Requirements for the Major in Latin
Requirements for the Major in Classics
Requirements for the Major in Classical Humanities
Certificate in Classical Studies
Honors in the Major
Placement and Retroactive Credit
Courses
910 Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706; 608/262-2041; classics.lss.wisc.edu
Professors McClure (chair), McKeown, Montiglio, Newlands, Rosenmeyer; Associate Professor Aylward; Assistant Professor Beneker
Department administrator: Bill Bach, wbach@wisc.edu
Department chair: Laura McClure, lmcclure@wisc.edu
Undergraduate advisor: Patricia Rosenmeyer prosenme@wisc.edu
The widespread influence of classical culture upon our own modern intellectual history and the intrinsic attractions of the material itself combine to make classics a dynamic and interesting field of study. From a more practical standpoint, a major in the Department of Classics may also help students gain admittance to professional school programs in law or medicine, because of the discipline and rigor the major requires.
The literature and culture of ancient Greece and Rome form the primary subject of study within the field of classics. The department offers language instruction in both Greek and Latin as well as courses in classical civilization and culture. A student majoring in the Department of Classics is expected to acquire some familiarity with the entire spectrum on ancient Greek and Roman civilization, including language, literature, history, philosophy, art, and archaeology.
In order to respond to the interests of students who wish to emphasize either language or culture in their program of study, the Department of Classics offers three different majors and a certificate. The Latin and classics majors focus primarily on language and literature and expect advanced language competence upon completion. The classical humanities major focuses more broadly on the civilization and general culture of ancient Greece and Rome while at the same time the student acquires an intermediate level of competence in one or more ancient languages. In addition, the department offers a certificate in classical studies.
26 credits beyond the first year, including 203-204, 301-302, and four courses at the 500 level or above.
103-104 Elementary Latin, 8 cr
203-204 Intermediate Latin, 8 cr
301-302 Literature of the Roman Republic and Empire, 6 cr
Four courses at the 500 level or above, 6 cr
Prospective teachers interested in teaching Latin should consult the School of Education about requirements.
A major in classics with an emphasis in Latin will be awarded if a student completes 6 credits of Greek beyond the first year (normally 305-306) plus 17 credits of Latin beyond the first year including one course at the 500 level or above.
103-104 Elementary Latin, 8 cr
203-204 Intermediate Latin, 8 cr
Advanced Latin courses numbered 300-499, 6 cr
One course at the 500 level or above, 3 cr
Total Latin credits: 25
103-104 Elementary Greek, 8 cr
Two courses at the 300 level or above, 6 cr
Total Greek credits: 14
A major in classics with an emphasis in Greek will be awarded if a student completes 8 credits of Latin beyond the first year (normally 203-204) plus 15 credits of Greek beyond the first year including one course at the 500 level or above.
103-104 Elementary Latin, 8 cr
203-204 Intermediate Latin, 8 cr
Total Latin credits: 16
103-104 Elementary Greek, 8 cr
305-306 Intermediate Greek, 6 cr
Two courses at the 400 level or above, 6 cr
One course at the 500 level or above, 3 cr
Total Greek credits: 23
Total overall credits: 39
A major in classical humanities will be awarded if a student completes 36 to 38 credits (depending on the choice of language courses). The requirements for the major are:
Four semesters (14-16 credits) of Greek, Latin, or a combination of the two languages. Courses normally will be a combination of Latin 103, 104, 203, 204 and/or Greek 103, 104, 305, 306. Credit by course examination (retro credit) may be used for no more than two semesters of this requirement.
19 credits in any of the following categories (no more than two courses from the same outside department may be counted toward the Classical Humanities Major):
Classics courses numbered 300-above (or their cross-listed equivalent)
Courses in Greek or Latin above and beyond the four semesters required for the language section above
Related courses in art history including 115, 201, 301, 302, and 3033 credits of undergraduate seminar.
The course fulfilling this section is the Capstone Seminar, Classics 591 Approaches to the Classical World; or a substitution meeting the approval of the undergraduate advisor.
In order to receive the certificate in classical studies, students are required to take 18 credits in classics and related fields. Students should take at least one course (or its crosslisted equivalent) from the following four groups and no more than one course below the 300 level. Courses listed in more than one category can be counted only once.
