catalog header

Course Catalog

Department Website

Classical Civilizations

Chairperson: Dave Oosterhuis
Professors: A. Goldman, P. Hartin (Emeritus)
Associate Professors: D. Oosterhuis, A. Pistone
Assistant Professor: 

The department offers one major and one minor:

Bachelor of Arts, Classical Civilizations major (with a required concentration in either Latin Language & Authors or Greco-Roman Civilization)
Minor in Classical Civilizations

The Department of Classical Civilizations – one of the oldest at our University – provides undergraduates with access to over 2,500 years of human experience drawn from the multicultural world of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. Classical Civilizations is an interdisciplinary program devoted to the study of that world, with an emphasis on the cultures of Ancient Greece and Rome. These cultures, through their theatre, philosophy, science, and government, helped shape the modern world for good and ill; studying them brings new insight into our own era and lives.

The department offers both a B.A. major (36 credits) and a B.A. minor (23 credits) in Classical Civilizations. All majors and minors are required to complete two (2) upper division CLAS courses as part of the degree, as well as a minimum of at least three (3) language courses in either Latin or Greek up to and including the completion of a 201 level class. Students who elect to pursue a major degree in this program must choose a focus in either Latin Language & Authors or Greco-Roman Civilization and complete four (4) elective courses among those listed in the catalog as well as a senior thesis (CLAS 499; offered in the Fall semester) appropriate to the chosen concentration. Minors are required to select three (3) upper level electives from among those listed in the catalog. The electives encompass a range of disciplines, including history, archaeology, philosophy, religious studies, as well as intermediate and advanced Latin and Greek. Majors are required to include at least one (1) course in Greek culture and one (1) course in Roman culture from among the elective offerings. Participating students thus complete a balanced curriculum divided between the study of ancient languages (Latin, Greek) and their contemporary societies. Through this combined focus, students gain a more broad comprehension and appreciation of the rich cultural and humanistic heritage stemming from the classical world. The ancients themselves embraced this model of liberal arts education. According to the Roman orator Cicero, such cultural and historical study “illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity.”

The department’s courses are by nature interdisciplinary, with application to the sciences, art, theater, literature, philosophy, religion, politics, and government. Moreover, through addressing relevant issues of gender, identity, sex, ethnicity, and interaction between cultures, the curriculum reaches well beyond the borders of Greece and Rome to embrace other civilizations, including our own. By immersing students in an examination of the languages and ethnically diverse societies of antiquity, the program prepares them for careers within a world that is increasingly diverse, interdependent, and global in outlook, in such fields as politics, ethics, business, law, sciences and education. The department meets the needs of three classes of students: (1) those who wish to pursue a major or minor in Classical Civilizations; (2) those who wish to begin or continue the study of Latin or Greek in support of other majors or in preparation for advanced work in other areas; and (3) those who wish to fulfill the College of Arts & Sciences language competency requirement by taking one of the classical languages.

B.A. Major in Classical Civilizations: 36 Credits
Lower Division

Language Courses:

 12 credits
LATN 101-LATN 102 or LATN 103; LATN 201
GREK 101-GREK 102 or GREK 103; GREK 201
GREK 151-GREK 152; GREK 251
CLAS 100-299
   (To be completed by the end of the sophomore year)		 3 credits
Upper Division
Two (2) Classical (CLAS) courses
 6 credits
One of the following courses: 3 credits
HIST 302 The Ancient City
HIST 303 Athens in the 5th century BC
HIST 304 Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic World
HIST 305 The Roman Republic
HIST 306 The Roman Empire
HIST 307 Archaeology of Ancient Greece
HIST 308 Archaeology of Ancient Rome
(Other courses may fulfill this requirement with prior permission from the Department Chair.)
Three (3) Elective courses*
   (At least one of the three elective courses must be 300-400 level courses)		 9 credits
CLAS 499 Senior Thesis 3 credits

Students MUST focus in either: Latin Language and Authors or Greco-Roman (Greek & Roman) Civilization

*Focus in Latin Language and Authors
LATN 210 Reading Latin 3 credits
LATN 301 Republican Latin Prose I 3 credits
LATN 302 Imperial Latin Prose II 3 credits
LATN 303 Republican Latin Poetry I 3 credits
LATN 304 Imperial Latin Poetry II 3 credits
LATN 305 Vergil 3 credits
LATN 310 Medieval Latin 3 credits
LATN 491 Independent Study (Latin) 1-4 credits

*Focus in Greco-Roman Civilization

This selection MUST include one (1) course in Greek culture and one (1) course in Roman culture.

