Classics courses and programs

MINOR in classical studies is 24 credits earned as follows:

• 18 from Classics, Latin, or Greek; or PHIL 1601
• 6 from Classics, Latin, or Greek at the 3/4000 level

Students may choose a minor program with an emphasis on ancient history, classical literature, or art and archaeology.

MINOR in Greek is 24 credits earned as follows:

• 18 from GREK 1001, 1101, 2001, 2101, and Greek at the 3000 level
• 6 from Greek, Latin, or Classics

MINOR in Latin is 24 credits earned as follows:

• 18 from LATI 1001, 1101, 2001, 2101, and Latin at the 3000 level
• 6 from Greek, Latin, or Classics

MAJOR in classical studies is 60 credits earned as follows:

• 6 from LATI 1001, 1101, GREK 1001, 1101 3
• 6 from Classics, Greek, Latin, of which 24 must be from the 3/4000 level
• 18 from complementary courses in Arts and Letters and Humanities (or others), chosen in consultation with the program advisor

HONOURS in classical studies is 72 credits earned as follows:

• 12 from LATI 1001, 1101, GREK 1001, 1101
• 6 from LATI 2001, 2101, GREK 2001, 2101
• 6 from Greek/Latin at the 3000/4000 level OR CLAS 4950/4951
• 48 from Classics/Greek/Latin, of which 33 must be at the 3/4000 level

CLAS 1631:  Greece & Rome: The Foundations of Western Civilization 
Instructor: Dr. B. Robertson

The political and social history of ancient Greece and Rome will be surveyed with a focus on the themes of Law, Politics, War, and Society. Special attention will be paid to Athens in the fifth and fourth centuries B.C.E. and to Rome under Caesar Augustus. (3 credits) [Note: This course is cross-listed with HIST 1631 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
 
 
CLAS 2411:  Hero’s Quest: Greek and Roman Epic Poetry 
Instructor: Dr. C. Forstall

This course presents the canonical works of the Greek and Roman Epic traditions: the Trojan war and the rage of Achilles, the wanderings of Odysseus, Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece, and Aeneas' search for a Roman homeland. Students read the original authors in English translation: Homer, Virgil, and Apollonius of Rhodes. The course also introduces key analytical skills necessary for research in the humanities, with a special focus on critical close reading, effective argumentation, and citation of primary sources. (3 credits) (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
 
 
CLAS 2501:  Introduction to Archaeology 
Instructor:  Dr. I. Battiloro
 
An introduction to the methods of archaeological excavation. This course aims to acquaint the student with the theory and basic techniques of archaeology. Examples showing both past and present archaeological research done in the Old and New Worlds will be used to illustrate the topics under discussion. (3 credits) (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)  

 

CLAS 2991: Gender and Sexuality in the Ancient World
Instructor: L. Harris
 
This class explores how the categories of gender and sexuality were defined, represented, enforced, and transgressed in ancient Greek and Roman literature. We will use readings including Homer, Ovid, archaic lyric, fifth century drama, Platonic philosophy, and more to ask questions about how Greeks and Romans thought about and imagined identity, desire, sexual behaviour, and gender. How were gender roles defined and challenged? How was identity understood, created, and negotiated? What evidence exists for women’s perspectives? What were appropriate sexual acts? What evidence do we have for trans, nonbinary, and other marginalized gender or sexual identities? How do ancient texts speak in dialogue with the perspectives and expectations we as 21st century readers bring to these works?
 
 
CLAS 3001: Democracy & Imperialism in Classical Greece
Instructor: Dr. B. Robertson
 
An examination of archaic and classical Greek history and civilization from the emergence of the polis to the fall of the Athenian empire. Main themes include the development of political institutions, warfare, and gender relations. Emphasis is placed on historical methods and the interpretation of ancient evidence. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with HIST 3001 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)  



CLAS 3201: Greek Tragedy
Instructor: Dr. C. Forstall

A study of Greek tragic drama as it developed in Athens of the fifth century B.C.E. The course will examine (in translation) the main surviving plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)  


CLAS 3631: Greek Art and Archaeology

Instructor:  Dr. I. Battiloro  

This course introduces the art of the ancient Greek world - urban planning, architecture (private and public), sculpture, painting, minor arts - from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period. It engages the analyzed monuments and artifacts within the political, economic, religious, intellectual, and social context in which they were created. It uses this contextual approach as a framework for a more comprehensive understanding of art and artistic movements in their diachronic development. It considers other themes such as the way we experience ancient Greek culture today, and questions about archaeological investigative practice, the antiquities trade, and cultural heritage. [Note 1: This course may count as 3 credits in Art History only towards the BA programs in Fine Arts and Art History. Note 2: This course is cross-listed with VMCS 3631 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) (Exclusions: CLAS 3601; CLAS 3611)
 