Classics 205, 517, 561; Philosophy 430; Political Science 501, History of Science 322; History 208, 251
Classics 320, 322, 375, 477; History 303, 306, 307; ILS 207
Classics 351,370, 371, 372, 373, 470, 554, 591; French & Italian 550; ILS 203
Art History 115, 201, 301, 302, 303, 505; Classics 300, 304, 430, 602; ILS 203
Candidates for Honors in the Major must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for courses in the major designated intermediate or advanced and an overall GPA of at least 3.3 in all courses taken at UW-Madison at the time of graduation. In addition they must take at least one graduate seminar numbered 500 or above, and complete a two-semester senior thesis or research project while enrolled in Classics 681-682.
Latin courses 302 and below are open to freshmen with sufficient preparation. Placement testing is advised for students entering from high school. Consult the classics department placement advisor in all cases of doubt. Credit by course examination (retroactive credit) may be earned for work done elsewhere, particularly in high school, by validating it through course work at UW-Madison. The validating course must be the student's first college-level Latin course; it must be taken before earning 30 degree credits and the student must earn at least a B to earn college credit for prerequisite work.
Occasionally offered courses. (Check with the department to see when these courses will be offered.)
Classics: 205, 307, 308, 311, 325, 350, 363, 371, 372, 375, 407, 408, 430, 550, 563, 564, 566.
Greek: 291, 292, 564, 570.
Latin: 291, 292.
All classes listed in the course descriptions section will be offered regularly unless otherwise noted. Please check with the department office for information on specific courses.
100 Legacy of Greece and Rome in Modern Culture. I or II; 3 cr (H-E). Explores the legacy of ancient Greek and Roman Civilization in modern culture. Challenges students to appreciate the roots of western civilization and to understand and interpret reflections of antiquity in today's society. P: Open to Fr.
110 The Ancient Mediterranean. (Crosslisted with History) I, II; 3-4 cr (H-E). An examination of the evolution of the human community in the Mediterranean Basin, from the beginning of the earliest civilizations in the Near East (3,000 B.C.E.) until the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West (500 C.E.). P: Open to all Undergrads.
205 Greek and Latin Origins of Medical Terms. I or II; 3 cr (H-E). P: Open to Fr.
273 Introduction to Topics in Classical Culture. Alt yrs.; I or II; 3 cr (H-E). An introduction to selected aspects of Classical culture (e.g., economy, sports, women, the family, warfare), with emphasis on literary and/or material evidence. P: Open to Fr.
300 The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Greece. (Crosslisted with Art Hist) I; 3-4 cr (H-I). Explores the art and archaeology of ancient Greece from the Bronze Age through the Hellenistic period. P: Open to all Undergrads.
304 The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Rome. (Crosslisted with Art Hist) I or II; 3-4 cr (H-I). Explores the art and archaeology of ancient Italy, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire from the Iron Age to Late Antiquity. P: Open to all Undergrads.
307 Elementary Ancient Egyptian Language. (Crosslisted with African, Hebr St) I; 3 cr (I). Hieroglyphic writing, Middle Egyptian grammar. P: Jr st & cons inst.
308 Elementary Ancient Egyptian Language. (Crosslisted with African, Hebr St) II; 3 cr (I). Continuation of 307. P: Classics 307, Jr st & cons inst.
311 Schools and Learning in the Medieval World. (Crosslisted with History, Hist Sci, Medieval) I or II or SS; 3 cr (H-D). An introduction to the various forms of education in the Middle Ages and their effect in shaping the childhood and adolescent experience of literate medieval men and women. Some attention will also be given to the medieval origins of such modern educational institutions as the public grammar school and the University. P: Jr st or cons inst.
320 The Civilization of Ancient Greece. I or II or SS; 3 cr (b-L-E). Greek literature in translation with emphasis on its social background. P: Open to Fr.
322 The Civilization of Ancient Rome. I or II or SS; 3 cr (b-L-E). Latin literature in translation with emphasis on its social background. P: Open to Fr.
324 Ancient Tragedy. I or II; 3 cr (L-I). Considers the tragic genre and its socio-political context through an examination of selected plays by the three major Greek tragedians, Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. Attention also given to ancient and modern theories of the genre, literary influence, and contemporary performance. P: Open to Fr.
325 Ancient Comedy. I or II; 3 cr (L-I). Comedy in Ancient Greece and Rome: Aristophanes, Menander, Plautus and Terence (in translation). Also the history, archeology and architecture of ancient theaters. P: So st or cons inst.