The following courses fulfill the Greek culture requirement:

CLAS 310 Greek Gods and Heroes 3 credits
CLAS 320 The Iliad and the Odyssey 3 credits
CLAS 330 Women in Antiquity 3 credits
CLAS 350 Love Poetry in Antiquity 3 credits
CLAS 370 Peoples and Empires of Turkey 3 credits
CLAS 410 Topics in Greek Civilization 3 credits
GREK 210 Reading Attic Greek 3 credits
GREK 260 Reading New Testament Greek 3 credits
GREK 290 Directed Study 3 credits
GREK 291 Independent Study 3 credits
GREK 491 Independent Reading Course 1-4 credits
HIST 302 The Ancient City 3 credits
HIST 303 Athens in the 5th century BC 3 credits
HIST 304 Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic World 3 credits
HIST 307 Archaeology of Ancient Greece 3 credits
PHIL 305 History of Ancient Philosophy 3 credits
PHIL 414 Ancient Concepts of Justice 3 credits

The following courses fulfill the Roman Culture requirement:

CLAS 330 Women in Antiquity 3 credits
CLAS 340 Roman Epic 3 credits
CLAS 350 Love Poetry in Antiquity 3 credits
CLAS 370 Peoples and Empires of Turkey 3 credits
CLAS 420 Topic in Roman Civilization 3 credits
HIST 302 The Ancient City 3 credits
HIST 305 The Roman Republic 3 credits
HIST 306 The Roman Empire 3 credits
HIST 308 Archaeology of Ancient Rome 3 credits
LATN 210 Reading Latin 3 credits
LATN 491 Independent Reading Course 1-4 credits
PHIL 305 History of Ancient Philosophy 3 credits
PHIL 414 Ancient Concepts of Justice 3 credits

The following courses fulfill general elective requirements:

CLAS 360 Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology 3 credits
  RELI 303 Biblical Hebrew I  3 credits
  RELI 304 Biblical Hebrew II   3 credits

Minor in Classical Civilizations: 23 credits
Lower Division
Two (2) Language Courses  
8 credits
 
