Spring 1997

Course Bulletin


CLASSICS

CLASSICS 27: INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGY

(Cross-listed FAH 019)

 Archaeology is not all digging, but that is how some of the material studied in this course is found. We study not only retrieval but also the interpretation of ancient material for the understanding of the ancient populations. The course opens with a review of archaeological methodology and techniques. We then survey the archaeological remains, beginning with prehistoric times and ending with the early Christian period. Although the focus is on the archaeology of Greece and Rome, other areas of the Mediterranean are included as well. The lectures are structured so that within each successive period of time, we first review the historical background, then survey the major archaeological sites, and finally look at various aspects of the material culture (pottery, coins, etc.).

Satisfies Art Distribution Area and Classics Culture Area. Two midterm exams, one final exam, and one term paper.

 MAGNESS 63+ (M 1:05-2:20, W 11:30-12:45)
 
 

CLASSICS 31: CLASSICS OF GREECE

A study of major Greek literary works in translation. Athens under Pericles, in the fifth century B.C., became the intellectual and artistic center of the whole Greek world, with achievements admired by all subsequent ages. What was Athens's inspiration? This course uses the literature of ancient Greece (read in English translation) to explore aspects of Athenian life; the development of democracy, the flowering of poetic drama, the early growth of moral philosophy, and ideals of education and fitness. Readings normally include Homer's Iliad or Odyssey; plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes; selections from Herodotus and Thucydides; and dialogues of Plato.

No previous knowledge of Classics assumed. This is a Humanities Distribution course and can count for the language requirement as a Classics Culture Area course.

 TBA 47 (MWF 10:30-11:20)
 
 

CLASSICS 32A: CLASSICS OF ROME

A study of major Roman literary works in translation. The evolution of Roman literary genres from the Roman Republic to the Empire with emphasis on the Greek origins. Selected readings include the works of Cato the Elder, Plautus, Terence, Cicero, Catullus, Lucretius, Virgil, Ovid, Suetonius, Petronius, and Juvenal.

Lectures and two review/discussions; several quizzes, a mid-term and final exam. No previous knowledge in Classical Studies is assumed. Satisfies Humanities Distribution Area, Classics Culture Area or Italian Peninsular Culture Area.

 PHILLIPS 53+ (TUTH 11:30- 12:45)
 
 

CLASSICS 32B: CLASSICS OF ROME

A study of major Roman literary works in translation. An introduction to Roman civilization and culture as seen through its literature (read in English translation). Particular attention will be paid to Rome of the Late Republic and the Age of the Emperor Augustus, in order to understand the profound political, intellectual and artistic developments of that era. Readings normally include some of Cicero's speeches and essays, Virgil's Aeneid, parts of Ovid's Metamorphoses and Art of Love, Catullus's poems, the Satires of Juvenal and other Latin authors.

No previous knowledge in Classical Studies is assumed. Satisfies Humanities Distribution Area, Classics Culture Area or Italian Peninsular Culture Area.

 MERZLAK 37 (M 9:30-10:20, TUTH 10:30-11:20)

CLASSICS 38: HISTORY OF ANCIENT ROME

(Cross-listed HST 17 )

 From the archaic city of Romulus to the Mediterranean empire of Augustus and his successors, this course surveys the history of Rome and the Roman people. Consideration of the prominent individuals (infamous as well as famous) and significant events of Rome's history will lead to an appreciation of the structures and institutions--political, social, religious--which characterized Roman civilization and which served as the basis of a remarkably successful empire. Additionally, close reading of primary literary and documentary evidence will provide an introduction to the ancient historian's craft.

Satisfies Humanities or Social Science Distribution Area.

 TROUT 37 (M 9:30-10:20, TUTH 10:30-11:20)
 
 

CLASSICS 75: CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY

A study of Greek and Roman myths with particular focus on works in which myths identify generic human qualities and behaviors, and reflect historic and social development. Readings include, in part of whole, Hesiod's Theogony, Homeric Hymns, Plato's Critias, Ovid's Metamorphoses, Apuleius's Golden Ass, among others.

Requirements: 1 oral report; 2 quizzes; final examination.

 HALPERN B3 (TUTH 1:05-2:20)
 
 

CLASSICS 135: SOCIAL LIFE IN GREECE: OLYMPIA, DELPHI AND THE MEDITERRANEAN WORLD

This course takes an interdisciplinary look at the two of the most complex and well-documented sites from the ancient world. Olympia and Delphi were major religious centers, homes to the most prestigious athletic contests in the Greek world, and spectacular museums highlighting Greek history, art, and culture. This course will explore the ways in which complex physical sites relate to their culture as a whole. The course will study Delphi and Olympia as major centers of political and cultural power, as examples of Greek art and archaeology, and as the subject of literary works. Students from a wide range of background are encouraged to join this interdisciplinary seminar, since class reports will draw upon a wide range of skills and backgrounds ranging from traditional literary and historical topics to the application of new electronic tools (such as 3D reconstructions).

Prerequisite: CLS 31, 37 or consent.

 CRANE W2 (TU 6:30-9:00)
 
 

CLASSICS 164: GREEK ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

(Cross-listed FAH 113)

 This course concentrates on the art and archaeology of Iron Age and Classical Greece (ca. 1200-100 B.C.). The classes are arranged chronologically, and are structured so that during part of each one the professor surveys the relevant background material. This is supplemented by oral reports presented by the student on specific problems relating to this material. Some of the classes on Wednesdays will be held at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. The course is scheduled so that students will be able to use the shuttle bus from Tufts to the museum.

Satisfies Arts Distribution Area. Two midterm exams, one final exam, occassional oral reports, and one research paper (the paper is optional for undergraduates).

Prerequisite: CLS 027 (FAH 019) or FAH 001 or consent.

