C L A S S I C A L   S T U D I E S

Notes

  1. Students should consult with the departmental undergraduate advisor for the latest information on course offerings. Some courses are offered in rotation.
  2. Classical Studies courses are taught in English. See Greek and Latin for courses in the Classical languages.

CLAS 100s


CLAS 100 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 004262
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.
Prereq: No more than 0.50 unit in CLAS

 
CLAS 103 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 009519
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.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of two times.]

 
CLAS 104 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 012910
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 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 011784
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.
(Cross-listed with MEDVL 105)

 
CLAS 123 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 015761
Classical Studies in Pop Culture
An introduction to the role that classical studies and the classical cultures have played in pop culture. This course will examine specific references, such as ancient Greek myths, and more general trends, such as literary types, in contemporary movies, television shows, comic books, and video games to illustrate the continued fascination with the cultures of Ancient Greece and Rome.

 

CLAS 200s


CLAS 201 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 004266
Love, Life, and Death in Greece
This course surveys how different people gave meaning to their lives in ancient Greece. It will cover topics ranging from personal identities, culture wars, sports, art, myth, and history, to sex, slavery, and social justice.

 
CLAS 202 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 004267
Love, Life, and Death in Rome
This course surveys how different people gave meaning to their lives in ancient Roman world. It will cover topics ranging from personal identities, family roles, myth, and history, to sex scandals, slavery, gladiatorial games, and mystery cults.

 
CLAS 205 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 004280
Medieval Society
A survey of Medieval civilization featuring such topics as the individual, political institutions, art, architecture, religion, philosophy, literature, social life, and leisure activities.
(Cross-listed with MEDVL 205)

 
CLAS 210 DIS,LEC 0.50
Course ID: 006241
History of Ancient Law
A historical introduction to law in the ancient world. Babylonian, Assyrian, Hittite, and Roman law, legal practices, and concepts will be examined.
(Cross-listed with HIST 210, LS 235)

 
CLAS 220 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 015494
Philosophy of Friendship
Friendship is an essential part of a happy life. Ancient western philosophers made friendship one of the cornerstones of their ethics. This course is an exploration of their views on problems such as the necessity of friendship, its nature, its species, and its relationship to happiness and the political community.
Antireq: PHIL 403 taken winter 2017
(Cross-listed with PHIL 220J)
Offered at St. Jerome's University

 
CLAS 221 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 003396
Introduction to Archaeology
An introduction to the working assumptions, analytic approaches, and integrative and descriptive methods of archaeological anthropology.
(Cross-listed with ANTH 201)

 
CLAS 225 DIS,LEC 0.50
Course ID: 007738
Classics in Political Thought
Where do the core tenets of Western political philosophy come from? In this course students will trace the development of political philosophy by examining Ancient Greek plays (e.g., Antigone, Medea) and foundational political texts (e.g., Plato's Republic, Aristotle's Politics) which set the stage for modern Western political thought (Machiavelli and after).
Prereq: At least 0.50 unit in CLAS
(Cross-listed with PSCI 225)

 
CLAS 230 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 009520
Greek and Latin Scientific Terminology
This course is an introduction to decoding the vocabulary of many modern scientific, technical, and medical disciplines. The main focus will be on learning the important Greek and Latin word elements found in technical vocabulary, as well as the rules by which words take shape.

 
CLAS 231 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 011785
Studies in Ancient Greek Literature
Special topics in ancient Greek literature, as announced by the department. Authors, works, time periods, and topics will vary. Authors studied may include Homer (epic), Euripides (tragedy), Aristophanes (comedy), Thucydides (history), Sappho (poetry), and Plato (philosophy). Topics by which the course will be organized may include gender, slavery, politics, war, peace, death, and love.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of four times.]
Prereq: Level at least 2A

 
CLAS 232 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 011786
Studies in Ancient Roman Literature
Special topics in ancient Roman literature, as announced by the department. Authors, works, time periods, and topics will vary. Authors studied may include Vergil (epic), Seneca (tragedy), Plautus (comedy), Livy (history), Catullus (poetry), and Lucretius (philosophy). Topics by which the course will be organized may include gender, slavery, politics, war, peace, death, and love.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of four times.]
Prereq: Level at least 2A

 
CLAS 237 DIS,LEC 0.50
Course ID: 006279
The Ancient Near East and Egypt
A study of the civilizations of the ancient Near East focusing on Mesopotamia (Sumer and Akkad, the Babylonian Dynasty, and the Third Dynasty of Ur), Hatti, Assyria, Egypt, and Persia.
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with HIST 237)
Offered at St. Jerome's University

 
CLAS 241 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 005478
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.
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with FINE 241)

 
CLAS 242 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 005480
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.
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with FINE 242)

 
CLAS 251 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 004278
Greek History
A survey of ancient Greek history, from the Bronze Age to Alexander the Great, emphasizing particularly its political and military aspects.
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with HIST 242)

 
CLAS 252 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 004279
Roman History
A survey of ancient Roman history, from the Republic to the Empire, emphasizing particularly its political and military aspects.
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with HIST 252)

