Department of Classics
Why study classics?
Because knowledge of Greek and Roman antiquity is fundamental to understanding the ancient and modern world.
What is classics?
Classics is the integrated study of ancient Greek and Roman civilization through its languages, its literature, and its artistic and archaeological remains. This broad field includes the study of the great texts of classical antiquity, such as Vergil's Aeneid, Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Plato's Symposium, Sophocles' Antigone, and the love poems of Sappho and Catullus, but also encompasses research into everyday life in the societies that produced those great works.
In addition to training in the classical languages (Greek and Latin), the department introduces students to a range of work in literary criticism and cultural studies. Topics include archaeology and ancient art, ancient theatre, mythology, women's history, Greek and Roman humor, cultural exchange across the Mediterranean, the translation of Greek and Latin poetry, and the history of slavery, sexuality, and ethnicity in ancient society.
A commitment to teaching and learning
Our curriculum is diverse, innovative, and responsive to students’ needs. We offer a variety of topics as mentioned above, and an array of course structures and formats, including small in-person language courses, hybrid ancient Greek and Latin that combines face-to-face instruction with online exercises, mid-sized discussion courses on archaeological or literary themes, online offerings during the summer and the academic year, and one large energetic lecture course.
Our faculty members have won nearly all KU’s teaching awards, including the HOPE, Kemper, and Ned Fleming awards, and a wide variety of other university-level teaching and advising awards. The department as a whole received the first ever Center of Teaching Excellence (CTE) award for Department Excellence in Teaching at the University of Kansas.
Beyond KU:
In addition to the rich and interdisciplinary content, the Classics degree teaches strong and widely useful critical skills such as clear writing, effective interpretation and use of evidence, and evaluation of sources. Classics graduates bring all these to bear in a variety of careers. Our students have gone on to careers in law, business, library science, journalism, medicine, museum studies, education, writing and publishing, and technology.
Innovative scholarship:
KU Classics Faculty members conduct research on a variety of ancient topics, from Greek tragedy to Roman architecture. Their research engages some of the world’s most enduring questions, such as: How did the Greek and Roman societies envision happiness? How does knowledge of the past affect one’s choices and identities? How do modern theories about gender and sexuality intersect with ancient concepts? How are cultural values encoded into art, architecture, literature, language, law, religion, and politics? And, who “owns” the classical past?
Classics students can work with faculty as research assistants or can develop their own research projects, and many Classics courses count toward KU’s Research Experience Program. Our undergraduate students have received Undergraduate Research Awards and McNair Scholarships, and many write undergraduate honors theses.
Study Abroad
The Classics Department offers a variety of study opportunities for its students to study in Greece or Italy, the UK, and elsewhere in Europe. Recently we have also been able to send students to participate in archaeological digs in Turkey. We offer scholarships to students who participate in overseas programs that focus on the ancient world.
Undergraduate Programs
Classics offers a range of courses in ancient art, archaeology, history, and literature, as well as ancient Greek and Latin languages from the beginners through to advanced levels. No knowledge of Latin or Greek is needed for courses coded CLSX, such as the principal course CLSX 148 Greek and Roman Mythology. Many of our courses satisfy Core 34, while Greek (GRK) and Latin (LAT) language courses fulfill B.A. language requirements in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
The Classics Major
The Classics major (offered as part of a B.A. or B.G.S. degree) provides interdisciplinary training in ancient Greek and Roman cultures. It offers a choice between 5 different concentrations, each of which allows you to specialize in a different aspect of the ancient world.
The concentration in Classical Humanities is a flexible course of study that allows students to pursue broad interests in the literature, history, and culture of the Greek and Roman world. Ancient texts are taught in English translation. This concentration is ideal for students who are fascinated by the ancient world and who want the experience of a liberal arts degree before pursuing careers beyond Classics, such as law, medicine, teaching, business, and the creative industries.
The concentration in Archaeology and Art emphasizes the material culture of the classical world. It is designed for students who are interested in the material remains and visual arts of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as museum studies and contemporary debates about cultural heritage. Classes make full use of the Wilcox Classical Museum on campus. The Archaeology and Art concentration prepares students for further study in Classical Archaeology, Art History, Museum Studies, and related fields.
We also offer three concentrations that focus on ancient languages and literature: the concentration in ancient Greek; the concentration in Latin; and the concentration in Classical Languages, which allows students to study both Greek and Latin. The language concentrations train students to read the great texts of classical antiquity in the original language e.g. (in Greek) Homer, Plato, and the New Testament; (in Latin) Vergil, Cicero, and Saint Augustine. Additionally, the language concentrations develop skills of textual interpretation, analysis, and criticism. The language concentrations provide the linguistic training necessary for further study in related fields (e.g., Classical Studies, History, History of Science, Theology and Biblical Studies, Comparative Literature); provide students with the language skills needed to teach Greek and/or Latin at the secondary school level; and foster analytical and writing skills that are essential for careers such as law, government, and business.