 MAGNESS H3+ (M 6:30 - 7:45, W 4:45-6:20)
 
 

CLASSICS 187: PERSIA AND THE GREEKS

(Cross-listed HST 191SH)

 An exploration of the encounter of two great civilizations of antiquity, the city-states of Greece and the Persian Empire. Beginning with the foundation of the Persian Empire by Cyrus in the mid-sixth century B.C., we shall follow its development into the largest empire the world has yet seen, and examine fundamental political, legal, economic, cultural and religious ideas and institutions. Emphasis will be on the two centuries of conflict and rivalry between Persia and the major Greek states, Athens, Sparta and Macedonia, culmination in the conquest of Persia by Alexander the Great and the spread of Greek civilization across the Middle East. We will read the accounts of Greek historians and playwrights, examine documents from the Persian Empire, and view slides and films of Greek and Persian sites such as Athens and Persepolis.

Prerequisite: CLS 37/HST 16 or CLS 31 or consent.

 HIRSCH 63+ (M1:05-2:20, W 11:30-12:45)
 
 

CLASSICS 187: ANCIENT GREEK NUMISMATICS

(Cross-listed FAH 193)

 Seminar. Introduction to and study of metal currency and coinage of the Near East and Greece from around 1200 B.C. to after 300 B.C. Topics to be treated include the earliest appearance of currency; the transition from electrum to gold and silver; the city badges; the first European silver coins; the incuse coinage of Southern Italy; the historical problems of issues from Athens; the contributions to fine art of Sicilian artists; and the Hellenistic portrait coins. Each coin studied is an original document of ancient art, the changing economy, and the technology of the metal craftsman. Students will have hands-on experience with coins from local collections.

Prerequisite: Consent

 BALMUTH Y5 (F 9:30-12:00)
 
 

CLASSICS 191: ANCIENT MEDICINE SEMINAR (Topics in Ancient Medicine and its Transmission) : Surgery

A seminar on the historical development of Western surgery from Antiquity to the Twentieth Century. Throughout its development from its origins in Antiquity to a modern field of science and technology, surgery "has inspired hope and admiration, fear and censure, but never indifference;" This seminar will trace the historical evolution of Western surgery with regard to theories, practices, and technologies, as well as the changing social, economic and philosophical environment.

Short weekly presentations, a seminar lecture and paper. Especially recommended for pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, and community health program students.

Prerequisites: CLS 146 or Junior/Senior standing with consent.

 PHILLIPS 65+ (MTH 1:05-2:20)


LATIN

LATIN 2: ELEMENTARY LATIN

Through authentic but adapted Latin prose and poetry, we will review forms and syntax learned in Latin 1 and progress through complex grammatical constructions. From these Latin selections, we will also explore topics such as slavery, superstitions, and love in the Roman Forum--topics which reflect the richness and diversity of Roman life in the Republic and Empire. English derivatives and cultural enrichment will continue to be emphasized.

Prerequisite: LAT 1 or equivalent

 SETNIK 47 (MWF 10:30-11:20)
 
 

LATIN 21: ROMAN POETRY: CATULLUS

A study of Catullus' poems, especially those which helped shape our ideas of "romantic love." Other poems emphasize the poet's taste for the spicy and off-color. Some readings from Catullus's epyllion "Theseus and Ariadne" demonstrate his inheritance from Greek Alexandria. Grammar review and rhetorical devices follow along with the translation.

Quizzes, midterm and final exam.

Prerequisite:LAT 3 or equivalent preparation.

 MERZLAK B3 (TUTH 1:05-2:20)
 
 

LATIN 101: LATIN EPIC: VERGIL'S AENEID

Vergil's Aeneid became "a classic" and, worse, a school textbook as soon as Augustus commanded its posthumous publication. Reading parts of each book in Latin and the whole poem in English, we shall try to understand it as a Roman reader in 18 BC might have understood it, sensitive to Roman morality and values, to the Romans' pride in their imperial expansion, to the devastating wars of the end of the Republic, to the collapse of political institutions in the face of military commanders, and to the Greek literary traditions that Rome took over and tried to improve on. But we shall also try to discern the private voice behind the public monument.

Brief individual reports on assigned articles; longer research report (and paper for graduate students) on a chosen topic; mid-term translation exam; final exam. Translation expectations will be geared to students' Latin reading experience.

Prerequisite: 2 Latin courses at LAT 21, 22, or 91 level.

 REID A3+ (TUTH 3:50-5:05)


GREEK

GREEK 002: ELEMENTARY GREEK

A continuation of the study of ancient Greek through readings from Homer's Iliad. Grammar review with increased emphasis on syntax.

Prerequisite: GRK 1 or consent.

 HALPERN 53+ (TUTH 11:30-12:45)
 
 

GREEK 102: GREEK DRAMA: EURIPIDES

Readings of Greek tragedians: Euripides's Medea and Hippolytus, Sophocles's Oedipus Rex and Antigone. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between these texts and the culture that produced them.

 Prerequisite: GRK 7 or equivalent

 CRANE D3 (TUTH 2:30-3:45)
 
 

SUMMER 1997 COURSES

FIRST SESSION

May 21 - June 27

CLASSICS

SECOND SESSION

July 1 - August 8

CLASSICS

SPECIAL SESSION

CLASSICS 91FT: FRANCE BEFORE FRANCE: HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF CELTIC AND ROMAN GAUL

A six-week hands-on experience for students interested in archaeological techniques and French history and culture. Students concentrate on the history of Roman Gaul, and participate in the excavation of an ancient Roman fort. Field trips to various archaeological sites and museums in Lyon, Geneva, Vienne, and Annecy.

Two course credits. Conducted in English on the Talloires, France campus.

 HIRSCH May 19 - June 28