CLAS 100 An Introduction to Classical Studies
An introduction to Greek and Roman civilization, focusing on six key aspects of the discipline of classical studies: history, literature, philosophy, myth and religion, art and architecture, and classical archaeology.
CLAS 103 Colossos - The Major Figures of Classical Antiquity
An introductory study of the achievements of ancient Greece and/or Rome through some of their major figures. Each year two figures will be featured. These may include Homer, Pericles, Socrates, Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Augustus, Nero, Seneca, Hadrian, and Constantine.
CLAS 104 Classical Mythology
A study of Greco-Roman mythology and legend, with special emphasis on the Olympian gods and the figure of the hero. Topics may include myths of creation, the rise of the gods, divine myths, the tales surrounding the cities of Troy, Mycenae and Thebes and the heroes Herakles, Perseus and Theseus.
CLAS 105 Introduction to Medieval Studies
An introduction to Medieval European civilization focusing on essential aspects of the discipline: history, literature, philosophy, religion, art, architecture and archaeology, law, and science and technology.
CLAS 201 Ancient Greek Society
A survey of the civilization of Classical Greece, featuring such topics as the individual (male and female), political institutions, art, religion, philosophy, literature, social life and leisure activities.
CLAS 202 Ancient Roman Society
A survey of the civilization of the Roman Republic and Empire, featuring such topics as the individual (male and female), political institutions, art, religion, philosophy, literature, social life and leisure activities.
CLAS 205 Medieval Society
A survey of medieval civilization featuring such topics as the individual (male and female), political institutions, art, architecture, religion, philosophy, literature, social life and leisure activities.
CLAS 210 History of Ancient Law
An historical introduction to law in the Ancient world. Babylonian, Assyrian, Hittite and Roman law, legal practices and concepts will be examined.
CLAS 221 Principles of Archaeology
An introduction to the working assumptions, analytic approaches, and integrative and descriptive methods of archaeological anthropology.
CLAS 225 Classical Mythology 1: The Deities
A study of Greek and Roman mythology, focusing especially on the Olympian gods, male and female. Topics include myths of creation, the origin of humanity, the rise of the Olympian order, and divine myths.
CLAS 230 Classical Roots of English Vocabulary
This course offers an introduction to the etymology of the English language, in particular that part which has been derived from Latin and ancient Greek; the main focus will be the most important Classical roots from which the vocabulary of the life sciences and other academic disciplines derives.
CLAS 231 Survey of Greek Literature
A survey, through English translation, of Greek literature from the earliest times to the Byzantine period. Material studied may include the genres of epic, tragedy, comedy, history, poetry and philosophy through the works of Homer, Euripides, Aristophanes, Thucydides, and Aristotle.
CLAS 232 Survey of Roman Literature
A survey, through English translation, of Latin literature from the earliest times to the medieval period. Material studied may include the genres of epic, tragedy, comedy, history, poetry and philosophy through the works of Vergil, Catullus, Petronius, Livy, and Augustine.
CLAS 241 Survey of Greek Art and Architecture
A survey of Greek art and architecture from the earliest times to the coming of the Romans. Material studied may include the art of the Bronze Age, the development of Greek sculpture, the evolution of the Acropolis at Athens and the change in art and architecture after Alexander the Great.
CLAS 242 Survey of Roman Art and Architecture
A survey of Roman art and architecture from the earliest times to the age of Constantine the Great. Material studied may include the art of the Etruscans, the evolution of Roman portraiture, innovations in architectural materials and forms, the use of art and architecture by the Emperors and the change to Late Antique art.
CLAS 251 Greek History
A survey of ancient Greek history, from the Bronze Age to Alexander the Great, emphasizing particularly its political and military aspects.
CLAS 252 Roman History
A survey of ancient Roman history, from the Republic to the Empire, emphasizing particularly its political and military aspects.
CLAS 255 Medieval Society
A survey of Medieval civilization featuring such topics as the individual (male and female), political institutions, art, architecture, religion, philosophy, literature, social life and leisure activities.
