Classics

402 Phelps Hall, 432.0977
M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.

Chair
Victor Bers (Acting)

Director of Graduate Studies
Susanna Morton Braund (Acting)

Professors
Robert Babcock (Adjunct, Beinecke Library), Victor Bers, Susanna Morton Braund, Donald Kagan, Diana Kleiner, John Matthews, William Metcalf (Adjunct, Art Gallery)

Associate Professors
Stephen Colvin, Elizabeth Tylawsky

Assistant Professors
Michael Anderson, Björn Ewald, Carlos Noreña, Corinne Pache, Shilpa Raval, Celia Schultz

Lecturers
Judith Barringer, Kim Bowes, Christopher Glover, Veronika Grimm

Senior Research Scholar/Lecturer
Ann Ellis Hanson

Affiliated Faculty
Susanne Bobzien (Philosophy), Tad Brennan (Philosophy), Maria Georgopoulou (History of Art), Dimitri Gutas (Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations), Bentley Layton (Religious Studies), Dale Martin (Religious Studies), David Quint (Comparative Literature), Barbara Shailor (Beinecke Library)

Fields of Study
The degree program in Classics seeks to provide an overall knowledge of Greek and Roman civilization, combined with specialized work in a number of fields or disciplines within the total area.

Special Admissions Requirements
A minimum of three years of college training in one of the classical languages and two years in the other.

Special Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree
(1) Passing sight translation examinations in Greek and Latin by the end of the first year in residence; (2) passing departmental reading examinations in French and German by the beginning of the second year in residence; (3) completing fourteen term courses which must include two outside the strict limits of classics, one being either in ancient history or in classical art and archaeology; three seminars (two in one language and one in the other); four courses in the history of Greek and Latin literature, or a reasonable equivalent; and one course in historical or comparative linguistics; (4) satisfaction of the departmental composition requirement in Greek and Latin; (5) translation examinations in Greek and Latin, and general oral examinations in Greek and Latin literature by the end of the fifth term; (6) a special oral and/or written examination, to be taken by the end of the sixth term of residence, consisting of two areas of special concentration in each language to be selected by the candidate with the approval of the director of graduate studies; (7) a dissertation prospectus to be submitted and approved by the end of the seventh term of residence; (8) a dissertation.

In addition to the Graduate School's requirement of Honors grades in at least one year course or two term courses, students must have a High Pass average in the remaining courses. Admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. is granted upon completion of all predissertation requirements, including the prospectus, not later than the end of the seventh term of study.

The faculty considers experience in the teaching of language and literature to be an important part of this program. Students in Classics typically teach in their third and fourth years of study.

Combined Programs

Ancient History
The Ph.D. program in Ancient History is offered in collaboration with the Department of History and may be pursued in either department. In the Classics department, the course of study has two components: (1) a program of at least six term courses and the same first-year sight translation examinations and translation and general oral examinations in either Greek or Latin language and literature described above (Special Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree), except that the course in historical or comparative linguistics may be omitted; (2) six term courses in Greek and Roman history and, normally, two in another period of history, three of which must be appropriate graduate seminars, and by the end of the fifth term of residence a translation examination in the other ancient language, based on a one-thousand-page reading list approved by the director of graduate studies, and an oral examination in Greek and Roman history. Modern foreign language and dissertation requirements are the same as those described above under Special Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree.

Classical Art and Archaeology
The program is offered in collaboration with the Department of the History of Art and is designed to give a general knowledge of the development of art in Greece and Italy from the Bronze Age to late antiquity, combining this with a detailed study of one particular period and area; and an acquaintance with the contribution made by field archaeology to our understanding of the classical world. It is expected that each student will be given the opportunity to visit the major sites and monuments. The required fourteen courses will roughly be divided between the two departments, but distribution may be adjusted to suit the interests of individual students. Students are admitted to candidacy by passing a written and oral comprehensive examination in classical art and archaeology and securing acceptance of their dissertation prospectus. Students must pass departmental reading examinations in German and one other modern language, usually French or Italian. Further details should be obtained from Professor D. Kleiner or the director of graduate studies.

Classics and Comparative Literature
Students may be admitted to this joint program after consultation with the director of graduate studies of each department, normally during the first term. Fourteen courses are to be taken, not fewer than seven in the Classics department (including two seminars, two terms of the history of Greek or Latin literature, and a term course in historical or comparative linguistics. In Comparative Literature students must take at least four courses on postclassical European literature and two on literary theory or methodology. Students must pass entrance examinations in both classical languages and either the Greek or Latin translation and literature examinations. In addition, an oral examination should be taken during the third year on eight topics appropriate to both disciplines, selected in consultation with the directors of graduate studies. The modern language requirements (French or German) are the same as for students in Comparative Literature.

Classics and Philosophy
Students who have had at least three years of college Greek and two of philosophy may be admitted to a joint program offered in collaboration with the Department of Philosophy. Further details should be obtained from the director of graduate studies of either department.

Classics and Renaissance Studies
The Department of Classics also offers, in conjunction with the Renaissance Studies program, a combined Ph.D. in Classics and Renaissance Studies. For further details, see Renaissance Studies.

Master's Degrees
M.Phil. See Graduate School requirements.

M.A. (en route to the Ph.D.). Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program qualify for the M.A. degree upon completion of seven courses, ordinarily with a High Pass average in two successive terms.

Program materials are available upon request to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Classics, Yale University, PO Box 208266, New Haven CT 06520-8266.