The Classics Minors
We offer 2 minors: Classical Antiquity and Classical Languages. The minor in Classical Antiquity allows students to explore the literature, history, and material culture of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds in English translation; the minor in Classical Languages allows students to study the Greek and/or Latin languages and their literatures.
Students can also combine a Classics major with one of the complementary minors offered by the department. Majors concentrating in Classical Languages, Latin, or Greek can combine this with a minor in Classical Antiquity; while majors concentrating in Archaeology and Art or Classical Humanities can combine this with a minor in Classical Languages.
Language Proficiency
The CLAS language requirement may be fulfilled by taking either Latin or Greek. To meet the language requirement in Latin, a student should complete LAT 104, LAT 108, and LAT 112 followed by a course at the LAT 300 level (or their equivalents). To meet the language requirement in Greek, a student should complete GRK 104, GRK 108 or their equivalents, and 2 more courses (6 hours) at the GRK 300 level. The number of hours required may be reduced if a student has high school or transfer hours.
Placement in Latin
Students who wish to enroll in Latin after studying Latin in high school or elsewhere should seek advice from the Classics faculty about appropriate placement in Latin courses at KU. If you place into intermediate or advanced Latin, you can also qualify for retroactive credit for your previous language study which can count toward your degree (please see below for further details). Whenever possible, make an advising appointment in advance by calling the Department of Classics at 785-864-3153 or by contacting an advisor.
Retroactive Credit in Latin
In cooperation with the University Registrar, the Department of Classics awards retroactive university credit for work in Latin at the high school level. To qualify for retroactive credit, the student’s initial university-level enrollment in Latin must be in a KU course. The student qualifies for retroactive credit only after completing the KU Latin course with a grade of C or higher.
After completing such a course with a qualifying grade, the student must bring his or her high school transcript to the Department of Classics office for verification. The department then notifies the Office of the University Registrar of the number of credit hours to be awarded. The student’s transcript shows the number of hours awarded but no letter grade. The hours count toward graduation. Guidelines are as follows:
- A student who initially enrolls at KU in LAT 108 or LAT 109 and receives a grade of C or higher will receive 3 hours of retroactive credit.
- A student who initially enrolls in LAT 112 or LAT 113 and receives a grade of C or higher will receive 6 hours of retroactive credit.
- A student who initially enrolls in any LAT 300-level course (e.g., LAT 301, LAT 302, LAT 303, LAT 304, LAT 305, LAT 310) and receives a grade of C or higher will receive 9 hours of retroactive credit.
Departmental Scholarships, Awards, and Aid
The department offers several scholarships and awards, such as the Mildred Lord Greef award for best paper or essay, the Albert O. Greef award for literary translation, the Tenney Frank scholarships for undergraduate study, and the Tenney Frank awards for foreign study of the classics. We also offer emergency hardship funds. Details of annual competitions, awards, and scholarships can be found on our website.
KU Financial Aid and Scholarships
All undergraduates who wish to be considered for KU scholarships and financial aid (in contrast to departmental scholarships, awards, and aid) must complete applications with Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Graduate Programs
The Department of Classics offers advanced course work in the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. Students are expected to study the Classical languages (Greek and Latin) and literatures as well as the art and archaeological remains of the Greek and Roman worlds. Students entering with the recommended preparation can complete the MA program in four semesters.
The Department offers three tracks toward the MA in Classics: one with an emphasis on Classical Languages, one with an emphasis on Classical Art & Archaeology, and a Combined B.A./M.A. in Classics. All three degree programs include both a thesis and a non-thesis option.
Combined B.A./M.A.
The combined BA / MA degree (or "Accelerated MA Program") allows high-achieving undergraduate majors in Classical Languages at the University of Kansas to move directly into the Master's degree program in Classics, completing it within one year of completing the B.A..
Students take the same courses (and the same number of courses) as those required for the two degrees under the normal sequence, but in a more flexible configuration. All requirements for the M.A. are the same as for other tracks: the principal focus remains ancient Greek and/or Latin (concluding with a comprehensive exam in both languages), and there remains a thesis and non-thesis option and required reading knowledge of a modern research language.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
Financial support is available in the form of teaching assistantships in Latin, Greek, or mythology. Contact the department for information.
Visit the Graduate Studies website for information about funding opportunities for graduate students at KU.
Financial Aid and Scholarships administers grants, loans, and need-based financial aid.
Graduate Non-Degree Seeking Status
Students who are interested in enrolling in graduate-level coursework in the Department of Classics without formal admission to a graduate program at KU are encouraged to apply for graduate non-degree seeking student status. See the department’s webpage for further details.
Courses
A general survey of the political, social, and economic developments of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Asia Minor, and Greece from Paleolithic times to 323 B.C. (Same as HIST 105.)
