Classical Studies at Allegheny

Professors Herrman (Program Coordinator), Farrelly-Jackson

Classical Studies is an interdivisional minor that provides a broad-based introduction to ancient Greek and Roman civilization which includes components of Latin language study, history and cultural studies. Students gain familiarity with diverse aspects of the ancient world and learn how to formulate original arguments based on primary sources, both material and literary.


Classical Studies Learning Outcomes (updated 19 October 2022)


Classical Studies Minor requirements (updated 19 October 2022)

The minor requires 20 credits.

  1. Survey requirement (four credits). Take one of the following:
  1. Advanced course requirement (four credits). Take one of the following:
  1. Elective (twelve credits). Take three of the following elective courses to bring the total credits for the minor to at least 20:

Students who take both History 101 and 103 may count one of them toward the elective requirement.


Courses (all descriptions but HIST 22X from Academic Bulletin 22/23)

A comprehensive survey of ancient Greek political, social, and cultural history based on the interpretations of primary sources, both literary and archaeological, from the Trojan War to the end of the Classical period. Topics include the historicity of the Homeric poems, the rise of the Greek city-state and panhellenic consciousness, the constitutional history of Athens and Sparta, the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars, political participation in the Athenian democracy, reflections of contemporary history in drama (tragedy and comedy) and philosophy, and the rise of Alexander the Great. Credits: 4. Distribution Requirements: HE, IP.

A comprehensive survey of ancient Roman political, social, and cultural history based on the interpretation of primary sources, both literary and archaeological, from the foundation of the city to the height of the Empire. Topics include the Roman aristocratic moral code, Roman imperialism, Roman diplomatic interaction with the Hellenistic World, the decline and fall of the Roman Republic, the establishment of the Augustan principate, and the administration of the empire in the first and second centuries. Credits: 4. Distribution Requirements: HE, IP.

An examination of legal and political ideals and practices in ancient Greece, with a particular focus on classical Athens, the birthplace of democracy. Topics include the concept of justice, the development of democratic institutions, the role of leaders, mass political participation, citizenship and civic status, and attitudes towards politics and justice as reflected in drama and philosophy. Special attention is paid to the rule of law and the role of the courts, with close studies of prosecution and defense speeches from Athenian trials. Credits: 4. Distribution Requirements: CL, IP.

An examination of slavery in ancient Greece and the classical Roman world. Topics include the economic and military background to enslavement, the experiences of slaves at home and in industry, slave agency, manumission and civic status, revolts, representations of slaves, and comparative definitions of slave societies in different times and places. Credits: 4. Distribution Requirements: CL, IP.

An examination of the methodological objectives and practices of ancient historians. Students read extensively in primary sources and analyze historiographical strategies. Among the topics considered are the different effects of discursive and analytical styles, the relation between personal memoir and history, biography as history, divergent chronological frameworks, how Greeks and Romans viewed each other, and Roman innovations on Greek traditions. Students may not earn credit for both HIST 320 and HIST 550. Prerequisite: HIST 101 or HIST 103 or permission of the instructor. Credits: 4. Distribution Requirements: HE, IP.

An examination of speech and writing as media of communication in ancient Greece, from the time of Homer into the fourth century BC. The course focuses on the development of writing in the Greek world and the effect of this development on Greek culture and society. Among the topics studied are the oral performance of poetry, the function of writing in the Athenian democracy, and the importance of rhetoric for the intellectual life of the classical period. Students may not earn credit for both HIST 321 and HIST 551. Prerequisite: HIST 101 or HIST 103. Credits: 4. Distribution Requirements: HE, IP.

An examination of the methodological objectives and practices of ancient historians. Students read extensively in primary sources and analyze historiographical strategies. Among the topics considered are the different effects of discursive and analytical styles, the relation between personal memoir and history, biography as history, divergent chronological frameworks, how Greeks and Romans viewed each other, and Roman innovations on Greek traditions. Students may not earn credit for both HIST 320 and HIST 550. Prerequisite: HIST 101 or HIST 103. Credits: 4. Distribution Requirements: none.

An examination of speech and writing as media of communication in ancient Greece, from the time of Homer into the fourth century BC. The course focuses on the development of writing in the Greek world and the effect of this development on Greek culture and society. Among the topics studied are the oral performance of poetry, the function of writing in the Athenian democracy, and the importance of rhetoric for the intellectual life of the classical period. Students may not earn credit for both HIST 321 and HIST 551. Prerequisite: HIST 101 or HIST 103, and permission of instructor. Credits: 4. Distribution Requirements: none.

An introduction to the morphology, grammar and syntax of the Latin language. Credits: 4. Distribution Requirements: ME.

A comprehensive introduction to ancient Greek philosophy covering the pre-Socratics, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Through close study and discussion of a range of original texts (in translation), students engage the main ideas of these philosophers on such themes as the nature of reality, the soul, knowledge, virtue, and the good life for humans. Credits: 4. Distribution Requirements: CL, HE.

Close study of several major periods in Western theatre history, commencing with the origins of drama and concluding with the closing of the English playhouses in 1642. The course focuses on individuals, events, and dramatic forms that have contributed to the development of the theatre as a complex institution. In a larger sense, lectures and class discussions examine how these developments are shaped by the political, social, and intellectual forces of their time. Prerequisite: THTR 110 or permission of instructor. Credits: 4. Distribution Requirements: HE, IP.

An introduction to ancient Greek mythology in its literary, historical, and ritual contexts. The gods, heroes, and monsters of the Greeks are studied through a variety of literary and visual sources, including poetry, myth collections, and the tragedies of classical Athens. Class sessions focus on discussion of primary materials, and topics include the myths of creation, patterns and recurrent motifs in mythological narrative, gender roles and identities, mythological vs. rational thinking, and modern analysis of Greek myth. Credits: 4. Distribution Requirements: HE, IP.


Schedule of planned offerings (updated 19 October 2022)

Fall 2022

Spring 2023

Fall 2023: no offerings planned

Spring 2024

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Fall 2025

Spring 2026