Classical Civilizations

Department Website: Classical Civilizations

The Department of Classical Civilizations – one of the oldest at our University – provides undergraduates with access to over 2,500 years of human experience drawn from the multicultural world of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. Classical Civilizations is an interdisciplinary program devoted to the study of that world, with an emphasis on the cultures of Ancient Greece and Rome. These cultures, through their theatre, philosophy, science, and government, helped shape the modern world for good and ill; studying them brings new insight into our own era and lives.

The department offers both a B.A. major (36 credits) and a B.A. minor (23 credits) in Classical Civilizations. All majors and minors are required to complete one (1) lower division and two (2) upper division CLAS courses as part of the degree, one (1) History course on the ancient world (HIST 302-308), as well as a minimum of at least three (3) language courses in either Latin or Greek up to and including the completion of a 201 level class. (Students who arrive with sufficient language proficiency can have some or all of the required language courses waived.) Students who elect to pursue a major degree in this program must choose a focus in either Latin Language & Authors or Greco-Roman Civilization and complete three (3) elective courses among those listed in the catalog as well as a senior thesis (CLAS 499 Senior Thesis; offered in the Fall semester) appropriate to the chosen concentration. Minors are required to select three (3) upper level electives from among those listed in the catalog. The electives encompass a range of disciplines, including history; archaeology; philosophy; religious studies; women, gender and sexuality studies; critical race and ethnic studies, as well as intermediate and advanced Latin and Greek. Majors are required to include at least one (1) course in Greek culture and one (1) course in Roman culture from among the elective offerings. Participating students thus complete a balanced curriculum divided between the study of ancient languages (Latin, Greek) and their contemporary societies. Through this combined focus, students gain a broader comprehension and appreciation of the rich cultural and humanistic heritage stemming from the classical world. The ancients themselves embraced this model of liberal arts education. According to the Roman orator Cicero, such cultural and historical study “illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity.”

The department’s courses are by nature interdisciplinary, with application to the sciences, art, theater, literature, philosophy, religion, politics, and government. Moreover, through addressing relevant issues of gender, identity, sex, ethnicity, and interaction between cultures, the curriculum reaches well beyond the borders of Greece and Rome to embrace other civilizations, including our own. By immersing students in an examination of the languages and ethnically diverse societies of antiquity, the program prepares them for careers within a world that is increasingly diverse, interdependent, and global in outlook, in such fields as politics, ethics, business, law, sciences and education. The department meets the needs of five classes of students: (1) those who wish to pursue a major or minor in Classical Civilizations; (2) those who wish to begin or continue the study of Latin or Greek in support of other majors or in preparation for advanced work in other areas; (3) those who wish to fulfill the College of Arts & Sciences language competency requirement by taking one of the classical languages; (4) those who wish to fulfill their University Core requirements, such as Literature, Global Studies, or Social Justice, by taking courses on the ancient Greeks and Romans; and (5) those who wish to learn about the ancient Greek and Roman world while pursuing other degrees.

Classical Civilizations (BA) Major

Program Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Lower Division
Language Courses		12
LATN 101 & LATN 102	Latin I and Latin II
or LATN 103	Accelerated Elementary Latin
LATN 201	Latin III
GREK 101 & GREK 102	Greek I and Greek II
or GREK 103	Accelerated Elementary Greek
GREK 201 & GREK 102	Greek III and Greek II
or GREK 103	Accelerated Elementary Greek
GREK 151 & GREK 152	Biblical Greek I and Biblical Greek II
GREK 251	Biblical Greek III
CLAS 100-299 (To be completed by the end of the sophomore year)		3
Upper Division ¹
Select two upper division Classical Civilization (CLAS) courses		6
Select one of the following:		3
HIST 302	The Ancient City
HIST 303	Athens in the 5th Century BC
HIST 304	Alexander the Great and the Hellen World
HIST 305	The Roman Republic
HIST 306	The Roman Empire
HIST 307	Archaeology of Ancient Greece
HIST 308	Archaeology of Ancient Rome
Select three elective courses (At least one of the three elective courses must be 300-400 level courses) ¹		9
CLAS 499	Senior Thesis	3
Total Hours		36

¹: Other courses may fulfill this requirement with prior permission from the Department Chair.