A general survey of the political, social, and economic developments of ancient Rome from 753 B.C. to 475 A.D. (Same as HIST 106.)
A systematic examination of the traditional cycles of Greek myth and their survival and metamorphosis in Latin literature. Some attention is given to the problems of comparative mythology and the related areas of archaeology and history. Slides and other illustrated materials. No knowledge of Latin or Greek is required.
The study of Greek and Roman mythology through extensive readings in primary classical texts and secondary authors. Prerequisite: Admission to the Honors Program or consent of instructor.
An introduction to the history, methods, and excavation techniques of archaeology, with special emphasis on ancient Greece and Rome. Topics include stratigraphy, chronology, artifact analysis, the role of archaeology in our understanding of Greek and Roman society, and the treatment of archaeology in popular culture. Illustrated throughout with presentations of important archaeological sites of the ancient Mediterranean such as Athens and Pompeii, from the earliest times through late antiquity.
This course provides a survey of ancient epic poetry, focusing on literature from the Greek, Roman, and Mediterranean world. All readings will be in English; no knowledge of any ancient languages is required. The works selected will be ancient epic tales primarily from Greece, Rome and the Mediterranean world (e.g. Epic of Gilgamesh, Homer, Apollonius, Vergil, Ovid, Statius) though some ancient epics from other cultures may be used for comparative purposes (e.g. Beowulf, Popol Vuh, Mahabharata). Class discussion and assignments focus on understanding the ancient cultures and their relation to our own, evaluating the arguments of scholars, and creating well-reasoned written and oral arguments about ancient epics.
This course introduces some of the fundamental ethical questions raised by Greek and Roman philosophers and considers how their answers to these questions can help us solve the social, political, and environmental problems we face today. We will cover questions like "what makes a good friend?", "would I be happier if I had more money?", "do I have a responsibility to protect the natural world?", and "how can I make myself a better person?". We will explore a number of ancient ethical theories that emerged in response to these problems, such as the Hedonism of Epicurus, the Intellectualism of the Socrates and the Stoics, and the Primitivism of the Cynics, and we will consider how these theories can be applied in the contemporary world. All readings will be in English; no knowledge of any ancient languages is required.
A limited-enrollment, seminar course for first-time freshmen, addressing current issues in Classics. Course is designed to meet the critical thinking learning outcome of the KU Core. First-Year Seminar topics are coordinated and approved by the Office of Academic Programs and Experiential Learning. Prerequisite: Open to Freshmen only (less than 30 hours).
This course uses focused content from Greek and Roman mythology as a vehicle for learning, applying, and practicing essential skills of writing. The content varies from term to term but is always circumscribed, such as Helen of Sparta, nature myths, the wandering hero, or children in Greek tragedy. Students complete a variety of writing exercises that build upon each other and include revision. The course will be taught in English.
An introduction to the history, methods of study, and forms of evidence for Greek and Roman art from Archaic Greece to Late Antiquity (600 B.C.E.-400 C.E.), mainly sculpture, painting, and crafted objects. Emphasized topics include: the diversity of approaches towards the study of ancient artifacts, cross-cultural exchange between the cultures of Greece and Rome, ancient vs. modern definitions of art and artists, patrons and audiences, and current debates about ancient art. Illustrated throughout with presentations of significant works and case studies. Use of the study collection in the Wilcox Classical Museum.
This course explores the theory and practice of ancient Greek rhetoric, with the aim of developing student's own rhetorical skills and habits. All readings are in translation; no knowledge of ancient Greek is required. Students study rhetoric in such authors as Homer, Demosthenes, Plato, and Lysias and discuss such topics as the role of public speaking in maintaining Greek democracy, the difference between rhetorical skill as a means and an end, the relationship between rhetorical style and civic identity, and the adaptability of rhetoric to various circumstances and audiences. Students practice delivery with ancient speeches; write and deliver speeches tailored to a variety of situations; and listen to and critique the speeches of their peers and others.
This course provides a survey of magic and witchcraft in ancient Greece and Rome and interprets these practices through anthropological theories of magic and witchcraft. Emphasized topics may include magicians, witches, ghosts, spirits, demons, divination, and spells. This course considers issues such as how magic works, how people engage with the divine, the marginalization of magical practitioners, and the difference between magic, witchcraft and religion. All readings will be in English; no knowledge of any ancient languages is required. (Same as REL 316.)
This course explores the theory and practice of ancient Roman rhetoric, with the aim of developing student's own rhetorical skills and habits. All readings are in translation; no knowledge of Latin is required. Students will study rhetoric in such authors as Cicero, Quintilian, Caesar, and Seneca and discuss such topics as the role of rhetorical theory in Roman education; oratory as a hallmark of public service during the Republic, and its transition to a pastime in the Imperial age; the ways the Romans connected oratorical style with humor, the body, and gender identity; and the leeway given to speakers in constructing an argument. Students practice delivery with ancient speeches; write and deliver speeches tailored to a variety of situations; and listen to and critique the speeches of their peers and others.