351 Gender and Sexuality in the Classical World. (Crosslisted with Women St) I or II or SS; 3-4 cr (L-I). Constructions of gender and sexuality in the classical world through art, literature and archaeology. P: So st or cons inst.
370 Classical Mythology. II; 3 cr (L-E). Classical myths and their influence on later literature and art. P: Open to Fr.
371 Topics in Greek Culture. I or II or SS; 1-3 cr (H-I). Selected aspects of Greek culture (e.g., sports, women, the family, warfare), with emphasis on literary remains. P: So st.
372 Topics in Roman Culture. I or II or SS; 1-3 cr (H-I). Selected aspects of Roman culture (e.g., sports, women, the family, warfare), with emphasis placed on literary remains. P: So st.
373 Topics in Classical Culture. I or II or SS; 1-3 cr (H-I). Selected aspects of Classical culture (e.g., sports, women, the family, warfare ), with emphasis on literary remains. P: So st.
375 Civilization of Ancient Egypt. (Crosslisted with African, Relig St) I or II; 3 cr (H-I). A study of texts and art from the Old Kingdom through the Roman Imperial period. P: So st.
376 Love Poetry of the Ancient Mediterranean. Alt yrs.; I or II; 3 cr (L-E). Selections from the love poetry of four ancient cultures: Egypt, Greece, Israel, and Rome. We will read a variety of lyric poems in the context of their larger socio-historical settings, observing the culturally conditioned representations of desire. P: Open to Fr.
379 Eureka! Technology and Practice in the Ancient World. I or II; 3 cr (I). Chronicles the development of technology and engineering in the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome, with attention to earlier advances in Mesopotamia and Egypt. Imparts an appreciation for the legacy of ancient science and technology in modern culture. P: Open to Fr.
407 Intermediate Ancient Egyptian Language. (Crosslisted with African, Hebr St) I; 3 cr (A). Reading of Middle Egyptian literary texts and inscriptions; Hieratic script; Coptic grammar and texts. P: Classics 308, Jr st & cons inst.
408 Intermediate Ancient Egyptian Language. (Crosslisted with African, Hebr St) II; 3 cr (A). Continuation of 407. P: Classics 407, Jr st & cons inst.
430 Topics in Classical Archaeology. I or II or SS; 3 cr (H-I). Explores topics in the archaeology of ancient Greece and Rome, such as the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the archaeology of Greek and Roman religion, or Late Antique Palaces. P: Open to Fr.
470 Interpretations of Classical Mythology. I or II or SS; 3 cr (L-A). Some major myths of Greece and various interpretations proposed from ancient to modern times: allegorical, occult, psychological, historical, and anthropological approaches. The role of myth in science fiction. P: Classics 370 or cons inst.
476 Ethnicity in the Ancient World. Alt yrs.; I or II; 3 cr (H-I). Examination of attitudes to race and ethnicity in the ancient world, with emphasis on literary, epigraphical and archaeological evidence from Greece and/or Rome. P: So st or cons inst.
477 Law and Society of Ancient Athens. (Crosslisted with History, Legal St) I or II; 3 cr (L-I). Examination of the daily lives of ordinary Athenians and the impact of legal institutions on social structures through a survey of the court cases of Classical Athens. P: So st or cons inst.
517 Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean. (Crosslisted with History, Relig St) I or II; 3 cr (H-I). Ancient religions in their political, social and cultural contexts; topics include ritual, literary and artistic representations, religious persecutions, and/or modern approaches to the study of ancient religions. Chronological and geographical focus will vary between Greece, Rome, Judaea and Egypt. P: So st.
550 Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies in Medieval Civilization. (Crosslisted with Medieval, History, French, Italian) I or II or SS; 3 cr (H-A). An integrated treatment of a specific theme, to be announced by a group of specialists in different fields. P: Jr st or cons inst.
554 Classical Backgrounds to English Literature. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). P: So st.
555 The Literature of Ancient Greece. I or II or SS; 3 cr (L-A). P: So st.
556 The Literature of Ancient Rome. I or II or SS; 3 cr (L-A). P: So st.
561 Greek and Roman Medicine and Pharmacy. (Crosslisted with S&A PHM, History, Med Hist, Hist Sci) I; 3 cr (H-D). Greek and Roman medicine and drug lore from the Pre-Socratics to Oribasius (c. 600 B.C.-A.D. 350), including the backgrounds of ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian medicine. P: Jr or Sr st, or cons inst.