*Student select the three (3) elective courses in either:

Latin Language and Authors or Greco-Roman (Greek & Roman) Civilization

Students must complete a concentration in either: Latin Language and Authors or Greco-Roman (Greek & Roman) Civilization

Required Concentration (at least 1):

Concentration in Latin Language and Authors

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
LATN 210	Reading Latin	3
LATN 301	Republican Latin Prose	3
LATN 302	Imperial Latin Prose	3
LATN 303	Republican Latin Poetry	3
LATN 304	Imperial Latin Poetry	3
LATN 305	Vergil	3
LATN 310	Medieval Latin	3
LATN 491	Independent Reading Course	1-6

Concentration in Greco-Roman Civilization

This concentration must include one (1) course in Greek culture and one (1) course in Roman culture.

The following courses fulfill the Greek culture requirement:

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
CLAS 310	Greek Gods and Heroes	3
CLAS 320	The Iliad and the Odyssey	3
CLAS 330	Women in Antiquity	3
CLAS 350	Love Poetry in Antiquity	3
CLAS 370	Peoples and Empires of Turkey	3
CLAS 410	Topics in Greek Civilization	3
GREK 210	Reading Attic Greek	3
GREK 260	Reading New Testament Greek	3
GREK 290	Directed Study	3
GREK 291	Independent Study	3
GREK 491	Independent Reading Course	1-4
HIST 302	The Ancient City	3
HIST 303	Athens in the 5th Century BC	3
HIST 304	Alexander the Great and the Hellen World	3
HIST 307	Archaeology of Ancient Greece	3
PHIL 305	History of Ancient Philosophy	3
PHIL 414	Ancient Concepts of Justice	3

The following courses fulfill the Roman Culture requirement:

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
CLAS 330	Women in Antiquity	3
CLAS 340	Roman Epic	3
CLAS 345	Ancient Rome in Pop Culture	3
CLAS 350	Love Poetry in Antiquity	3
CLAS 370	Peoples and Empires of Turkey	3
CLAS 420	Topics in Roman Civilization	3
HIST 302	The Ancient City	3
HIST 305	The Roman Republic	3
HIST 306	The Roman Empire	3
HIST 308	Archaeology of Ancient Rome	3
LATN 210	Reading Latin	3
LATN 491	Independent Reading Course	1-4
PHIL 305	History of Ancient Philosophy	3
PHIL 414	Ancient Concepts of Justice	3

The following courses fulfill general elective requirements:

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
CLAS 360	Ancient North Eastern Archaeology	3

Classical Civilizations Minor

Program Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Lower Division
Select two Language Courses:		8
LATN 101 & LATN 102	Latin I and Latin II
or LATN 103	Accelerated Elementary Latin
GREK 101 & GREK 102	Greek I and Greek II
or GREK 103	Accelerated Elementary Greek
GREK 151 & GREK 152	Biblical Greek I and Biblical Greek II
CLAS 110	Introduction to the Ancient World	3
or CLAS 220	Introduction to Classical Literature
Upper Division
Select one CLAS course at any level		3
Select three Electives from any of the following seven (7) disciplinary perspectives:		9
Latin Language
LATN 201	Latin III
LATN 210	Reading Latin
LATN 300-400 level
Greek Language
GREK 201	Greek III
GREK 210	Reading Attic Greek
GREK 251	Biblical Greek III
GREK 260	Reading New Testament Greek
GREK 300-400 level
Archaeology
HIST 302	The Ancient City
HIST 307	Archaeology of Ancient Greece
HIST 308	Archaeology of Ancient Rome
History
HIST 303	Athens in the 5th Century BC
HIST 304	Alexander the Great and the Hellen World
HIST 305	The Roman Republic
HIST 306	The Roman Empire
Philosophy
PHIL 305	History of Ancient Philosophy
PHIL 414	Ancient Concepts of Justice
PHIL 491	Special Topics
Total Hours		23

Courses

CLAS 110. Introduction to the Ancient World. (3 Credits)

An introductory survey to the origins of Western civilization in the Mediterranean world, with particular focus on the Classical cultures of Greece and Rome. The course will focus upon an exploration of these ancient societies, their origins and structure, their social and political constructs, and their neighbors and worldviews. Particular emphasis will be placed upon examining the enduring legacies produced by these ancient peoples and their continuing influence upon the concepts and ideals valued by our contemporary Western culture.

CLAS 193. FYS:. (3 Credits)

The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces new Gonzaga students to the University, the Core Curriculum, and Gonzaga’s Jesuit mission and heritage. While the seminars will be taught by faculty with expertise in particular disciplines, topics will be addressed in a way that illustrates approaches and methods of different academic disciplines. The seminar format of the course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.

