Classical Studies

Program Director: Barbara Pavlock

Classical Studies Faculty. Professors Barbara Pavlock, Ph.D. (Cornell); Charles Robert Phillips, III, Ph.D. (Brown); David B. Small, Ph.D. (Cambridge),

The study of Classics examines first the origins and growth of Greek and Roman culture in the Mediterranean area and second its impact on that area (and others) until the present. This study is by nature interdisciplinary: the study of language and literature, history, philosophy and religion, archaeology, economics and science all contribute to an appreciation of Greco-Roman civilization.

Students in either major or minor programs may concentrate in various combinations of these and other disciplines as they relate to ancient civilization. The diversity of the program should encourage the student to follow her or his special interests while simultaneously gaining an overview of classical civilization.

Courses in ancient Greek and Latin lead to proficiency in language while introducing the student to major literary texts. The Joseph A. Maurer Classics Prize is awarded yearly, at the discretion of the program, to the senior(s) who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in Classics (ancient Greek or Latin) and/or classical civilization. Courses in classical civilization require no knowledge of the ancient languages; they offer introductions to various disciplines of Classics with frequent reference to modern perspectives. Upper-level courses tend to be small, fostering closeness between faculty and students.

Petitions are required for freshmen to take 100-level or higher courses and for sophomores to take 200-level or higher courses.

Major Programs. Students may major either in classical civilization or in Classics. The Classics major offers a comprehensive view of language and culture; it is possible to begin an ancient language at Lehigh and to complete the major program successfully. The classical civilization major enables the student to gain a broad perspective on Greek and Roman civilization. The program welcomes double majors and the educational perspectives to be derived from combining ancient and modern studies.

Classics as a major has stood the test of time, offering helpful preparation for careers in widely diverse fields in the professions, business, and public service. Lehigh Classics majors have gone on to law school, to the ministry, to business school, with appropriate science courses to medical school, to graduate work in Classics, and to all kinds of entry-level employment.

Departmental Honors. A student may be recommended for program honors by vote of the program based on the student’s course work.

Minor Program. The program has three minors: Classics, Latin, and Classical Civilization. The minor in Classics combines language study and civilization courses (with a minimum of two courses in the languages). The minor in Latin focuses exclusively on the study of Latin. For the minor in Classical Civilization, students may take any combination of courses in Classical Civilization (any courses designated CLSS). All the minors require a minimum of 15 credits. The program can arrange individual courses of study.

Study Abroad. Lehigh University is a cooperating institution of the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies at Rome. Lehigh students are eligible for tuition grants at Athens and Rome.

Major in Classical Civilization

This major allows the student to gain an overview of Greco-Roman culture through the literature, archaeology, and history along with basic language study. A minimum of 34 credits is expected, but adjustments may be made for prior language study. Students need to consult the Program Director to determine appropriate adjustments to the guidelines for major requirements.

Any four of the following:

CLSS 52 (ENGL 52) Classical Epic (3)

CLSS 54 (ENGL 54, THTR 54) Greek Tragedy (3)

CLSS 56 (ENGL 56) Topics in Greek and Roman Literature (3)

CLSS 58 (ENGL 58, THTR 58) Greek and Roman Comedy (3)

CLSS 174 (ANTH 174, ART 174, ARCH 174) Greek Archaeology (3)

CLSS 176 (ANTH 176, ART 176, ARCH 176) Roman Archaeology (3)

Any two courses in ancient history

At least two electives from the remaining program offerings

One course in either Latin or Greek on the intermediate level (or LAT/GRK 1, 2, 11, or 12, depending on previous background)

Major in Classics

This major allows the student to concentrate in ancient Greek, Latin or both. Specific programs for this major are worked out for each student with due consideration for the individual’s particular previous study of the language(s). Thus a student may begin ancient Greek or Latin at Lehigh and successfully complete a major in it. A minimum of 34 credits is expected, but adjustments may be made for prior language study. Students need to consult the Program Director to determine appropriate adjustments to the guidelines for major requirements.