591 Undergraduate Seminar: Approaches to the Classical World. II; 3 cr (I). P: At least 1 sem of Greek or Latin; chiefly for classical humanities, classics majors, or honors stdts.
602 The Ancient Mediterranean City. I or II; 3 cr (H-A). Explores the archaeological and literary sources for the ancient Mediterranean city. Readings focus on the primary and secondary literature for the topography and architecture of a specific city or group of cities with a geographical, temporal, or political link. P: Cons inst.
681 Senior Honors Thesis. I, II, SS; 3 cr (H-A).
682 Senior Honors Thesis. I, II, SS; 3 cr (H-A).
691 Senior Thesis. I, II, SS; 3 cr (A). P: Cons inst.
692 Senior Thesis. I, II, SS; 3 cr (A). P: Cons inst.
699 Directed Reading. I or II or SS; 1-3 cr (A). P: Graded on a lettered basis; requires cons inst.
103 First Semester Greek. I; 4 cr (E). P: Not open to students who have had Greek 303. Open to All Undergrads.
104 Second Semester Greek. II; 4 cr (E). P: Greek 103, Open to Fr or So.
303 First Semester Greek. I; 3-4 cr (E). Forms and syntax, reading of easy Greek prose. P: Jr st or cons inst; 3 cr for Grad students.
304 Second Semester Greek. II; 3-4 cr (E). Continuation of 303. P: Greek 303; 3 cr for Grad students.
305 Intermediate Greek. I; 3 cr (L-A). Selections from Plato's Dialogues, the New Testament, Homer's Iliad, and Herodotus. P: Greek 104 or 304.
306 Intermediate Greek. II; 3 cr (L-A). Continuation of 305. P: Greek 305.
401 Greek Drama. I; 3 cr (L-A). Selected plays of Euripides or Sophocles; selections from the lyric poets. P: Greek 305-306.
402 Greek Drama and Lyric Poetry. II; 3 cr (L-A). Continuation of 401. P: Greek 401.
505 Elementary Prose Composition. I; 3 cr (A). P: Cons inst.
506 Advanced Composition. II; 3 cr (A). Continuation of 505. P: Greek 505.
510 Homer. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). Extensive reading in both Iliad and Odyssey. P: Greek 401 and 402 or cons inst.
511 Hesiod. I or II or SS; 3 cr (L-D). The writings of Hesiod in Greek. P: Greek 306 or cons inst.
512 Greek Lyric Poets. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). The complete corpus of Alcman, Ibycus, Stesichorus, Sappho, Alcaeus, Corinna, Anacreon, Praxilla, and Simonides. Selections from Bacchylides and Pindar. P: Greek 401-402 or cons inst.
520 Greek Comedy. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). Close reading of several plays with attention to Aristophanes' lyric genius and political opinions. P: Greek 401 and 402 or cons inst.
521 Greek Tragedy. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). Close reading of selected plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles or Euripides. P: Greek 401 and 402 or cons inst.
531 Herodotus. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). Close reading and critical comparison of history as art and history as science. P: Greek 401 and 402 or cons inst.
532 Thucydides. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). Continuation of 531. P: Greek 401 and 402 or cons inst.
541 Plato. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). Exploration in original language of major topics in Platonic philosophy. P: Greek 401 and 402 or cons inst.
542 Aristotle. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). The Politics as a critique of Plato and as a contribution to the theory of the polis. P: Greek 401 and 402 or cons inst.
551 Attic Orators. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). Selected masterpieces from Antiphon to Hypereides, with emphasis upon the contribution of rhetoric to the intellectual life of the fourth century. P: Greek 401 and 402 or cons inst.
560 Hellenistic Greek. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). A selection of texts, chiefly religious in content, pagan, Jewish, and Christian. P: Greek 401 and 402 or cons inst.
562 Hellenistic Poetry. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). Selections from Callimachus, Theocritus, Bion, Moschus, Apollonius, Aratus, and the Anthology. P: Greek 401 and 402 or cons inst.
