Classics 409: Classical Connections

EXPLORE ANCIENT GRECO-ROMAN ANTIQUITY AND ITS LEGACY INClassics 409: Classical Connections

Spring Semester 2012: Thursday 2-4:40 P.M
Professor: Judith P. Hallett

The field of Classics—the study of ancient Greek and Roman literature, history
and material artifacts—allows us to connect with an important moment in the global past.
Some of the questions addressed by Classics result from the huge chronological and
cultural distance between the world of antiquity and our world today. Yet other questions
arise because classical antiquity is also familiar to us: through popular novels, television
programs and films; works of art and architecture; philosophical thought and political
institutions; and the powerful influence exerted by Greek and Latin languages and
literatures on the words and writings of contemporary English-speaking society.
Required for juniors and seniors majoring in classics CLASSICS 409 is also
designed for concentrators in related subjects eager to explore classical antiquity and its
legacy, especially those who have taken CLASSICS 170, Greek and Roman
mythology—we will explore our connections to the ancient Greek and Roman world. In
exploring our different connections to the ancient Greek and Roman world, it will
examine such topics as physical sites and material survivals, multiculturalism and gender,
slavery and literacy, tragic and comic drama, and their representations in contemporary
popular culture as well as in ancient writings and art. All readings will be in English
translation; a research project, oral reports and two short papers are required.
Pre-requisite: a 200-evel course in Classics, Latin or Greek or the permission of the
instructor.

It will be coordinated with the April 1 international conference (funded by ADVANCE/NSF and a Classical Association of the Atlantic States Presidential Initiative grant), on "Classical Greek and Roman Literature: Gendered Perspectives in Reading and Reception" which involves a large contingent of Classics affiliate faculty from English, SLLC, History and STDP.

For further information, please contact Judith P. Hallett at jeph@umd.edu