2020-2021 Catalog

Classical Studies

Overview

Classical Studies offers Occidental students the opportunity to study the languages, literature, art, philosophy, history, and cultures of Greece and Rome in a multicultural context. Taken together, the courses address the impact of ancient cultures on later civilizations and draw parallels with non-Western cultures.

Those who wish to major in a Classical language, either Greek or Latin, or who wish to make one of these languages the basis of a double major, can do so through Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture.

Transfer Credit Policies

The Classical Studies Program policy on transfer credit conforms to College policy. AP, IB or A-level examinations in areas related to Classical Studies will not substitute for an Occidental course, place students into advanced courses, or allow a wider opportunity for choice of electives in the Department/Program. Students should reference the Transfer Credit section for more details.

Minor Requirements

Occidental offers a minor in classical studies consisting of five courses taken in at least three different departments, at least one of which must be an original language course in Greek or Latin (GRK 101, GRK 102, GRK 201, LATN 101, LATN 102, or LATN 201). Courses with classical emphasis suitable to the minor are listed below.

To share the resources of faculty and students interested in classical studies, the committee sponsors interdisciplinary colloquia. Students who are interested in creating an Independent Pattern of Study in a topic related to the ancient world should consult with the chair of the committee for advice in constructing a program tailored to their needs.

Electives

ARTH 170Introduction to Early European Art

4 units

ARTH 272Greek and Roman Art

4 units

ARTH 275Early Christian and Medieval Art

4 units

CSLC 120Metamorphic Bodies: Fluid Forms from Ovid to Kafka

4 units

CSLC 181Violent Femmes: Drama in the Polis

4 units

CSLC 202The Wake of the Ancient

4 units

CSLC 204Between Desire and Despair: Roman Literature Survey

4 units

CSLC 205Comedy Philosophy Romance: Hellenistic Literature

4 units

CSLC 222Myth: the Greco-Roman gods

4 units

CSLC 241Spectacle and the Stage in Ancient Rome

4 units

CSLC 280Hegel, Nietzsche, Heidegger: Tragic Philosophy

4 units

CSLC 283Style and "Substance": Philosophy and the Arts

4 units

CSLC 286Ulysses: The No­Place That's Home

4 units

CSLC 292Love's Song - A History

4 units

HIST 121Antiquity to 1700: Europe and the Middle East

4 units

HIST 220Ancient Athens and Renaissance Florence

4 units

RELS 265Death, Dying, and Afterlife in the Ancient Mediterranean World

4 units

RELS 351"Good" Sex: History of Christian Sexual Ethics

4 units