łÔąĎ±¬ÁĎ

Skip to Main Content
Skidmore College
Classics

Classics Courses
Spring 2014 


CC 200: CLASSICAL WORLD (4 Cr.)
M/W/F 1:25-2:20
Jackie Murray

An introduction to classical antiquity for students interested in ancient Greece and Rome, the impact of antiquity on Medieval and Renaissance Europe, and a general background in the Western tradition. This interdisciplinary course, team-taught by faculty from the Classics Department, includes studies in literature (epic, dramatic, and lyric poetry, rhetoric, and fiction), history and historiography, art and architecture, philosophy and political theory.
Fulfills Humanities requirement. Prerequisite: None

CC 222: GREEK TRAGEDY (3 Cr.)
TU/TH 3:40-5:00
Dan Curley

In the theater of Dionysus at Athens, Greek myths and legends came to life. Heroes and heroines alike took the stage and through their stories demonstrated the frailty of human existence. Students will explore works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, the three great tragedians, in the context of Athenian society of the 5th century BCE. In addition, students will write, produce, and perform an original Greek tragedy in English.
Fulfills Humanities requirement. Prerequisite: None. Counts toward the Theater major

CC 225: THE ANCIENT NOVEL (3 Cr.)
TU/TH 2:10 - 3:30
Jackie Murray

Adventures! Odysseys in distant lands! Romance! Fantasy! An exploration of ancient prose fiction with emphasis on multi-cultural scope, literature as entertainment, and the play of fictionality and historicity. Students will read the most important examples of ancient Greek and Roman novels in translation while honing skills in literary analysis and interpretation. Readings will include works by Lucian, Longus, Achilles Tatius, Apuleius, and Petronius.
Fulfills Humanities requirement. Prerequisite: None.

CC 395: THE CLASSICS MAJOR AND BEYOND (1 Cr.)
Monday 5:30 - 6:30
Jackie Murray

“Classics? What are you goingto do with that?” In this transitional course, senior majors will reflect on their work in the Classics curriculum and look ahead to life as Skidmore graduates. Working both individually and collaboratively, students will examine the relevance of classical studies to continuing intellectual, cultural, and civic engagement; explore options for future work and study; compile a portfolio documenting and evaluating coursework in the Classics major; and strengthen the presentation and communication skills essential to professional
success.
Prerequisite: Senior standing as a Classics major or minor. Must be taken S/U.

CG 210: INTERMEDIATE GREEK (4 Cr.)
Monday 11:15-12:10
TU/TH 11:10 - 12:30
Leslie Mechem

In this continuation of CG 110, students read one of the most stirring accounts from antiquity — Xenophon’s Anabasis, or “Going Up-Country.” This account of an expedition by Greek mercenaries in support of a pretender to the Persian Empire’s throne reveals a great deal about how the Greeks viewed the “barbarian” Persians and, ultimately, how they viewed
themselves.
Prerequisite: CL 110 or permission of instructor.

CG 310: HOMER'S Odyssey - (4 Cr.)
TU/TH 9:40 - 11:00
Michael Arnush

CL 210: INTERMEDIATE LATIN (4 Cr.)
Monday 11:15 - 12:10
TU/TH 11:10 - 12:30
Dan Curley

Students will refine their mastery of Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. We will concentrate on two very different Latin texts, each with its take on life and how to live it: one,
Cornelius Nepos' biography of Atticus, famous friend of Cicero and an exemplary Roman; two, the fables of Aesop, whose wry sketches of the animal world provided morals for his human readers.
Prerequisite: CL 110 or permission of the instructor.

CL 310: VERGIL'S Aeneid (4 Cr.)
M/W 4:00 - 5:00
Jackie Murray

A century ago, Vergil’s Aeneid was considered a pallid copy of Homer and other Greek poets. Today, it is the foremost text in the Augustan canon, and a cornerstone of the Western tradition. Students will savor the eloquence, pathos, and humanity of Vergil’s Latin, while considering the role of the poem in solidifying imperium Romanum. Is the Aeneid a panegyric for the age of Augustus? Propaganda? A subversive critique? Arma virumque canamus.
Prerequisite: CL 210 or permission of the instructor.

AH 223 Roman Art and Archaeology (3 Cr.)
T/TH 3:40 - 5:00
Leslie Mechem

An examination of architecture, sculpture, and painting beginning with the Villanovan and Etruscan cultures and continuing through the Republic and Empire (fourth century A.D.). Topics covered include wall painting, narrative sculpture, and city planning.
Fulfills Humanities requirement. Prerequisite: None.

HI 217/CC265 Alexander the Great (3 Cr.)
TU/TH 12:40 - 2:00
Michael Arnush
Alexander the Great, theso-called "world's first rock star” and “fantastic freak of nature." Who was this King of Macedon, champion of the Greeks and conqueror of the east? He has come to symbolize worldly glory and conquest, and modern critics have viewed him either as a dashing adventurer, a ruthless tyrant, or a superhuman living god with feet of clay and a drinking problem. Why has this complex and fascinating figure captivated us?
Fulfills Social Sciences requirement. Prerequisite: None

PH 3XX Philosophy (?)
XX/XX Time
Silvia Carli