CLAS 266 Ancient Tragedy in Translation
This course focuses upon the dramatic literature of the classical age in Athens. It features the Oresteia of Aeschylus, the Oedipus plays of Sophocles, and the Medea, Hippolytus and Bacchae of Euripides. Roman tragedy is also studied for comparative purposes through the plays of Seneca.
CLAS 275 Survey of Greek Literature
A survey, in translation, of Greek literature from the earliest times to the Byzantine period, including genres such as tragedy, comedy, history, epic and pastoral poetry, philosophy and authors such as Homer, Nonnos, Aristophanes, Thucydides, Aristotle, Comnena, among others.
CLAS 276 Survey of Roman Literature
A survey, in translation, of Latin literature from the earliest times to the medieval period, including genres such as epic poetry, tragedy, comedy, history, philosophy and authors such as Livy, Vergil, Catullus, Petronius, Augustine and Abelard, among others.
CLAS 311 Women in Classical Antiquity
A study of the lives of women in the Greek and Roman worlds, focusing largely on the primary evidence.
CLAS 321 Archaeology of Complex Cultures
Cultural development from the agricultural revolution to the rise of literacy. Special attention to the development of agriculture as a means of subsistence and to the rise of early civilization. Areas and periods of emphasis will vary from year to year.
CLAS 325 Greek and Roman Religion
An examination of the religious beliefs and cult practices of the classical world. Topics include prayer and sacrifice; divination and oracles; temples, priests and festivals; mystery cults and their relation to Christianity.
CLAS 331 Advanced Studies in Ancient Literature
An in-depth examination, through English translation, of a genre(s), author(s) or selected topic(s) in Greek and/or Roman literature. Material studied may include the genres of epic, tragedy, comedy, lyric, and satire, and authors such as Homer, Virgil, Sophokles, Seneca, Aristophanes, Menander, Plautus, Sappho, Pindar, Catullus, and Horace.
CLAS 341 Advanced Studies in Greek Art and Architecture
An advanced survey of the art and architecture from a selected time period of Greek history. Material studied may include the art and architecture of the Aegean Bronze Age, and the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods. Archaeological, historical and cultural issues specific to each time period will be discussed through the important media of the day.
CLAS 342 Advanced Studies in Roman Art and Architecture
An advanced survey of the art and architecture from a selected time period of Roman History. Material studied may include the art and architecture of the Etruscans, the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. Archaeological, historical and cultural issues specific to each time period will be discussed through the important media of the day.
CLAS 351 Advanced Studies in Greek History
An advanced study of aspects of Greek history, through the examination of a specific time period, event(s) or theme(s). Topics studied may include the Archaic Age and the rise of the Polis, the Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War, conflict in the 4th c. BCE, the history of the Hellenistic period and Greek social history.
CLAS 352 Advanced Studies in Roman History
An advanced study of aspects of Roman history, through the examination of a specific time period, event(s) or theme(s). Topics studied may include the Punic Wars, the end of the Republic, the Julio-Claudian Dynasty, history of the High Empire, later Roman history and Roman social history.
CLAS 365 Ancient Comedy in Translation
The comedy of the ancient Greeks and Romans will be examined through selected plays of Aristophanes, Menander, Plautus and Terence. The different types of comedy, and their evolution, will be studied in lectures and discussions.
CLAS 384 Science and Technology of Ancient Greece and Rome
A study of scientific thought and achievements in such areas as astronomy, biology, anatomy and medicine, and of the technological skills which produced and distributed raw materials, manufactured goods and agricultural products.
CLAS 390 Classical Studies Abroad
This course features a combination of academic study and firsthand investigation of museums and ancient sites, normally in Greece and/or Italy.
CLAS 391 Directed Study in Classical Studies
Directed study for individual students at the third-year level.
CLAS 486 Senior Seminar
Each Fall and Winter term a senior seminar on some aspect of Greek or Roman civilization will be offered.
CLAS 490A Senior Honours Thesis
Students wishing to undertake a Senior Honours Thesis in their fourth year should consult the Department's Undergraduate Officer.
CLAS 492 Directed Study
Under exceptional circumstances, and only with the prior approval of the Department, a student may substitute an individualized course of study at the senior level (worth a total of 1.0 credit). Such circumstances might include, for example, the student's participation in an approved archaeological dig. For further details, consult the Department.