This course explores the life, times, and legacy of Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE). It covers the historical context of ancient Greece and Macedon from which Alexander emerged; his engagement with ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Persian cultures; his military campaigns; his aims in creating an empire; and the immediate aftermath of his conquests. In addition, the course considers the role of “great men” in history and historiographical problems in reconstructing the past. It also explores how the image of Alexander has been transmitted, interpreted, challenged, and reshaped from antiquity to the present. Topics may include: the use of the memory of Alexander by later Greeks and Romans; the medieval Alexander tradition; responses to Alexander in Middle Eastern and Indian thought and literature; the legacy of Alexander’s conquests in the age of empires; his transformation in Hollywood; and his contested place in the modern political dispute between Greece and North Macedonia. (Same as HIST 387.)
This course explores the life, times, and legacy of Julius Caesar (c. 100-44 BCE). It covers Caesar’s early political career, his military campaigns, and his rise to power through civil war, with special attention paid to his aims, political reforms, and the institutions that enabled his rise to power. In addition, it considers the role of “great men” in history and historiographical problems in reconstructing the past. It also explores how the image of Caesar has been transmitted, interpreted, challenged, and reshaped from antiquity to the present. Topics may include: the impact of Julius Caesar in Rome with the creation of an empire ruled by “Caesars”; Medieval responses to Caesar as tyrant, king, and emperor; Caesar as a paradigm of populist tyranny from the Renaissance to the present; the legacy of his literary output and the Romantic image of Caesar as a genius; his impact on the modern age of empires; and re-imaginings of Caesar in film, TV, and video games. (Same as HIST 388.)
An interdisciplinary survey of the major cultures of the prehistoric Aegean (Greek) world from the Neolithic period to the end of the Bronze Age (ca. 3000-1100 B.C.E.), with special emphasis on the cultural and artistic achievements of the Mycenaeans, Minoans, and Cycladic islanders, including their contacts with the neighboring cultures of Anatolia (Hittites and Troy), the Levant, Egypt, and South Italy. Includes lecture with slides and discussion. This course is offered at the 300 and 500 level with additional assignments at the 500 level. Not open to students with credit in CLSX 525 or HA 525. No knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. (Same as HA 325.)
An interdisciplinary survey of the material culture of the ancient Greek world from the Protogeometric period to the end of the Hellenistic age (ca. 1100 - 30 B.C.E.), with emphasis on the major sites, monuments, and changing forms of social and artistic expression (e.g., architecture, sculpture, vase painting). Includes lectures with slides and discussion; use of the Wilcox Museum of Classical Antiquities. This course is offered at the 300 and 500 level with additional assignments at the 500 level. Not open to students with credit in CLSX 526 or HA 526. No knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. (Same as HA 326.)
An interdisciplinary survey of the material culture of ancient Rome from its origins to the late empire (8th c.B.C.E. - 4th c.C.E.). Emphasis on major sites, monuments, and changing forms of social and artistic expression, as well as on Etruscan and Greek influence on Rome and Rome's influence on its provinces. Includes lectures with slides and discussion; use of the Wilcox Museum of Classical Antiquities. This course is offered at the 300 and 500 level with additional assignments at the 500 level. Not open to students with credit in CLSX 527 or HA 537. No knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. (Same as HA 327.)
This course introduces the world of the ancient Greeks, with a focus on Greek cultural beliefs, values, and social structures. Topics covered include: religious beliefs and practices; athletics and competition; oral performance; gender and sexuality; class, status, and slavery. The course surveys a wide variety of sources, including major literary works, inscriptions, legal texts, and personal letters, as well as ancient art and archaeology. No knowledge of Greek is required; all readings will be in English. Formerly known as CLSX 230. Not open to students with credit in CLSX 230.
Honors version of CLSX 329. This course introduces the world of the ancient Greeks, with a focus on Greek cultural beliefs, values, and social structures. Topics covered include: religious beliefs and practices; athletics and competition; oral performance; gender and sexuality; class, status, and slavery. The course surveys a wide variety of sources, including major literary works, inscriptions, legal texts, and personal letters, as well as ancient art and archaeology. No knowledge of Greek is required; all readings will be in English. Prerequisite: Membership in the University Honors Program or consent of instructor.
A comprehensive study of the Greek and Latin elements in medical terminology. Students will learn word roots and how to combine them, as well as become acquainted with their relationship to mythology and the influence of ancient ideas about health and the body on modern healthcare. This class is useful for anyone going into the health field including management, clinical areas, insurance, and technical fields. No knowledge of Greek or Latin is required.