564 Plutarch. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). P: Greek 401 and 402 or cons inst.
570 Mycenaean Epigraphy. I or II; 3 cr (H-A). P: Grad st or cons inst.
681 Honors Thesis. I, II, SS; 3 cr (H-A). P: Cons inst.
682 Senior Honors Thesis. I, II, SS; 3 cr (H-A). P: Cons inst.
691 Senior Thesis. I, II, SS; 3 cr (A). P: Cons inst.
699 Directed Study. I or II or SS; 1-3 cr (A). P: Jr or Sr st. Graded on lettered basis; requires cons inst.
103 Elementary Latin. I; 4 cr (E). Forms and syntax, with simple translation, equiv to a year of high school Latin. P: Open to Fr.
104 Elementary Latin. II; 4 cr (E). Translation of easy prose; analysis of English derivatives. P: Latin 103. Open to Fr.
203 Intermediate Latin. I; 4 cr (I). Brief review of Latin grammar and vocabulary. Extensive reading from several authors. P: Latin 104 or appropriate placement score. Open to Fr.
204 Introduction to Latin Literature. II; 4 cr (H-I). Close literary analysis of the structure, style, and language of several Roman poets and prose writers. A critical rather than a purely historical approach to these authors. P: Latin 203. Open to Fr.
301 Latin Literature of the Roman Republic. I; 3 cr (L-A). Writers of the Republic studied in a historical and cultural context. P: Latin 204 or appropriate placement score.
302 Latin Literature of the Roman Empire. II; 3 cr (L-A). Writers of the Augustan period and the Empire studied in a historical and cultural context. P: Latin 301 or cons inst.
316 Latin Paleography. (Crosslisted with History, Medieval) Alt yrs.; I; 3-4 cr (D). The reading of medieval manuscripts. P: So st.
391 Latin for Graduate Reading Knowledge I. SS; 3 cr (E). Intensive grammar and reading course for graduate students. P: Grad st or cons inst.
392 Latin for Graduate Reading Knowledge II. SS; 3 cr (I). Continuation of Latin 391. P: Latin 391 or cons inst.
505 Elementary Prose Composition. I or II; 3 cr (A). Survey of Latin syntax and idioms. P: Latin 301 and 302 or cons inst.
506 Advanced Latin Composition. II; 3 cr (A). P: Latin 505.
510 Lucretius. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). P: Latin 301 and 302 or cons inst.
515 Vergil. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). P: Latin 301 and 302 or cons inst.
519 Latin Poetry. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). Latin poetry of the Republic and/or Empire. P: Latin 302 or cons inst.
520 Roman Drama. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). P: Latin 301 and 302 or cons inst.
521 Roman Elegy. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). One or a combination of: Catullus, Tibullus, Propertius, Ovid, later elegiac poets. P: Latin 302 or cons inst.
522 Roman Lyric Poetry. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). Roman lyric poetry of one or a combination of the following: Horace, Statius, later lyric poets. P: Latin 302 or cons inst.
523 Roman Satire. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). One or a combination of: fragments of Lucillius; Horace; Persius, Juvenal; later satire poets. P: Latin 302 or cons inst.
524 Roman Novel. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). One or a combination of : Petronius, Cena Trimalchionis, Satyricon; Apuleius, Cupid and Psyche, Metamorphoses; other Roman novels. P: Latin 302 or cons inst.
532 Tacitus. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). P: Latin 302 or cons inst.
539 Latin Historical Writers. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). One of the following: (a) Cicero, Epistles, (b) Pliny, Epistles, (c) Caesar, (d) Sallust, (e) Livy, (f) post Augstan historians, (g) historians of the late Empire. P: Latin 302 or cons inst.
549 Latin Philosophical Writers. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). One of the following: (a) Cicero's philosophical works, (b) Seneca, (c) Latin patristic writers. P: Latin 302 or cons inst.
559 Latin Oratory. I or II; 3 cr (L-A). One of the following: (a) Cicero, Orations, (b) Roman rhetoric. P: Latin 302 or cons inst.
563 Mediaeval Latin. (Crosslisted with Medieval) I or II; 3 cr (L-A). P: Latin 204 or appropriate placement score.
681 Honors Thesis. I, II, SS; 3 cr (H-A). P: Cons inst.
682 Senior Honors Thesis. I, II, SS; 3 cr (H-A). P: Cons inst.
691 Senior Thesis. I, II, SS; 3 cr (A). P: Cons inst.
692 Senior Thesis. I, II, SS; 3 cr (A). P: Cons inst.
699 Directed Study. I or II or SS; 1-3 cr (A). P: Jr or Sr st. Graded on a lettered basis; requires cons inst.