CLAS 199. Medical Terminology. (1 Credit)

The precise terminology of health professions is so specialized that it essentially constitutes its own language. Medical Terminology provides you with the necessary background in Greek and Latin words and word roots to understand and produce this medical terminology.This class is well-suited to students who are considering medical school or graduate school programs in a range of health sciences.

CLAS 220. Introduction to Classical Literature. (3 Credits)

This course is a survey of the literature of the ancient Greeks and Romans. It introduces students to the important authors of Classical Antiquity, the critical issues surrounding their work, and their lasting influence. It stresses the role that ancient authors had in shaping our understanding of literature: its genres, methods, and subject matter. Spring.

CLAS 310. Greek Gods and Heroes. (3 Credits)

A study of Greek Mythology that uses texts (in translation), architecture and archaeology to explore the most important characters and stories of Greek mythology that have become part of the art, literature and imagination of western civilization. This course gives students insight into approaches toward the understanding of myth, especially classical myth that are helpful for their own studies and interests. Fall, alternate years.

Equivalent: RELI 403

CLAS 320. The Iliad and the Odyssey. (3 Credits)

FallFalkThis course explores (in translation) Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, two poems that are among the foundations of the literature of western civilization. Students will demonstrate an ability to read and analyze these two great epics of ancient Greece in a way that appreciates and unlocks their timeless beauty, depth and significance especially in a way that is helpful for their own studies and interests. Fall, alternate years.

CLAS 325. Topics in Language. (1-3 Credits)

CLAS 330. Women in Antiquity. (3 Credits)

An examination of the representation of women Greece and Rome through image and text, using a variety of literary, art historical, and archaeological sources. This course is intended both to illuminate the lives of women in Classical Antiquity and to demonstrate how this illumination is important for a full understanding of the societies of Greece (in particular, Athens) and Rome. Students also gain valuable experience in thinking critically about sources, both ancient and modern. Spring, alternate years.

CLAS 335. Greek Tragedy. (3 Credits)

This course will combine performance text analysis with a detailed study of ancient Greek theater and its conventions. In this course, we will read a range of ancient Greek plays (primarily, but not exclusively, tragedies) as well as some more modern adaptations of Greek texts. In addition to readings scripts of ancient and modern plays, we will also read texts that provide access to the creative process and invite us to consider different modes of creative generation.

CLAS 340. Roman Epic. (3 Credits)

This course explores (in translation) two of Rome's great contributions to world literature: Vergil's Aeneid and Lucan's Civil War. These works are at the core of the western tradition. They have been read and reinterpreted for millennia and continue to find resonance today. Students learn to read and analyze these poems closely, to appreciate them, and to unlock their timeless beauty, depth and significance. Special attention is paid to applying the themes of these works to students' own lives and studies.

CLAS 345. Ancient Rome in Pop Culture. (3 Credits)

Most Americans first encounter the culture and history of the ancient Romans through the mass media of popular entertainment, whether in a film, TV show, book, or even comic book. From Ben Hur to Gladiator, Rome has been the subject of some of the most popular fictional narratives of all time but the 'Rome' that is presented often bears little resemblance to the actual ancient civilization as it emerges from a study of its own literature and monuments. This course will examine the various ways that ancient Rome has been portrayed in (primarily) American popular culture over the last century and how those portrayals have shaped modern attitudes towards the historical Rome. It will also address the continuing appeal of Rome and the shifting reasons for choosing it as the setting for popular entertainment.

CLAS 350. Love Poetry in Antiquity. (3 Credits)

Is love a modern invention? This course looks at the phenomenon of love as it appears in the poetry of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Works read (in translation) will include those of Sappho, Callimachus, Catullus Ovid and others. Students will investigate ancient attitudes towards love, sex, and gender roles while developing an appreciation for the differences between time periods, authors, style, and genre. Students will also explore the long-lasting influence of this poetry and find ways to apply it to their own studies and interests.

CLAS 355. Sex and Gender in Greece and Rome. (3 Credits)

This course explores ideas of sex, gender, and sexuality in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. We consider how ancient Greek and Roman texts treat issues like marriage and infidelity, sex work and slavery, homosociality and homosexuality, and consent and rape. We also look at the legacy of these cultures and the ways that ideas from the ancient world have been used perpetuate modern structural inequality. At the same time, we also consider how the ancient world has often served as an inspiration for more modern struggles for equality.

