. Same as PHI 381.
FND 146 The Meaning and Function of Myth – MWF 11:00-11:50 – O’Bryhim
Why are myths created? How do they reflect the psychology of their creators? How do they serve as a means of social control? How have myths been interpreted and misinterpreted? What role do they play in modern culture? We will investigate these questions and many others in our search for the meaning and function of myth in ancient and modern societies.
Related Courses in Other Departments
Students should consult the listings for the Art, Philosophy, and Religious Studies departments for other courses that might be appropriate for a major or minor in Classics.
Recommended Study-Abroad Programs
A hands-on study of Etruscan material culture, excavation theory and techniques, survey, conservation, and the basic methodology of archaeological research. For complete information, go to http://www.smu.edu/poggio/.
College Year in Athens [Academic Year, One Semester, or Summer]
A study abroad program focused upon the history and civilization of Greece and the East Mediterranean region. Its mission is to offer each student an academically rigorous program of studies combined with the vibrant experience of day-to-day contact with the people, monuments, and landscape of Greece - a rapidly changing country with a uniquely varied past.
Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome [Academic Year or One Semester]
A program that includes courses in Greek, Latin and the Art, Archaeology, and History of Rome. Courses in Renaissance/Baroque Art and in Italian are also available. Students divide their time between classroom work and field trips to the major monuments of Rome, where they often get to go "behind the fence" to see excavations or museum displays inaccessible to tourists. The program also includes guided trips to the sites of Paestum, Pompeii and Sicily.
The Department of Classics recommends that students study abroad in the Spring Semester of their Junior year (i.e., after one year of both Greek and Latin for Greek and Latin majors). However, students may enroll in summer programs at any time.
