The characteristics of Greek literature and culture, taught principally through translations of selections from Greek authors.
Athena Title
Greek Culture Honors
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in CLAS 1000, CLAS 1000E
Prerequisite
Permission of Honors
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to recall and summarize the developments of Greek literature and culture, beginning with the time of Homer and extending into the Hellenistic period.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to identify and explain the ways in which Greek literature reflects and engages with its historical, social, political, and cultural contexts.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to appraise and critique the literary merit, meaning, contemporary importance, and legacy of the Greek literature (note: students read original Greek works in English translation).
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to organize and compose written work of various lengths and genres (including but not limited to essays) on topics of ancient Greek culture, including history, literature, and society.
Topical Outline
Week 1: geographical framework
Week 2: the Greek gods - Hesiod
Weeks 3-4: the Greek gods - Homer
Weeks 5-7: the Greek gods - Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides
Week 8: Greek society and work - Hesiod
Weeks 9-10: Greek women - Hesiod, Euripides and Simonides
Week 11: Greek politics - Solon
Weeks 12-13: Greek war - Archilochus, Tyrtaeus, Thucydides
Weeks 14-15: Hellenistic period - Apollonius
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.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