Required Major Courses

Latin 1 and 2 or Greek 1 and 2, depending on prior preparation

Latin 11 and 12, or Greek 11 and 12, depending on prior preparation

Three advanced courses in the major language minimum, depending on prior preparation. Students entering with significant previous language study in their major language (Latin or Greek) will be expected to take four or more advanced courses. The specific number of credits for language study will be determined in consultation with the Program Director.

Any two ancient history courses

At least two electives from the remaining program offerings

Courses in Classical Civilization (CLSS)

CLSS 21. (HIST 21) Greek History (4) fall

The development of civilization from palaeolithic times to the world empire of Alexander the Great. The social, economic, religious, philosophic, artistic and literary development of the ancient world; the origin of political institutions. Phillips (SS)

CLSS 22. (HIST 22) Roman History (4) spring

Rome from its origins to A.D. 476. Political, social and religious developments. Transformation of the late Roman Empire to the early medieval period. Phillips (SS)

CLSS 50. Mythology (3) fall

Introduction to the study of the Greco-Roman myths in their social, political, and historical contexts. Equal emphasis on learning the myths and strategies for interpreting them as important evidence for studying classical antiquity. (SS)

CLSS 52. (ENGL 52) Classical Epic (3)

Study of major epic poems from Greece and Rome. Works include Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, Apollonius’ Argonautica, Vergil’s Aeneid, and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Pavlock (HU)

CLSS 54. (ENGL 54, THTR 54) Greek Tragedy (3)

Aspects of Greek theater and plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides in their social and intellectual contexts. Pavlock (HU)

CLSS 56. (ENGL 56) Topics in Greek and Roman Literature (3)

Classical literature in translation, including themes or specific periods in Greek or Roman literature. May be repeated for credit, as topics vary. Pavlock (HU)

CLSS 58. (ENGL 58, THTR 58) Greek and Roman Comedy (3)

Study of comedy as a social form through plays of Aristophanes, Menander, Plautus, and Terence. Pavlock (HU)

CLSS 91. Independent Study (1-4) (ND)

CLSS 112. (ANTH 112) Doing Archaeology (4)

Principles of archaeological method and theory. Excavation and survey methods, artifact analysis, dating techniques, and cultural reconstruction. Course includes field project. Small (SS)

CLSS 114 (REL 114) Christian Origins: New Testament and the Beginnings of Christianity (4)

Early Christianity from its beginnings until the end of the second century. Coverage includes the Jewish and Hellenistic matrices of Christianity, traditions about the life of Jesus and his significance, and the variety of belief and practice of early Christians. Emphasis on encountering primary texts. Wright (HU)

CLSS 127. (ANTH 127) Early Civilizations (4)

Introduction to early civilizations in the Near East, Mediterranean, Africa, Europe, and the New World. Similarities and differences in economics, politics, social organization, and religion. Small (SS)

CLSS 131. (PHIL 131) Ancient Philosophy (4) fall

Historical survey of selected texts and issues in the classical world, from the pre-Socratics through Aristotle, with emphasis on the origins of the western philosophical traditions in ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology. (HU)

CLSS 132. (PHIL 132) Hellenistic Philosophy (4)

Historical survey of selected texts and issues in Post-Aristotelian Greek and Roman philosophy from the fourth century B.C. to the third century A.D. Areas of focus may include epicureanism, stoicism, academic and pyrrhonian scepticism, and neoplatonism. (HU)

CLSS 161. (HIST 161) Roman Law (4)

Examination of Roman legal systems from the Twelve Tables to the Digest of Justinian. Emphasis on development of legal concepts and their historical context. Readings in primary sources; lectures; discussion. Phillips (SS)

CLSS 171. Independent Study (1-4)

CLSS 174. (ANTH 174, ART 174, ARCH 174) Greek Archaeology (3)

