The construction of sexuality and gender in Greek and Roman
literature and culture and will cover topics such as maturation
rituals, gender roles, the body, same-sex relationships,
acceptable and deviant sexual behavior, and prostitution.
Athena Title
Ancient Sexuality
Prerequisite
One 1000-level ENGL course or one 1000-level CLAS course or second year or higher student standing or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to recognize and describe representations of sexuality, gender, and the erotic in Greek and Roman literature and material culture.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to explain modern perspectives and theories on sex and gender in application to the literature and material culture of the ancient world.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to examine and evaluate literary sources and material evidence from the ancient Mediterranean world for expressions of sexuality, gender, and the erotic.
Topical Outline
1. Becoming Men and Women: Greek and Roman Maturation Rites
2. Social Sexuality: Gender Roles in Greece and Rome
3. Eros the Bittersweet: Representations of Erotic Love in Greek and Roman Literature
4. Homosexuality and Bisexuality in Greece and Rome
5. Platonic Love: The Philosophy of Eros
6. Against Nature: Sexual Deviance in Greece and Rome
7. Lovers of the City: The Sexuality of Politics
8. An Industry of Eros: Prostitution in Greece and Rome
9. Divine Eros: The Erotics of Ritual and Religion
General Education Core
CORE IV: Humanities and the Arts
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