Equivalent: WGST 260

CLAS 360. Ancient North Eastern Archaeology. (3 Credits)

Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology will introduce the student to the archaeology of Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Levant. Archaeological methodology, the history of excavation of ancient sites and material culture will be examined as well as ancient languages, literature and history.

CLAS 370. Peoples and Empires of Turkey. (3 Credits)

This course will provide students with a comprehensive survey of major historical and cultural developments associated with ancient civilizations in Turkey. Using primary textual and archaeological sources, course content will focus upon investigating key trends and cultural movements originating in early societies and ancient empires, from the advent of our earliest known human settlements to the impact of the imperial domination within the Mediterranean basin. Offered as Study Abroad/Summer Course only.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.

CLAS 375. Topics in Classic Civilization. (1-3 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

A course offering the student an opportunity to study literature of the Classical world in translation.

CLAS 410. Topics in Greek Civilization. (1-3 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

A course offering the student an opportunity to study aspects of classical civilization, with a specialized focus on aspects of the Greek world and its culture.

CLAS 420. Topics in Roman Civilization. (1-3 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

A course offering the student an opportunity to study aspects of classical civilization, with a specialized focus on aspects of the Roman world and its culture.

CLAS 432. CIS:. (3 Credits)

The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) engages the Year Four Question: “Imagining the possible: What is our role in the world?” by offering students a culminating seminar experience in which students integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the Core, and their disciplinary expertise. Each section of the course will focus on a problem or issue raised by the contemporary world that encourages integration, collaboration, and problem solving. The topic for each section of the course will be proposed and developed by each faculty member in a way that clearly connects to the Jesuit Mission, to multiple disciplinary perspectives, and to our students’ future role in the world. Spring.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.

CLAS 490. Directed Study. (1-3 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Directed Study requires completion of a form and Dept. permission, and cannot be registered for via Zagweb.

CLAS 491. Independent Study. (0-7 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Course content to be determined by the instructor.

CLAS 497. Internship. (0-6 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Professional work experience related to classical civilizations.

CLAS 499. Senior Thesis. (3 Credits)

The senior thesis is required for majors in Classical Civilizations in their fourth year. Fall.

Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits).

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Classical Civilizations.

GREK 101. Greek I. (4 Credits)

A beginner's course in Attic Greek: grammar, composition, and easy prose selections. Fall.

GREK 102. Greek II. (4 Credits)

Continuation of GREK 101 and more advanced grammar, composition and readings. Spring.

Prerequisites: GREK 101 with a minimum grade of D

GREK 103. Accelerated Elementary Greek. (7 Credits)

This is an entry-level course, with no prerequisite, designed to provide the equivalent of the first-year Greek (Attic) sequence GREK 101 and GREK 102. It therefore prepares students for GREK 201. Students will learn the fundamentals of Greek vocabulary, grammar, and syntax in order to develop the skills necessary for basic translation and composition of Greek texts. Summer only.

GREK 151. Biblical Greek I. (4 Credits)

A beginner's course in New Testament Greek: grammar, composition, and easy prose selections.

GREK 152. Biblical Greek II. (4 Credits)

Continuation of GREK 151 and more advanced grammar, composition and readings.

Prerequisites: GREK 151 with a minimum grade of D

GREK 190. Directed Study. (1-4 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

GREK 201. Greek III. (4 Credits)

Continuation of GREK 102: review of forms, syntax, readings. Fall.

Prerequisites: GREK 102 with a minimum grade of D or GREK 103 with a minimum grade of D

GREK 210. Reading Attic Greek. (3 Credits)

This course develops the skill of reading unabridged, original Geek texts. The introductory sequence (GREK 101,102, 201) is prerequisite. Students are expected to be familiar with the fundamentals of Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, and to have some experience translating. Students will learn how to integrate and synthesize those fundamentals in order to fluidly and fluently engage with extended unabridged texts in the original Greek. Spring.

Prerequisites: GREK 201 with a minimum grade of D

GREK 251. Biblical Greek III. (4 Credits)

Continuation of GREK 152: review of forms, syntax and readings.

Prerequisites: GREK 152 with a minimum grade of D

GREK 260. Reading New Testament Greek. (3 Credits)

This course develops the skill of reading the Greek New Testament in its unabridged original form. The introductory sequence (GREK 151, 152, 251) is prerequisite. Students are expected to be familiar with the fundamentals of Koine Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, and to have some experience translating. Students will learn how to integrate and synthesize those fundamentals in order to fluidly and fluently engage with extended unabridged texts in the original Greek

Prerequisites: GREK 251 with a minimum grade of D

GREK 290. Directed Study. (1-4 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Topic to be determined by the instructor.