 
CLAS 260 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 016322
Ancient Science
The ancient Greeks developed scientific theories that were influential for over a thousand years. Their worldview was different from ours, but they sought to explain some of the same phenomena that we grapple with today. In this course, we will study ancient Greek theories and methodologies in the sciences, which may include physics, astronomy, mathematics, meteorology, cosmology, astrology, and geography.
Antireq: PHIL 271 taken winter 2019
(Cross-listed with PHIL 260, SCI 266)

 
CLAS 261 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 007248
Great Works: Ancient and Medieval
A historical survey of ancient and medieval philosophy in the Western tradition.
Antireq: PHIL 250A
(Cross-listed with PHIL 283)

 

CLAS 300s


CLAS 311 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 004287
Sex and Gender in the Ancient World
This course examines a variety of issues around sexuality and gender relations in antiquity, including sexual mores and behaviours; literary, artistic, and philosophical constructs of gender; the roots of misogyny; and the legal and social restrictions placed on women in most ancient societies.
Prereq: One course in CLAS

 
CLAS 321 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 003446
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.
Prereq: ANTH 201/CLAS 221
(Cross-listed with ANTH 321)

 
CLAS 325 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 004290
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.
[Note: This course fulfills an Area 1 requirement for Religious Studies majors.]
Prereq: One of CLAS 100, 104, 201, 202
(Cross-listed with RS 315)

 
CLAS 326 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 015266
The Body, Dress, and Religion
From clothing to hairstyles to tattoos, dress can express beliefs, aspects of identity, and power. This course examines dress in a variety of religions from ancient Greece to the modern era. The course includes attention to the look and feel of dress on the body, conflicts that can arise over dress and religion, as well as the role of dress in the formation and maintenance of religious communities.
[Note: The course fulfils an Area 3 requirement for Religious Studies majors.]
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with RS 327, GSJ 327)

 
CLAS 327 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 011787
Astrology and Magic
An examination of the theory and practice of astrology and magic in the classical and medieval worlds. Topics include the relationship of astrology and magic to traditional Greco-Roman religion and Christianity, occult practices, and the people who performed them.
Prereq: One of CLAS 100, 104, 201, 202

 
CLAS 331 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 012911
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.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of four times.]
Prereq: CLAS 231 or 232

 
CLAS 341 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 012914
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.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of four times.]
Prereq: CLAS 241/FINE 241
(Cross-listed with FINE 341)

 
CLAS 342 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 012915
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.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of four times.]
Prereq: CLAS 242/FINE 242
(Cross-listed with FINE 342)

 
CLAS 351 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 012912
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 fourth century BCE, the history of the Hellenistic period, and Greek social history.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of four times.]
Prereq: CLAS 251/HIST 242

 
CLAS 352 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 012913
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.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of four times.]
Prereq: CLAS 252/HIST 252

 
CLAS 361 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 007324
History of Ancient Philosophy
In this course students will examine one or more important figures, periods, or issues in ancient philosophy. Plato and Aristotle are among the philosophers who may be covered.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of three times.]
Prereq: 0.50 units in PHIL
(Cross-listed with PHIL 380)

 
CLAS 384 LEC 0.50
Course ID: 004300
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.
Prereq: One of CLAS 201, 202, 251, 252 or a first year Engineering course or a first year CHEM/EARTH/PHYS course or a second year BIOL/SCI course

 
CLAS 390 FLD 0.50
Course ID: 004301
Classical Studies Abroad
This course features a combination of academic study and first-hand investigation of museums and ancient sites, normally in Greece and/or Italy.
[Note: This is a concentrated study course (block format) normally offered in a spring term. This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of four times. This course incurs extra costs for the student above and beyond the registration fee in the form of travel, room and board, and incidental costs.]
Department Consent Required
Prereq: At least 1.5 units in CLAS and/or GRK and/or LAT

 

CLAS 400s


CLAS 461 SEM 0.50
Course ID: 011189
Studies in Ancient Philosophy
Special topics in ancient philosophy, as announced by the department.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of three times.]
Prereq: Level at least 3A
(Cross-listed with PHIL 403)

 
CLAS 486 SEM 0.50
Course ID: 009523
Senior Seminar
Each fall and winter term a senior seminar on some aspect of Greek or Roman civilization will be offered.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of four times.]
Prereq: CLAS 251, 252; CLAS 231 or 232; CLAS 241 or 242

 
CLAS 490A SEM 0.50
Course ID: 004315
Senior Honours Thesis
Students wishing to undertake a senior honours thesis in their fourth year should consult the department's undergraduate officer.
Department Consent Required

 
CLAS 490B RDG 0.50
Course ID: 004316
Senior Honours Thesis
Continuation of the Senior Honours Thesis.
Department Consent Required

 
CLAS 492 SEM 0.50
Course ID: 004317
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. Such circumstances might include, for example, the student's participation in an approved archaeological dig. For further details, consult the department.
Department Consent Required