This course introduces the world of ancient Rome, with a focus on Roman cultural beliefs, values, and social structures. Topics covered include: religious beliefs and practices; politics and empire; games and gladiators; gender and sexuality; class, status, and slavery. The course surveys a wide variety of sources, including literary works, inscriptions, legal texts, and personal letters, as well as ancient art and archaeology. All readings will be in English; no knowledge of any ancient languages is required. Formerly known as CLSX 240. Not open to students with credit in CLSX 240.
Honors version of CLSX 240. This course introduces the world of ancient Rome, with a focus on Roman cultural beliefs, values, and social structures. Topics covered include: religious beliefs and practices; politics and empire; games and gladiators; gender and sexuality; class, status, and slavery. The course surveys a wide variety of sources, including literary works, inscriptions, legal texts, and personal letters, as well as ancient art and archaeology. All readings will be in English; no knowledge of any ancient languages is required. Prerequisite: Membership in the University Honors Program or consent of instructor.
The study of the evolution of a cultural or literary tradition from the Graeco-Roman world into modern times. The theme of the course will normally vary from semester to semester; topics such as these may be examined: the analysis of a literary genre (e.g. drama, satire, lyric), the transformation of the ancient mythical heritage, the reception of ancient astronomy. Students should consult the Schedule of Classes for the theme of the course in a given semester. With departmental permission, may be repeated for credit as topic varies. (Same as HUM 380.)
Honors version of CLSX 151, with the focus towards critical approaches and research. Special attention is paid to recent methodological, theoretical, and ethical debates within the profession of Classical archaeology. Assignments and activities may include position papers on contentious issues of the day, research assignments, and/or field trips to museums and related institutions. Prerequisite: Admission to the Honors Program or consent of instructor.
This course explores the reception of the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome in film. Students in this course learn about the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome through primary sources, and analyze several films from the 20th and 21st centuries for which these sources are relevant. The course considers the relationship between historical accuracy and artistic license in the films selected for the course, how each film reflects the concerns of the modern cultural context in which it was made, the common visual and thematic elements that link films set in ancient Greece or Rome, and the reuse of elements from Greek and Roman mythology and history in films set in the modern world. No knowledge of Latin or Greek required.
This course examines the political thought and practice of Ancient Greece and Rome, and the enduring impact of these cultures upon contemporary political institutions. Students will consider topics such as origins of democracy in Ancient Athens; the Roman Republic as a model for the constitution of the United States; and the causes and results of Rome’s transition from Republic to monarchy. The course will also introduce students to key perspectives in the analysis of ancient and modern politics, for example constitutional theory, political psychology, and source criticism. All readings will be in English; no knowledge of any ancient languages is required. (Same as POLS 360.)
This course explores the monuments and historical topography of the city of Rome, Italy across the Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Modern periods. Focusing on a series of case studies, monuments, and urban spaces such as the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the imperial forums, this course explores how public spaces change in their usage and meaning over time. The course emphasizes Rome’s illustrious architects and artists, such as Michelangelo and Bernini, who attempted to modernize the “eternal city” by drawing on its ancient origins with such endeavors as New St. Peter’s Basilica. Throughout the course, students are challenged to compare the city of Rome to modern urban environments, and even to Lawrence, Kansas. All readings are in English; no prerequisites required.
Archaeology and art, sites and monuments of ancient Israel from the Neolithic period to Late Roman. Special topics will include the peoples of the region, nomadism and urbanization, the kingdoms of Israel, Second Temple Period, Qumran, Roman Jerusalem, and the creation and development of the synagogue. (Same as JWSH 371.)
Selected readings in Greek and Roman antiquity and the classical tradition for students who desire special work on a flexible basis. No knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. May be repeated for credit, the maximum being twelve hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
This course examines the means of production and preparation, as well as the social role, of food and drink in Greek and Roman antiquity. The course will introduce students to different methodologies from anthropology and sociology of food for studying patterns of production and consumption, and class discussions and assignments will ask students to consider how the attitudes to and experience of food and drink in the ancient world differed from our own. All readings will be in English; no knowledge of any ancient languages is required.
This course studies ancient Greek athletics and the Olympic games. Students use historical, literary, and archaeological approaches to study how the Greeks celebrated and memorialized their athletes; how athletic prowess was connected to moral and civic virtue; the technologies by which the Greeks measured athletic performance; and the ways fans and spectators responded to competitions. Special emphasis will be given to the development of the Olympic games and their social, political, and religious function in Greek society and in their modern instantiation. All readings are in English; no knowledge of Greek is required.
This course studies ancient Roman gladiators and spectacle-the public entertainment that included staged beast hunts, mock naval battles, chariot races, and the punishment of criminals. Students use historical, literary, and archaeological approaches to study the development of gladiatorial combat and its reception in later periods. Emphasized topics may include: slavery in ancient Rome, the relationship between politics and spectacle, the architecture and engineering of the Colosseum, the representation of gladiators in modern film and video games, and the intersection of violence and entertainment in ancient Roman and modern American culture. All readings are in English; no knowledge of Latin is required.