 LATN 101-LATN 102 or LATN 103
  
 
 GREK 101-GREK 102 or GREK 103
  
 
 GREK 151-GREK 152
 
One of the following two courses:
 3 credits
 
 CLAS 110 Introduction to the Ancient World
  
 
 CLAS 220 Introduction to Classical Literature
  
Upper Division
One CLAS course at any level 3 credits
Three Electives:
Selected from any of the following seven (7) disciplinary perspectives:		 9 credits
Latin Language:
LATN 201 Latin III
LATN 210 Reading Latin 3 credits
LATN 300-400 level
Greek Language:
GREK 201 Greek III
GREK 210 Reading Attic Greek 3 credits
GREK 251 Biblical Greek III
GREK 260 Reading New Testament Greek 3 credits
GREK 300-400 level
Archaeology:
HIST 302 The Ancient City 3 credits
HIST 307 Archaeology of Ancient Greece 3 credits
HIST 308 Archaeology of Ancient Rome 3 credits
History:
HIST 303 Athens in the 5th Century 3 credits
HIST 304 Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic World 3 credits
HIST 305 The Roman Republic 3 credits
HIST 306 The Roman Empire 3 credits
Philosophy:
PHIL 305 History of Ancient Philosophy 3 credits
PHIL 414 Ancient Concepts of Justice 3 credits
PHIL 491 Classical Critics of Democracy 3 credits
Hebrew:
RELI 303 Biblical Hebrew I    3 credits
RELI 304 Bibiical Hebrew II    3 credits
Lower Division
CLAS 110 Intro to the Ancient World
3.00 credits
An introductory survey to the origins of Western civilization in the Mediterranean world, with particular focus on the Classical cultures of Greece and Rome. The course will focus upon an exploration of these ancient societies, their origins and structure, their social and political constructs, and their neighbors and worldviews. Particular emphasis will be placed upon examining the enduring legacies produced by these ancient peoples and their continuing influence upon the concepts and ideals valued by our contemporary Western culture.
CLAS 193 FYS:
3.00 credits
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces new Gonzaga students to the University, the Core Curriculum, and Gonzaga’s Jesuit mission and heritage. While the seminars will be taught by faculty with expertise in particular disciplines, topics will be addressed in a way that illustrates approaches and methods of different academic disciplines. The seminar format of the course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.
CLAS 220 Intro to Classical Literature
3.00 credits
This course is a survey of the literature of the ancient Greeks and Romans. It introduces students to the important authors of Classical Antiquity, the critical issues surrounding their work, and their lasting influence. It stresses the role that ancient authors had in shaping our understanding of literature: its genres, methods, and subject matter. Spring.
Upper Division
CLAS 310 Greek Gods & Heroes
3.00 credits
A study of Greek Mythology that uses texts (in translation), architecture and archaeology to explore the most important characters and stories of Greek mythology that have become part of the art, literature and imagination of western civilization. This course gives students insight into approaches toward the understanding of myth, especially classical myth that are helpful for their own studies and interests. Fall, alternate years.
Equivalent:
RELI 403 - OK if taken since Fall 2020
CLAS 320 The Iliad & the Odyssey
3.00 credits
FallFalkThis course explores (in translation) Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, two poems that are among the foundations of the literature of western civilization. Students will demonstrate an ability to read and analyze these two great epics of ancient Greece in a way that appreciates and unlocks their timeless beauty, depth and significance especially in a way that is helpful for their own studies and interests. Fall, alternate years.
CLAS 325 Topics in Language
1.00- 3.00 credits
CLAS 330 Women in Antiquity
3.00 credits
An examination of the representation of women Greece and Rome through image and text, using a variety of literary, art historical, and archaeological sources. This course is intended both to illuminate the lives of women in Classical Antiquity and to demonstrate how this illumination is important for a full understanding of the societies of Greece (in particular, Athens) and Rome. Students also gain valuable experience in thinking critically about sources, both ancient and modern. Spring, alternate years.
CLAS 335 Greek Tragedy
3.00 credits
This course will combine performance text analysis with a detailed study of ancient Greek theater and its conventions. In this course, we will read a range of ancient Greek plays (primarily, but not exclusively, tragedies) as well as some more modern adaptations of Greek texts. In addition to readings scripts of ancient and modern plays, we will also read texts that provide access to the creative process and invite us to consider different modes of creative generation.
CLAS 340 Roman Epic
3.00 credits
This course explores (in translation) two of Rome's great contributions to world literature: Vergil's Aeneid and Lucan's Civil War. These works are at the core of the western tradition. They have been read and reinterpreted for millennia and continue to find resonance today. Students learn to read and analyze these poems closely, to appreciate them, and to unlock their timeless beauty, depth and significance. Special attention is paid to applying the themes of these works to students' own lives and studies.
CLAS 350 Love Poetry in Antiquity
3.00 credits
Is love a modern invention? This course looks at the phenomenon of love as it appears in the poetry of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Works read (in translation) will include those of Sappho, Callimachus, Catullus Ovid and others. Students will investigate ancient attitudes towards love, sex, and gender roles while developing an appreciation for the differences between time periods, authors, style, and genre. Students will also explore the long-lasting influence of this poetry and find ways to apply it to their own studies and interests.
CLAS 360 Ancient N. Eastern Archaeology
3.00 credits
Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology will introduce the student to the archaeology of Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Levant. Archaeological methodology, the history of excavation of ancient sites and material culture will be examined as well as ancient languages, literature and history.
CLAS 370 Peoples and Empires of Turkey
3.00 credits
This course will provide students with a comprehensive survey of major historical and cultural developments associated with ancient civilizations in Turkey. Using primary textual and archaeological sources, course content will focus upon investigating key trends and cultural movements originating in early societies and ancient empires, from the advent of our earliest known human settlements to the impact of the imperial domination within the Mediterranean basin. Offered as Study Abroad/Summer Course only.
CLAS 375 Topics in Classic Civilization
1.00- 3.00 credits
A course offering the student an opportunity to study literature of the Classical world in translation.
CLAS 410 Topics in Greek Civilization
1.00- 3.00 credits
A course offering the student an opportunity to study aspects of classical civilization, with a specialized focus on aspects of the Greek world and its culture.
CLAS 420 Topics in Roman Civilization
1.00- 3.00 credits
A course offering the student an opportunity to study aspects of classical civilization, with a specialized focus on aspects of the Roman world and its culture.
CLAS 432 CIS:
3.00 credits
The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) engages the Year Four Question: “Imagining the possible: What is our role in the world?” by offering students a culminating seminar experience in which students integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the Core, and their disciplinary expertise. Each section of the course will focus on a problem or issue raised by the contemporary world that encourages integration, collaboration, and problem solving. The topic for each section of the course will be proposed and developed by each faculty member in a way that clearly connects to the Jesuit Mission, to multiple disciplinary perspectives, and to our students’ future role in the world. Spring.
CLAS 490 Directed Study
1.00- 3.00 credits
Directed Study requires completion of a form and Dept. permission, and cannot be registered for via Zagweb.
CLAS 491 Independent Study
.00- 7.00 credits
Course content to be determined by the instructor.
CLAS 497 Internship
.00- 6.00 credits
Professional work experience related to classical civilizations.
CLAS 499 Senior Thesis
3.00 credits
The senior thesis is required for majors in Classical Civilizations in their fourth year. Fall.
 
