Global Arc

This course offers an introduction to Akkadian, the language of ancient Babylon. The first half of the course introduces students to the basic concepts of Akkadian (old Babylonian) grammar and the cuneiform script. In the second half students consolidate their knowledge of the language by reading selections from classic Babylonian texts, such as the famous law code of King Hammurabi and the Epic of Gilgamesh.

Classical Ethiopic or Ge'ez is a language from the Horn of Africa (modern-day Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Djibouti). It is written in a unique, ancient African script called Fidel and has linguistic connections with Greek, Hebrew, Arabic and even Sanskrit. The history of Classical Ethiopic spans over two millennia and its position in East African society is often compared to Latin in Europe. It is the precursor to several modern African languages, including Tigrinya and Amharic, and lives on as the liturgical language of Christian and Jewish communities in the Horn of Africa and in its global diaspora.

What was/is Roman religion? Our main focus in this course will be the nature, variety, and geographic range of the source material for religious practice in the Mediterranean world of the Roman Republic and Empire (6th c. BCE-5th c. CE). We'll examine how, and with what repercussions, Roman religion set the terms for and changed in response to Rome's expansion into a Mediterranean empire. Finally, we'll think about the place of "Roman religion" in the global history of religion, and the usefulness of the term "religion" to characterize how the Romans related to their gods.

This course begins the year-long introduction to the language of 5th-4th century BC Athens. Successful completion of both CLG 101 and 102 will prepare students to read Homer, philosophers, playwrights, historians, and more, and to enroll in intermediate and advanced courses dedicated to Ancient Greek authors. In CLG 101 we will cover core vocabulary, and grammar, and begin to focus on Ancient Greek as a literary language and a window onto the dynamic cultural, social, and political world in which our authors lived.

The study of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax is continued from 101 by intensive reading in Attic prose of the classical period. Authors such as Plato are read. Four classes.

An intensive introduction to the essentials of Greek grammar. Students will begin reading Attic prose as quickly as possible. 103 covers the material of 101-102 in a shorter period through increased class-time, drills, and earlier exposure to actual Greek texts. Leads directly to 105. Five classes.

This course will improve students' proficiency in classical Greek prose through reading Plato. Students will work on expanding their vocabulary, reviewing grammar and syntax, how to use commentaries to aid their reading and increase their familiarity with a particular author's style.

The course consists of extensive reading in the Iliad supplemented by lectures and study assignments directed to Homer's literary art and to the moral and religious thought of the Homeric epics. Four classes. Prerequisite: 103, or the equivalent.

The tragic drama of the last three decades of the fifth century B.C. Normally one tragedy each by Euripides and Sophocles is read in Greek, with other texts and critical work in English. Two 90-minute seminars.

Deals with a major topic in Greek literature or cultural history with readings from several of the most important Greek authors. Three hours. Prerequisite: Greek 108 or equivalent. Alternates with 213.