GREK 291. Independent Study. (1-4 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Topics to be determined by instructor.

GREK 390. Directed Study. (1-4 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Topic to be determined by the instructor.

GREK 490. Directed Study. (1-3 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Directed study requires completion of an Individualized Study form and department permission. This course cannot be registered for via Zagweb.

Prerequisites: GREK 210 with a minimum grade of D

GREK 491. Independent Reading Course. (1-4 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Course content to be determined by the instructor.

LATN 101. Latin I. (4 Credits)

A beginner's course: grammar, composition, and easy prose selections. Fall.

Equivalent: LATN 103

LATN 102. Latin II. (4 Credits)

Continuation of LATN 101 and more advanced grammar, composition and readings. Spring.

Prerequisites: LATN 101 with a minimum grade of D

LATN 103. Accelerated Elementary Latin. (8 Credits)

This is an entry-level 12-week course, with no prerequisite, designed to provide the equivalent of the first-year Latin sequence LATN 101-102. It therefore prepares students for either LATN 201 or LATN 104. The course will cover approximately the first half of Wheelock's Latin. Students will learn the fundamentals of Latin vocabulary, grammar, and syntax in order to develop the skills necessary for basic translation and composition of Latin texts. Summer only.

Equivalent: LATN 101, LATN 102

LATN 190. Directed Study. (1-4 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Topic to be determined by instructor.

LATN 201. Latin III. (4 Credits)

Continuation of LATN 101 and 102: review of forms and syntax; composition, and readings. Fall.

Prerequisites: LATN 102 with a minimum grade of D or LATN 103 with a minimum grade of D

LATN 203. Accelerated Latin III. (8 Credits)

This 12-week course is designed to provide the equivalent of the second-year Latin sequence LATN 201-202 and therefore prepare students for LATN 301. The course will cover approximately the second half of Wheelock's Latin. Students will learn advanced Latin vocabulary, grammar, and syntax in order to master the skills necessary for translation and composition of Latin texts. Summer only.

Prerequisites: LATN 103 with a minimum grade of D or LATN 102 with a minimum grade of D

LATN 210. Reading Latin. (3 Credits)

Continuation of LATN 201. Spring.

Prerequisites: LATN 201 with a minimum grade of D

LATN 290. Directed Study. (1-4 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Course content to be determined by the instructor.

LATN 301. Republican Latin Prose. (3 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Courses or tutorials for students who have completed the intermediate level Latin and are reading original Latin authors. Fall, alternate years.

Prerequisites: LATN 203 with a minimum grade of C or LATN 201 with a minimum grade of C

LATN 302. Imperial Latin Prose. (3 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Courses or tutorials for students who have completed the intermediate level Latin and are reading original Latin authors. Fall, alternate years.

Prerequisites: LATN 201 with a minimum grade of C or LATN 203 with a minimum grade of C

LATN 303. Republican Latin Poetry. (3 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Courses or tutorials for students who have completed the intermediate level Latin and are reading original Latin authors. Spring, alternate years.

Prerequisites: LATN 201 with a minimum grade of C or LATN 203 with a minimum grade of C

LATN 304. Imperial Latin Poetry. (3 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Courses or tutorials for students who have completed the intermediate level Latin and are reading original Latin authors. Spring, alternate years.

Prerequisites: LATN 201 with a minimum grade of C or LATN 203 with a minimum grade of C

LATN 305. Vergil. (3 Credits)

This course explores the works of the greatest of the Latin writers, the Roman poet Publius Vergilius Maro, commonly called Vergil (or Virgil). Students will read selections from all three of Vergil's canonical works, the Eclogues, Georgics, and Aeneid, and will learn about the poet's development, achievement, and influence. The course is designed for students who have completed intermediate level Latin and are able to read original Latin texts.

Prerequisites: LATN 201 with a minimum grade of D or LATN 203 with a minimum grade of D

LATN 310. Medieval Latin. (3 Credits)

Courses or tutorials for students who have completed the intermediate level Latin and are reading original Latin authors.

Prerequisites: LATN 201 with a minimum grade of D

LATN 490. Directed Study. (1-6 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

Directed Study requires completion of a form and Department permission, and cannot be registered for via Zagweb.

LATN 491. Independent Reading Course. (1-6 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.