Lower Division
GREK 101 Greek I
4.00 credits
A beginner's course in Attic Greek: grammar, composition, and easy prose selections. Fall.
GREK 102 Greek II
4.00 credits
Continuation of GREK 101 and more advanced grammar, composition and readings. Spring.
Prerequisite:
GREK 101 Minimum Grade: D
GREK 103 Accelerated Elementary Greek
7.00 credits
This is an entry-level course, with no prerequisite, designed to provide the equivalent of the first-year Greek (Attic) sequence GREK 101-102. It therefore prepares students for GREK 201. Students will learn the fundamentals of Greek vocabulary, grammar, and syntax in order to develop the skills necessary for basic translation and composition of Greek texts. Summer only.
GREK 151 Biblical Greek I
4.00 credits
A beginner's course in New Testament Greek: grammar, composition, and easy prose selections.
GREK 152 Biblical Greek II
4.00 credits
Continuation of GREK 151 and more advanced grammar, composition and readings.
Prerequisite:
GREK 151 Minimum Grade: D
GREK 190 Directed Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
GREK 201 Greek III
4.00 credits
Continuation of GREK 102: review of forms, syntax, readings. Fall.
Prerequisite:
GREK 102 Minimum Grade: D or GREK 103 Minimum Grade: D
GREK 210 Reading Attic Greek
3.00 credits
This course develops the skill of reading unabridged, original Geek texts. The introductory sequence (GREK 101,102, 201) is prerequisite. Students are expected to be familiar with the fundamentals of Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, and to have some experience translating. Students will learn how to integrate and synthesize those fundamentals in order to fluidly and fluently engage with extended unabridged texts in the original Greek. Spring.
Prerequisite:
GREK 201 Minimum Grade: D
GREK 251 Biblical Greek III
4.00 credits
Continuation of GREK 152: review of forms, syntax and readings.
Prerequisite:
GREK 152 Minimum Grade: D
GREK 260 Reading New Testament Greek
3.00 credits
This course develops the skill of reading the Greek New Testament in its unabridged original form. The introductory sequence (GREK 151, 152, 251) is prerequisite. Students are expected to be familiar with the fundamentals of Koine Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, and to have some experience translating. Students will learn how to integrate and synthesize those fundamentals in order to fluidly and fluently engage with extended unabridged texts in the original Greek
Prerequisite:
GREK 251 Minimum Grade: D
GREK 290 Directed Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topic to be determined by the instructor.
GREK 291 Independent Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topics to be determined by instructor.
Upper Division
GREK 390 Directed Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topic to be determined by the instructor.
GREK 490 Directed Study
1.00- 3.00 credits
Directed study requires completion of an Individualized Study form and department permission. This course cannot be registered for via Zagweb.
Prerequisite:
GREK 210 Minimum Grade: D
GREK 491 Independent Reading Course
1.00- 4.00 credits
Course content to be determined by the instructor.
 
