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Introduction to Classical Europe

Critical Thinking

Course Description

The history, literature, and material culture of the ancient Mediterranean World from Troy to Augustine. Topics include major periods, historical events, and figures from Greece and Rome that played a pivotal role in the development of Western Culture.


Athena Title

Intro to Classical Europe


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Students will examine the history, art, architecture, archaeological evidence, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome in their broad cultural contexts to evaluate the pivotal periods, events, monuments, and roles played by historical figures that had a major impact on the development of Western Culture. This course will prepare students for more advanced CLAS seminars on the ancient Mediterranean world at the 4000 level.


Topical Outline

1. The Trojan War 2. Archaic Greece 3. Pericles and Athenian Democracy 4. Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic World 5. The Roman Republic 6. Augustus and the Founding of the Roman Empire 7. The Roman Empire 8. The Rise of Christianity and the Early Church 9. The Transformation of the Roman Empire into Early Medieval Europe 10. The Legacy of Classical Europe


General Education Core

CORE IV: Humanities and the Arts

Institutional Competencies

Critical Thinking

The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.



Syllabus