Ancient Greek culture from the neolithic to Hellenistic periods. Reconstructions of Greek social dynamics from the study of artifacts. Small (SS)

CLSS 176. (ANTH 176, ART 176, ARCH 176) Roman Archaeology (3)

Cultures of the Roman Empire. Reconstructions of social, political, and economic dynamics of the imperial system from the study of artifacts. Small (SS)

CLSS 191 (1-4) Special Topics (ND)

CLSS 213. (HIST 213, REL 213) Ancient Roman Religion (4)

Religious experience of the Roman people from prehistory to end of the empire. Nature of polytheism and its interactions with monotheism (Christianity, Judaism). Theories of religion. Emphasis on primary source materials. Phillips (SS)

CLSS 231. (PHIL 231) Figures/Themes in Ancient Philosophy (4)

This seminar course will involve in-depth focus upon a major ancient thinker (e.g. Plato, Aristotle, Sextus Empiricus, Plotinus, etc.) or the classical treatment of a particular theme (e.g.,“human nature,” “the good life,” ethical or political theory, etc.). Content varies. May be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite: One HU designated course in Philosophy. (HU)

CLSS 232. (PHIL 232) Figures/Themes in Hellenistic Philosophy (4)

This seminar will involve an in-depth focus upon a major movement in Hellenistic philosophy (roughly 4^th century B.C.E. to the second century C.E.), such as Epicureanism, Stoicism, ancient skepticism, or Neoplatonism, or the Hellenistic treatment of a particular theme (e.g., freedom from anxiety, the nature of the cosmos and our place within it, or human nature). Content varies. May be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite: One HU designated course in Philosophy. Mendelson. (HU)

CLSS 251. (REL 251) Classical Mythology (3)

Myth, religion, and ritual in ancient Greece and Rome. Emphasis on primary sources; introduction to ancient and modern theories of religion. Cross-cultural material. (SS)

CLSS 281. Readings (3) fall

Advanced study of a historical period or theme. Emphasis on primary sources. Prerequisites: CLSS 21 or 22 and consent of the program head. (ND)

CLSS 282. Readings (3) spring

Advanced study of a historical period or theme. Emphasis on primary sources. Prerequisites: CLSS 21 or 22 and consent of the program head. (ND)

CLSS 291. Independent Study (1-4)

CLSS 311 (HIST 311) Twins and Sins: The Rise of Rome (3-4)

Rome from its origins to the mid-third century B.C. Emphasis on foundation legends, the power of the monarchy, and development of Roman political and religious institutions. Papers, quizzes, discussions. Phillips (SS)

CLSS 312. (HIST 312) Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (3-4)

Political, social, and economic history of the Roman Empire, A.D. 117-A.D. 565. Romanization of the provinces, diffusion of Christianity, and special attention to transformation to medieval period. Includes readings in translation of primary sources. Phillips (SS)

CLSS 313. (HIST 313) Golden Age of Greek Democracy (3-4)

Greek history of the seventh through fifth centuries B.C. Emphasis on the contrasting political and social systems of Athens and Sparta with consideration of related economic and military history. Attention to art, gender, literature, religion. Discussion and lectures; papers. Phillips (SS)

CLSS 314. (HIST 314) Age of Caesar and Christ (3-4) spring

Roman history of the first century A.D. Political, cultural, and socio-economic changes; special attention to the evolution of absolute power. Lectures, discussions, papers. Phillips (SS)

CLSS 345. (ANTH 345) Evolution of the State (4)

Theories of state formation. Comparison of evolutionary trajectories of early states in the Near East, Mediterranean, and the New World. Small (SS)

Courses in Ancient Greek

GRK 1. Elementary Ancient Greek I (4) fall

Fundamentals of the Greek language. Grammatical exercises and short passages of easy prose. Staff (HU)

GRK 2. Elementary Ancient Greek II (4) spring

Continued work in Greek vocabulary, forms, and syntax. Selected readings in Greek. Students should have completed one semester of elementary ancient Greek or the equivalent. Staff (HU)