Lower Division
LATN 101 Latin I
4.00 credits
A beginner's course: grammar, composition, and easy prose selections. Fall.
Equivalent:
LATN 103 - Successful completion
LATN 102 Latin II
4.00 credits
Continuation of LATN 101 and more advanced grammar, composition and readings. Spring.
Prerequisite:
LATN 101 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
LATN 103 - Successful completion
LATN 103 Accelerated Elementary Latin
8.00 credits
This is an entry-level 12-week course, with no prerequisite, designed to provide the equivalent of the first-year Latin sequence LATN 101-102. It therefore prepares students for either LATN 201 or LATN 104. The course will cover approximately the first half of Wheelock's Latin. Students will learn the fundamentals of Latin vocabulary, grammar, and syntax in order to develop the skills necessary for basic translation and composition of Latin texts. Summer only.
Equivalent:
LATN 101 - Successful completion
LATN 102 - Successful completion
LATN 190 Directed Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topic to be determined by instructor.
LATN 201 Latin III
4.00 credits
Continuation of LATN 101 and 102: review of forms and syntax; composition, and readings. Fall.
Prerequisite:
LATN 102 Minimum Grade: D or LATN 103 Minimum Grade: D
LATN 203 Accelerated Latin III
8.00 credits
This 12-week course is designed to provide the equivalent of the second-year Latin sequence LATN 201-202 and therefore prepare students for LATN 301. The course will cover approximately the second half of Wheelock's Latin. Students will learn advanced Latin vocabulary, grammar, and syntax in order to master the skills necessary for translation and composition of Latin texts. Summer only.
Prerequisite:
LATN 103 Minimum Grade: D or LATN 102 Minimum Grade: D
LATN 210 Reading Latin
3.00 credits
Continuation of LATN 201. Spring.
Prerequisite:
LATN 201 Minimum Grade: D
LATN 290 Directed Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Course content to be determined by the instructor.
Upper Division
LATN 301 Republican Latin Prose
3.00 credits
Courses or tutorials for students who have completed the intermediate level Latin and are reading original Latin authors. Fall, alternate years.
Prerequisite:
LATN 203 Minimum Grade: C or LATN 201 Minimum Grade: C
LATN 302 Imperial Latin Prose
3.00 credits
Courses or tutorials for students who have completed the intermediate level Latin and are reading original Latin authors. Fall, alternate years.
Prerequisite:
LATN 201 Minimum Grade: C or LATN 203 Minimum Grade: C
LATN 303 Republican Latin Poetry
3.00 credits
Courses or tutorials for students who have completed the intermediate level Latin and are reading original Latin authors. Spring, alternate years.
Prerequisite:
LATN 201 Minimum Grade: C or LATN 203 Minimum Grade: C
LATN 304 Imperial Latin Poetry
3.00 credits
Courses or tutorials for students who have completed the intermediate level Latin and are reading original Latin authors. Spring, alternate years.
Prerequisite:
LATN 201 Minimum Grade: C or LATN 203 Minimum Grade: C
LATN 305 Vergil
3.00 credits
This course explores the works of the greatest of the Latin writers, the Roman poet Publius Vergilius Maro, commonly called Vergil (or Virgil). Students will read selections from all three of Vergil's canonical works, the Eclogues, Georgics, and Aeneid, and will learn about the poet's development, achievement, and influence. The course is designed for students who have completed intermediate level Latin and are able to read original Latin texts.
Prerequisite:
LATN 201 Minimum Grade: D or LATN 203 Minimum Grade: D
LATN 310 Medieval Latin
3.00 credits
Courses or tutorials for students who have completed the intermediate level Latin and are reading original Latin authors.
Prerequisite:
LATN 201 Minimum Grade: D
LATN 490 Directed Study
1.00- 6.00 credits
Directed Study requires completion of a form and Department permission, and cannot be registered for via Zagweb.
LATN 491 Independent Reading Course
1.00- 6.00 credits
 
Second Language Competency

Competency in a second language (classical or modern) at the intermediate level (courses numbered 201) is required for students continuing in the study of a language. Students beginning study in a language they have not previously studied can fulfill the requirement by completing one year at the beginning level (courses numbered 101-102). Non-native speakers of English who have completed the required English core credits at Gonzaga may petition the Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences for a waiver of this requirement.

Additional information on this requirement can be found at

Language Requirement Information