This course provides an introductory survey of theories of morality and uses Greek tragedy as case studies for understanding ethical problems. Students will read passages from ethical theorists alongside plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, giving particular attention to identifying the ethical dilemmas the characters face, the criteria by which these characters make their decisions, ethical assessment of their decisions by their own standards and by those of ethical theories, and the role of cultural context in understanding the ethical dimensions of the plays. No knowledge of Greek is required.
This course explores the military history of the ancient world, with a focus on the connections between warfare and political, social, and cultural developments. Through extensive reading, analysis, and discussion of a wide variety of ancient sources (literary, epigraphic, archaeological) and contemporary scholarship, this class will survey both the major developments in warfare in Greece and Rome, while at the same time investigating the relationship of military institutions, technologies, tactics, and strategies to the key political and economic changes, social structures, and value systems of antiquity. Beyond exploring famous and influential campaigns and battles (Persian Wars; Peloponnesian War; rise of Macedonia; Punic Wars; Roman civil wars; barbarian invasions), topics will include: hoplite warfare and the emergence of Sparta and Athens; sea-power, democracy, and imperialism; citizen militia and professionalization in Rome; trauma, triumph, and memorialization; gender roles and ethnic identity. (Same as HIST 402.)
This seminar is about the Wilcox Classical Museum, KU's first and oldest museum collection, founded in 1888. It introduces collecting and curation practices of universities during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, explores the culture of the reception of classical antiquity in KU's early history from the period of 1880-1910, and provides hands-on experience with objects in the Wilcox Collection. Emphasized topics include: the diversity of approaches in the study and interpretation of ancient artifacts, the controversial history of the usage of plaster casts of Greek and Roman sculptures in museum displays, and the future of the Wilcox Classical Museum. Students learn visual literacy skills, conduct original research on objects in the museum's collection, and become familiar with digital methods in the documentation, cataloguing, and display of museum objects. Prepares students for upper-level classes and graduate work in Greek and Roman Archaeology, Art History, and Museum Studies.
Individual directed research and preparation of an essay on a topic in Classical literature, culture, or language. Prerequisite: Eligibility for departmental honors and consent of essay advisor.
This course explores the Greek Bronze and Dark Ages and in particular the relationship of the Iliad and the Odyssey to early Greek history. The course is organized around current methods, problems, and debates in the fields of Greek history, archaeology, and Classics. Topics include the rise and fall of the Minoan and Mycenaean worlds, the historicity of the Trojan War, and social, religious, and political institutions of the Dark Ages. These topics will be studied through extensive analysis and discussion of literary, documentary, and archaeological sources, and close engagement with perspectives from works of contemporary scholarship. No knowledge of the ancient languages is required. (Same as HIST 502.) Prerequisite: Any CLSX or HIST course.
This course explores the history of Archaic and Classical Greece, focusing on the rise and fall of the rival states of Sparta and Athens. The course is organized around current methods, problems, and debates in the fields of Greek history and Classics. Topics include the emergence of the Greek polis; Greek colonization; developments in political, religious, and social institutions, including the Spartan constitution and the rise of Athenian democracy; the changing definitions of personal, cultural, and national identities; cultural, political, and economic tensions between rival Greek city-states and neighbouring cultures, especially Persia and Macedonia. These topics will be studied through extensive analysis and discussion of literary, documentary, and archaeological sources, and close engagement with perspectives from works of contemporary scholarship. No knowledge of the ancient languages is required. (Same as HIST 504.) Prerequisite: Any CLSX or HIST course.
This course investigates the origins, development, and eventual crisis of the Roman Republic, from its foundation in the eighth century BC to Civil War in the first century BC. The course is organized around current methods, problems, and debates in the fields of Roman history and Classics. Topics include the contexts and causes for the rise of Rome, the growth, development, and eventual collapse of the Roman republican constitution, and the impact of empire on Roman society, culture, religion, economy, and identity. These topics will be studied through extensive analysis and discussion of literary, documentary, and archaeological sources, and close engagement with perspectives from works of contemporary scholarship. No knowledge of the ancient languages is required. (Same as HIST 506.) Prerequisite: Any CLSX or HIST course.
This course investigates the establishment and development of the Roman Empire, from the rise of Augustus to the peak of Roman power and prosperity in the second century AD. The course is organized around current methods, problems, and debates in the fields of Roman history and Classics. Topics include the creation of the imperial system; developments in the role of the emperor and the Roman government; continuity and transformation in society, culture, religion, economy, and identity with the shift from republic to empire; daily life across the empire and in the army. These topics will be studied through extensive analysis and discussion of literary, documentary, and archaeological sources, and close engagement with perspectives from works of contemporary scholarship. No knowledge of the ancient languages is required. (Same as HIST 507.) Prerequisite: Any CLSX or HIST course.