GREK 1001: Introductory Ancient Greek I

Instructor: Dr. C. Forstall  

This course introduces the grammar and vocabulary of ancient Greek for students with no previous knowledge of the language. Through grammatical exercises, composition, and the reading of prescribed texts, it develops a basic understanding of the language of classical Athens. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Tutorial 1 Hour) (Exclusion: GREK 1000)  
LATI 1001: Introductory Latin I
Instructor:  Dr. I. Battiloro  An introduction to basic Latin grammar and vocabulary for students with no previous knowledge of the language. This course is based on readings which present not only the fundamentals of Latin but also the Roman world in which it was used. Some effort is made to show the connections between Latin and modern languages (English, French, Spanish). Three class periods per week, plus a fourth hour to be arranged after classes have begun. (3 credits) (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Tutorial 1 Hour) (Exclusion: LATI 1000)  
LATI 2001: Intermediate Latin
Instructor: Dr. B. Robertson  This course introduces students to the reading of unadapted passages from ancient authors. While the emphasis is on developing a fluency in reading Latin, it also reviews basic Latin grammar and presents some more advanced grammar and syntax. Prereq: LATI 1101; or permission of the Department. Format: Lecture 3 Hours.
 
LATI 2101: Readings in Latin Literature
Instructor: TBD
A reading of selected works by Latin authors. This course will acquaint the student with some of the forms of ancient prose and poetry. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) Requisites: LATI 2001; or permission of the Department - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

CLAS 1651:  Classic Mythology: Gods, Goddesses, and the Creation of Order 
Instructor: Dr. C. Forstall

An introduction to the gods and goddesses of classical myth in the literature, art, and religion of ancient Greece and Rome. The course will examine cosmogonies and divine myths in order to shed light on the views held by the Greeks and Romans about the nature of the relationship between mortal and immortal. 
(3 credits) Format:  Lecture 3 Hours

CLAS 2021:  Alexander the Great 
Instructor:  Dr. B Robertson

An examination of the career of Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic era that followed his conquest of the eastern Mediterranean. Among the main themes included will the goals of Alexander, the new political climate of kingship and patronage that he helped create, the interaction of the Greeks with the civilizations of Egypt and the East, and the integration of new cultural ideas into Greek society. (3 credits) [Note: This course is cross-listed with HIST 2021 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] Format:  Lecture 3 Hours
Exclusion: CLAS/HIST 3011

CLAS 2521: The Archaeology of Daily Life in the Greek and Roman World 
Instructor:  Dr. I. Battiloro

An examination of the evidence used by archaeologists to recreate the social history of ancient Greece and Rome. The course will consider how archaeology can shed light on such topics as the lives of men, women, and children; the home; government; the economy; the army; and entertainment. (3 credits) Format:  Lecture 3 Hours

CLAS 3211: Greek and Roman Comedy
Instructor: Dr. C. Forstall

A study of Greek and Roman comic drama (in translation) as represented by the work of Aristophanes, Menander, Plautus, and Terence. (Format: Lecture 2 Hours) Requisites: Second-year standing; 3 credits from CLAS, HIST at the 1/2000 level; or permission of the Department - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

CLAS 3991A: Greek and Roman Slavery 
Instructor: Dr. B. Robertson

This course examines the lives of Greek and Roman slaves alongside the evolving social and political institutions that formalized their status. By exploring the economic function of slavery and the concept of a "slave society," the curriculum investigates how historical milestones—such as Athenian democracy and the rise of Christianity—both transformed and accommodated the institution. Finally, the course provides critical comparative analysis, drawing parallels between classical systems and more recent structures like the ante-bellum South or Russian serfdom.

CLAS 3991B: Roman Dress and Adornment 
Instructor: L. Harris

Every day when we get dressed we choose how we present ourselves and how others will understand us. This course will explore how the Romans dressed and adorned their bodies and what that meant to them. Through the lens of clothing, students will learn about ancient ideas of status, gender, foreignness, and empire, as well as how and by whom ancient clothing and textiles were made and used. Students will examine a range of literary, art, and archaeological sources as well as take part in hands-on activities to understand the textiles and clothing of the Roman world.

GREK 1101: Introductory Ancient Greek II 
Instructor: Dr. B. Robertson

A continuation of the study of the ancient Greek language. This course adds new grammar and continues to build vocabulary, while concentrating on the development of a reading facility in ancient Greek. Three class periods per week, plus a fourth hour to be arranged after classes have begun. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Tutorial 1 Hour) (Exclusion: GREK 1000) Requisites: GREK 1001; or permission of the Department - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

LATI 1101: Introductory Latin II
Instructor: Dr. B. Scarfo

A continuation of the study of the Latin language. While adding new grammar, this course concentrates on reading comprehension and vocabulary building. Three class periods per week, plus a fourth hour to be arranged after classes have begun. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Tutorial 1 Hour) (Exclusion: LATI 1000) Prereq: LATI 1001; or permission of the Department.