Classics Courses Spring 2025

INTRODUCTION TO EGYPTOLOGY
ANEE 229
M/W/F: 9:30 – 10:20 AM
A. Beek
Have you marveled at how the pyramids were built? Ever wanted to read the Book of the Dead? Or were you always fascinated by mummies, expansive temples and Egyptian gods and goddesses? This course will cover all these topics, and many more, through an exploration of the writings, art, and architecture of the ancient Egyptians. In addition to examining the archaeological remains of Egyptian civilization, the course will incorporate an introduction to translation of hieroglyphs–the written form of the ancient Egyptian language.

Beginning Akkadian I
AKKD 101
T/Th: 2:30 – 3:45 PM
M. Rumor
This course is the first of a sequence of two courses intended to cover the fundamentals of Akkadian grammar and a large number of the most common cuneiform signs encountered. A sample of texts (tablets) from the most important genres of cuneiform literature will be read.

INTRODUCTION TO BYZANTINE HISTORY, 500 – 1500
CLSC 102
M/W: 12:45 – 2:00 PM
M. Hammond
Development of the Byzantine empire from the emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity and founding of the eastern capital at Constantinople to the fall of Constantinople to Turkish forces in 1453. Offered as CLSC 102 and HSTY 102.

THE ANCIENT WORLD
CLSC 193
M/W/F: 11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
A. Beek
This course offers students an introduction to the history and culture of several ancient civilizations (including those of Mesopotamia, the Levant, Egypt, Greece, and Rome) as well as their lasting legacies. Offered as ANEE 193 and CLSC 193 and HSTY 193.

Athens: City in Context (Spring Study Abroad)
CLSC 199
W: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
M. Hammond
Students selected for their strong background and/or interest in Greek Civilization spend Spring Break in Athens, Greece. The intensive week-long itinerary will focus on the city of Athens, bringing students to major sites including the Acropolis, the Agora, and the city’s major museums, with day-trips to nearby sites (such as, for example, Delphi, Sounion, and/or the island of Aegina) designed to place Athens into greater context. No language prerequisites, but the course may include instruction in basic modern Greek. Specific thematic focus and the frequency of any pre- and/or post-Spring Break classroom meetings at CWRU to be arranged by the instructor.

GODS AND GLADIATORS: THE WORLD OF ANCIENT ROME
CLSC 232
T/Th: 2:30 – 3:45 PM
E. Adkins
The enduring significance of the Romans studied through their history, literature, art, architecture, religion, philosophy, and political, economic and social structures. Lectures and discussion. Offered as CLSC 232 and HSTY 232.

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
CLSC 295
T/Th: 5:30 – 6:45 PM
A. Beek
A self-paced, computer-assisted course on the classical foundations (etymology) of modern English as well as the basic principles on which roots, prefixes, and suffixes combine to give precise meanings to composite words, which is then applied toward learning medical, biomedical and scientific terminology.

ANCIENT MEDICINE
CLSC 337
T/Th: 10:00 – 11:15 AM
M. Rumor
This course offers a general survey of the history of medicine from its origins in pre-historical times to Galen (2nd c. CE) with a view to gaining a better understanding of the path that eventually lead to modern medical practice. The various medical systems considered, including the ancient Babylonian, Egyptian, Jewish, Chinese, Ayurvedic, Greek and Roman traditions, will be examined through the study of primary and secondary sources, while key conceptual developments and practices are identified within their cultural and social context. Special issues, such as epidemics, women’s medicine, and surgery, are also explored and discussed. Offered as ANEE 337, CLSC 337, CLSC 437, HSTY 337, and HSTY 437.

SENIOR CAPSTONE
CLSC 381 / ANEE 381
The Senior Capstone is the final requirement of the Writing/Communication GER for majors in the Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Studies and Classics, and it should be taken in the fall semester of a student’s senior year. It involves researching, writing and giving an oral presentation of a paper of at least 20 pages on a topic relating to the Ancient Near East, or Ancient Egypt, or Greco-Roman history/culture, in consultation with the student’s Senior Capstone Instructor, who will regularly review its progress. Offered as ANEE 381 and CLSC 381.

SENIOR HONORS THESIS
CLSC 382
A course of independent study and research culminating in the preparation of a thesis on a topic approved by the supervising faculty member. Enrollment in this course must be approved by the Chair of the Department.

DIRECTED READINGS
CLSC 395
Readings in English on a topic of interest to the student and acceptable to the instructor. Designed and completed under the supervision of the instructor with whom the student wishes to work.

ELEMENTARY GREEK I
GREK 101
M/W/F: 9:30 – 10:20 AM
R. Sternberg
Beginning course in Greek language, covering grammar (forms and syntax) and the reading of elementary selections from ancient sources. Makes a start toward reading Greek authors.

GREEK PROSE AUTHORS
GREK 201
T/Th: 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
T. Wutrich
Readings from authors such as Plato, Lysias, Xenophon, and Herodotus. Offered as GREK 201, GREK 401, WLIT 201 and WLIT 401.

HISTORY
GREK 307
M/W: 12:45 – 2:00 PM
R. Sternberg
Extensive reading in Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War, especially Books VI and VII, the expedition against Syracuse. Offered as GREK 307, GREK 407, WLIT 307 and WLIT 407

ELEMENTARY LATIN II
LATN 102
M/W/F: 11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
M. Hammond
An introduction to the elements of Latin: pronunciation, forms, syntax, vocabulary, and reading.

VERGIL
LATN 202
T/Th: 10:00 – 11:15 AM
T. Wutrich
Primarily readings from The Aeneid; selections from Vergil’s other work may be introduced at instructor’s discretion. Recommended preparation: LATN 201 or equivalent. Offered as LATN 202, LATN 402, WLIT 232 and WLIT 432.

THE ROMAN NOVEL
LATN 355
T/Th: 10:00 – 11:15 AM
E. Adkins
Readings from the two surviving Roman novels, Petronius’ Satyricon and Apuleius’ Metamorphoses or Golden Ass. There will also be discussion of the major themes and approaches to the Roman novel. Recommended preparation: LATN 200 level course or equivalent. Offered as LATN 355 and LATN 455.