This course investigates the history of the later Roman Empire, from the height of its power in the second century AD to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century AD. The course is organized around current methods, problems, and debates in the fields of Roman history and Classics. Topics include continuity and change in Roman culture, identity, and institutions; the Christianization of the empire; contact and conflict between Romans and the "barbarians"; political decline and daily life across the empire. These topics will be studied through extensive analysis and discussion of literary, documentary, and archaeological sources, and close engagement with perspectives from works of contemporary scholarship. No knowledge of the ancient languages is required. (Same as HIST 508.) Prerequisite: Any CLSX or HIST course.
This course moves beyond ancient epic and tragedy to introduce students to less familiar genres from Greek and Roman literature. Texts studied may include the romantic novels of Heliodorus and Apuleius; the erotic poetry of Sappho and Catullus; the comedies of Aristophanes and Plautus; the proto-science fiction of Lucian; or the satires of Horace and Persius. Attention will be given to theories, approaches, and questions in contemporary criticism of ancient literature, and assessment will include a final paper or creative project that integrates these perspectives. All readings will be in English; no knowledge of any ancient languages is required. Prerequisite: Any CLSX course.
This course explores various approaches to the study of gender and sexuality in Greek antiquity. Contents will vary, and the course may focus on methodology and case studies, or on particular themes, historical periods, or artistic or literary genres. No knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. (Same as WGSS 515.) Prerequisite: Graduate status, or 6 credit hours in Classics, Greek, Latin, or Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies; or permission of instructor.
This course explores various approaches to the study of gender and sexuality in Roman antiquity. Contents vary, and the course may focus on methodology and case studies, or on particular themes, historical periods, or artistic or literary genres. No knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. (Same as WGSS 516.) Prerequisite: Graduate status, or 6 credit hours in Classics, Greek, Latin, or Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies; or permission of instructor.
An interdisciplinary survey of the major cultures of the prehistoric Aegean (Greek) world from the Neolithic period to the end of the Bronze Age (ca. 3000-1100 B.C.E.), with special emphasis on the cultural and artistic achievements of the Mycenaeans, Minoans, and Cycladic islanders, including their contacts with the neighboring cultures of Anatolia (Hittites and Troy), the Levant, Egypt, and South Italy. Includes lecture with slides and discussion. For advanced undergraduates with backgrounds in the humanities and for graduate students (especially in Classics and History of Art). This course is offered at the 300 and 500 level with additional assignments at the 500 level. Not open to students with credit in CLSX 325 or HA 325. No knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. (Same as HA 525.)
An interdisciplinary survey of the material culture of the ancient Greek world from the Protogeometric period to the end of the Hellenistic age (ca. 1100 - 30 B.C.E.), with emphasis on the major sites, monuments, and changing forms of social and artistic expression (e.g., architecture, sculpture, vase painting). Includes lectures with slides and discussion; use of the Wilcox Museum of Classical Antiquities. For advanced undergraduates with backgrounds in the humanities and for graduate students (especially in Classics and History of Art). This course is offered at the 300 and 500 level with additional assignments at the 500 level. Not open to students with credit in CLSX 326 or HA 326. No knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. (Same as HA 526.)
An interdisciplinary survey of the material culture of ancient Rome from its origins to the late empire (8th c.B.C.E. - 4th c.C.E.). Emphasis on major sites, monuments, and changing forms of social and artistic expression, as well as on Etruscan and Greek influence on Rome and Rome's influence on its provinces. Includes lectures with slides and discussion; use of the Wilcox Museum of Classical Antiquities. For advanced undergraduates with backgrounds in the humanities; and for graduate students (especially in Classics and History of Art). This course is offered at the 300 and 500 level with additional assignments at the 500 level. Not open to students with credit in CLSX 327 or HA 327. No knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. (Same as HA 537.)
A cross-cultural survey of the material remains of the major civilizations of the ancient Near East, including Anatolia, Mesopotamia, the Levant, and Egypt from Neolithic period to the rise of the Roman empire (ca. 6000 B.C.E. - 30 B.C.E.). Includes lectures with slides and discussion. For advanced undergraduates with backgrounds in the humanities and for graduate students (especially in Classics and History of Art). No knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. (Same as HA 529.)
An interdisciplinary treatment of the art and archaeology of the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy. Emphasis on the structures and decorations of major public spaces and houses and on aspects of cultural, social, political, commercial and religious life from the period of the second century B.C.E. to 79 C.E., when Pompeii and Herculaneum were buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Slide lectures and discussion. (Same as HA 538, HUM 538.) Prerequisite: Graduate status, or 6 credit hours in Classics, Greek, Latin, History of Art, or permission of the instructor.
This capstone seminar synthesizes various aspects in the discipline of Classics by focusing on recent award-winning scholarship or creative work in the field. Specific assignments and additional readings vary from one semester to another and will be stated on the instructor's syllabus. Introductory knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. Prerequisite: 15 hours in CLSX/LAT/GRK at the 200 level or above, or status as a senior major in the department, or permission of the instructor.