GRK 11. Intermediate Ancient Greek (3) fall

Readings in Herodotus, Homer, or Xenophon. Grammar review. Students should have completed two semesters of elementary ancient Greek or the equivalent. (HU)

GRK 12. Intermediate Ancient Greek (3) spring

May include Plato: Euthyphro, Apology and Crito, or other dialogues. Students should have completed two semesters of elementary Greek or the equivalent. (HU)

GRK 91. Independent Study (1-4) (HU)

GRK 111. Greek Drama (3)

Representative plays of Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes. Literary study of the drama. Students should have completed four semesters of ancient Greek or the equivalent. (HU)

GRK 112. Readings in Ancient Greek (3)

Readings of Greek prose and poetry, authors will vary. May be repeated for credit. Students should have completed four semesters of ancient Greek or the equivalent. (HU)

GRK 113. Greek Historians (3)

Selections from Herodotus, Thucydides or Xenophon. Study of Greek historiography. Students should have completed four semesters of ancient Greek or the equivalent. (HU)

GRK 171. Independent Study (1-4) (HU)

GRK 271. Readings (3) fall

Intensive readings in one author or in a selected genre. Prerequisites: six credit hours at the 100 level and consent of the program head. (HU)

GRK 272. Readings (3) spring

Intensive readings in one author or in a selected genre. Prerequisites: six credit hours of courses at the 100 level and consent of the program head. (HU)

GRK 291. Independent Study (1-4)

Courses in Latin

LAT 1. Elementary Latin I (4) fall

Fundamentals of grammar and syntax. Emphasis on language structure and vocabulary building. Pavlock (HU)

LAT 2. Elementary Latin II (4) spring

Continuation of grammar, easy Latin prose and poetry. Students should have completed one semester of elementary Latin or the equivalent. (HU)

LAT 11. Intermediate Latin (3) fall

Readings in Latin prose or poetry. Consolidation of reading ability; introduction to literary analysis. Students should have completed two semesters of elementary Latin or the equivalent. Pavlock (HU)

LAT 12. Intermediate Latin (3) spring

LAT 91. Independent Study (1-4)

LAT 111. Catullus and Horace (3)

Translation and analysis of selected lyrics, focusing on imagery systems. Introduction to metrics. May be repeated for credit. Students should have completed four semesters of Latin or the equivalent. Pavlock (HU)

LAT 112. Latin Prose (3)

Readings from Latin prose literature of the late republic and early empire; selections may include Cicero’s letters, Sallust, Pliny’s letters. May be repeated for credit as content changes. Students should have completed four semesters of Latin or the equivalent. Pavlock (HU)

LAT 113. Vergil (3)

Selections from the Aeneid. Vergil’s creation of a Latin epic and its complex perspective. Metrics. May be repeated for credit. Students should have completed four semesters of Latin or the equivalent. Pavlock (HU)

LAT 114. Livy (3)

Selections from the early books of Livy’s histories focusing on his creation of a Roman mythos. Students should have completed four semesters of Latin or the equivalent. Pavlock (HU)

LAT 115. Ovid (3)

May include selections from the Ars Amatoria, Fasti, and the Metamorphoses, with attention to the problem of the ideology of Augustan Rome. May be repeated for credit. Students should have completed four semesters of Latin or the equivalent. Pavlock (HU)

LAT 116. Petronius (3)

Selections from the Satyricon, focusing on language usage and epic parody. Students should have completed four semesters of Latin or the equivalent. Pavlock (HU)

LAT. 171. Independent Study (1-4) (HU)

LAT 211. Readings (3) fall

Intensive readings in one author or in a selected genre. Prerequisites: six hours of courses at the 100 level and consent of the program head. (HU)

LAT 212. Readings (3) spring

Intensive reading in one author or in a selected genre. Prerequisites: six hours of courses at the 100 level and consent of the program head. (HU)

LAT 291. Independent Study (1-4) (HU)