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.
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 170 | Introduction to Early European Art | 4 units |
| ARTH 272 | Greek and Roman Art | 4 units |
| ARTH 275 | Early Christian and Medieval Art | 4 units |
| CSLC 120 | Metamorphic Bodies: Fluid Forms from Ovid to Kafka | 4 units |
| CSLC 181 | Violent Femmes: Drama in the Polis | 4 units |
| CSLC 202 | The Wake of the Ancient | 4 units |
| CSLC 204 | Between Desire and Despair: Roman Literature Survey | 4 units |
| CSLC 205 | Comedy Philosophy Romance: Hellenistic Literature | 4 units |
| CSLC 222 | Myth: the Greco-Roman gods | 4 units |
| CSLC 241 | Spectacle and the Stage in Ancient Rome | 4 units |
| CSLC 280 | Hegel, Nietzsche, Heidegger: Tragic Philosophy | 4 units |
| CSLC 283 | Style and "Substance": Philosophy and the Arts | 4 units |
| CSLC 286 | Ulysses: The NoPlace That's Home | 4 units |
| CSLC 292 | Love's Song - A History | 4 units |
| HIST 121 | Antiquity to 1700: Europe and the Middle East | 4 units |
| HIST 220 | Ancient Athens and Renaissance Florence | 4 units |
| POLS 251 | European Political Thought: From Plato to Machiavelli | 4 units |
| RELS 190 | History of Early Christianity | 4 units |
| RELS 265 | Death, Dying, and Afterlife in the Ancient Mediterranean World | 4 units |
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.
Faculty
Advisory Committee
Damian Stocking
Associate Professor, Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture
B.A., University of California, Berkeley; M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
Eric Frank
Professor, Art and Art History
B.A., Dartmouth College; M.A., Syracuse University; Ph.D., New York University
Marcia Homiak
Professor, Philosophy
A.B., Mount Holyoke College; Ph.D., Harvard University
Maryanne Horowitz
Professor, History
A.B., Pembroke College, Brown University; M.A.T., Harvard University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Jacob Mackey
Assistant Professor, Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture
B.A., University at Texas at Austin; M.S., Christ Church, Oxford; Ph.D., Princeton University
Kristi Upson-Saia
Professor, Religious Studies
B.A., University of Washington; M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Duke University