Greco-Roman Literature

Catalog description

In this course, we will focus on one author from Greco-Roman antiquity and analyze and engage with their literary work(s) in English translation. Each successive offering of this shell course will focus on a different author or text, so students may take this course multiple times for credit. Topics will include the historical circumstances that formed the author and text; thematic considerations that offer us insights into the constructions of ancient society; the ways in which we might compare and contrast ancient beliefs about institutions like relationships, family, politics, war, and religion with those of the modern day; and the reception of ancient literature and narratives in later cultures. The study of any ancient author necessarily engages in methods and tools from a variety of associated disciplines, including literary studies, gender and sexuality studies, history, art history and archaeology, performing arts, philosophy, and religious studies; this interdisciplinary approach will enrich our understanding of the text. Cross-listed with ENGL 2005 .