This course is designed for the study of special topics in Classics at the junior/senior level. Coursework must be arranged through the Office of KU Study Abroad. May be repeated for credit if content varies.
Selected readings in Greek and Roman antiquity and the classical tradition for students who desire special work on a flexible basis. No knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. May be repeated for credit if topic varies. Only six hours may count toward the major. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Lecture and discussion course focusing on a theme, medium, region, or period in the archaeology and art of the ancient Near Eastern and classical world. May be repeated for credit if topic varies. Only 6 hours may count toward the major.
Selected readings in Greek and Roman antiquity and the classical tradition for students who desire special work on a flexible basis. No knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. May be repeated for credit, the maximum being twelve hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Required of all assistant instructors and teaching assistants in the teaching of Classics courses. May be repeated up to three semester hours credit in total.
Thesis hours. Graded on a satisfactory progress/limited progress/no progress basis.
Courses
The essentials of ancient Greek grammar, with readings.
The essentials of ancient Greek grammar, with readings. Prerequisite: Membership in the University Honors Program or permission of instructor.
This course surveys the post-classical development of Greek in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, with special attention given to the languages of the Bible. The course will focus on extending linguistic knowledge and developing an understanding of the historical development of Greek through close readings of selections from the Septuagint, New Testament, and Greek authors of the Roman Empire, such as Lucian. We will examine how and why koine ("common") Greek differs from Classical Greek, and we will interpret these texts in light of the contact and conflict between different political, linguistic, ethnic, and religious communities that characterized the Hellenistic and Roman worlds. This course will be indispensable both for those interested in the history and culture of Greece and Rome beyond the fifth century B.C., and for those interested in reading the Bible and early Christian writers. Prerequisite: GRK 108 or GRK 109.
Readings in classical Greek texts. May be repeated for up to twelve hours. Prerequisite: GRK 108 or the equivalent.
Individual directed research and preparation of an essay on a topic in Greek literature or language. Prerequisite: Eligibility for departmental honors and consent of essay advisor.
A study of the doctrines of Greek philosophy before Plato. Emphasis on the Pre-Socratic philosophers with some attention paid to the Sophists and the Hippocratic Corpus. (Same as PHIL 508.) Prerequisite: PHIL 384, or GRK 301, or GRK 302, or GRK 303, or GRK 310, or GRK 312, or permission of instructor.
Close reading of texts from Homer, Hesiod, Pindar, the lyric poets.
Close reading of texts from Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes.
Close reading of texts from Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon, Attic orators.
Close reading of texts from Plato, Aristotle, the Pre-Socratics.
Extensive reading in a variety of Greek authors.
Required of all assistant instructors and teaching assistants in the teaching of Greek. May be repeated up to three semester hours credit in total.
Selected readings for qualified students who desire special work on a flexible basis. May be repeated for credit, the maximum being twelve hours. Prerequisite: Undergraduate proficiency in Greek or equivalent.
Thesis credit. Graded on a satisfactory progress/limited progress/no progress basis.
Courses
An introduction to the Latin language.
Integrates study of elementary Latin with study of Roman culture. Prerequisite: Admission to Honors Program or permission of department.
Latin grammar concluded with selected readings, integrated with study of Roman culture. Prerequisite: LAT 105 or permission of department.
Systematic grammar review in conjunction with selected prose authors, such as Cicero or Caesar, with additional readings in Roman poetry. Exercises in literary analysis and/or prose composition. Prerequisite: LAT 109 or permission of department.
In this course students read selections from Vergil's Aeneid through various interpretive lenses such as literary history (including its relationship to epic and tragedy), socio-cultural and political context, and reception. Attention will be paid throughout to Vergil's poetic style, syntax, and lexicon. Prerequisite: LAT 112 or LAT 113 or permission of department.
Individual directed research and preparation of an essay on a topic in Latin literature or language. Prerequisite: Eligibility for departmental honors and consent of essay advisor.
Close reading of texts from authors such as Lucretius, Vergil, Ovid, Statius. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Close reading of texts from authors such as Catullus, Horace, Propertius, Tibullus, Sulpicia, Ovid, Martial. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Close reading of texts from authors such as Cicero, Livy, Seneca, Tacitus, Augustine. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Close reading of texts from Plautus, Terence, Horace, Petronius, Seneca, Juvenal, Apuleius.
Extensive reading in a variety of Latin authors.
Required of all assistant instructors and teaching assistants in the teaching of Latin. May be repeated up to three semester hours credit in total.
Selected readings for qualified students who desire special work on a flexible basis. May be repeated for credit, the maximum being twelve hours. Prerequisite: Undergraduate proficiency in Latin or equivalent.
Thesis credit. Graded on a satisfactory progress/limited progress/no progress basis.