Courses
GREK 710b^u, Plato's Republic. Michael Anderson. TTh 1–2.15
A detailed study of Plato's Republic, with attention to the author's conception of justice, the soul, and the city; his theory of forms; criticisms of poetry; methods of argumentation; and use of myth.

GREK 720a^u, Sophocles. Corinne Pache. TTh 11.30–12.45
Close readings of selected plays of Sophocles. Attention to literary, dramatic, and cultural aspects of the plays, with emphasis on myth and ritual, and the role of the chorus in Athenian drama.

GREK 738b^u, The Greek Dialects. Stephen Colvin. MWF 1.30–2.20
Introduction to the dialects of ancient Greek, including a basic review of Greek historical phonology and morphology. Study of a range of epigraphic and literary texts, with attention to sociolinguistic context and conventions of literary dialect.

GREK 743b^u, Homer's Iliad. Corinne Pache. MW 2.30–3.45
Reading of the complete Iliad in translation, and close reading of selections in the ancient Greek. Special emphasis on narrative techniques and oral poetics.

GREK 755a^u, Athenian Law Courts. Victor Bers. TTh 9–10.15
Rhetoric and law, procedural and substantive, in the Athenian courts of the fifth and fourth centuries B.C. as seen in forensic speeches, discursive treatments, and as satirized in Aristophanes' Wasps.

GREK 790a^u, Syntax and Stylistics. Stephen Colvin. TTh 1–2.15, 1 HTBA
A review of accidence and syntax, elementary composition, and analysis of Greek prose styles of the fifth and fourth centuries B.C., including a comparison of "prosaic" and "poetic" syntax, and composition in various styles. Prerequisite: previous familiarity with Greek prose beyond the elementary level, or permission of instructor.

GREK 798a^u and 799b^u, History of Greek Literature. Michael Anderson [F], Victor Bers [Sp]. TTh 11.30–12.45 [F], TTh 9–10.15 [Sp]
A comprehensive treatment of Greek literature from Homer to the Imperial period. The student is expected to read extensively in the original language, working toward familiarity with the range and variety of the literature.

LATN 713a^u, Latin Lyric Poetry: Catullus and Horace. Christopher Glover. MWF 1.30–2.20
A study of the poetry of Catullus and Horace with particular attention to issues of poetic persona, gender, politics, and literary history.

LATN 721b^u, Vergil's Aeneid. Celia Schultz. TTh 2.30–3.45
An in-depth study of Vergil's Aeneid within its political context.

LATN 736a^u, Cicero's Letters. William Metcalf. TTh 11.30–12.45
An introduction to the correspondence of Cicero, with particular attention to its social and historical context. Readings focus on his changing relationships with major political figures of the day, his proconsulship, and his reaction to the fall of the Roman Republic.

LATN 751b^u, Latin Love Elegy. Christopher Glover. MWF 1.30–2.20
Extensive readings of the Latin love elegists with attention to their social, historical, and political context.

LATN 763b^u, Roman Invective. Elizabeth Tylawsky. MWF 10.30–11.20
Allegations of public and private depravity in Cicero, Catullus, Sallust, early orators, inscriptions, and graffiti.

LATN 767b^u, Apuleius's Apologia. Carlos Noreña. TTh 9–10.15
A close reading of Apuleius's speech of self-defense on the charge of "magic" (c. A.D. 158). Central topics include Apuleius's rhetorical style and self-representation as a Latin sophist, social relations and culture in Roman North Africa during the High Empire, and the practice of Roman law in a provincial setting.

LATN 790a^u, Latin Syntax and Style. Ann Ellis Hanson. TTh 1–2.15
A systematic review of syntax and an introduction to Latin style. Selections from Latin prose authors are read and analyzed, and students compose short pieces of Latin prose. For students with some experience reading Latin literature who desire a better foundation in forms, syntax, idiom, and style.

LATN 798a^u/799b^u, History of Latin Literature. Susanna Braund, Marcus Wilson [F]; Susanna Braund [Sp]. TTh 11.30–12.45 [F], TTh 11.30–12.45 [Sp]
A survey of Latin literature from the earliest texts to the sixth century C.E. with the main focus on the period from the second century B.C.E. to the second century C.E. In the fall term, the "public" voices of Latin literature (epic, historiography, oratory). In the spring term, some alternative voices, including the exile, the lover, the philosopher, the satirist, and the poetic inventor. Diachronic, synchronic, generic, and topical models of organization.

CLSS 601a, Latin Paleography: First Century B.C.E. to the Ninth Century C.E. Robert Babcock. W 2.30–4.20
Latin paleography from the Roman period through the Carolingian (first century B.C.E. through ninth century C.E.), focusing on Latin scripts from ancient cursive through Caroline minuscule, and forms of Latin writing important for the transmission of classical, biblical, and early Christian literature. Topics include papyrus and parchment books, the history of libraries, and the circulation and transmission of literary works. Prerequisites: proficiency in Latin; reading knowledge of French, German, or Italian.

CLSS 605b, Greek Papyrology. Ann Ellis Hanson. W 2.30–4.20
Literary and documentary papyri of Greek and Roman Egypt, concentrating on documents housed in the Beinecke Library from the late Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Topics include using papyri as sources for social and other histories; gaining familiarity with the language of the papyri; and the reading of literary and documentary hands. Prerequisites: proficiency in Greek; reading knowledge of German and French.

CLSS 621b, Latin Paleography: Ninth to Fifteenth Centuries. Robert Babcock. Th 2.30–4.20
Latin paleography from the ninth century through the fifteenth, focusing on Caroline, Gothic, and humanist scripts; training in reading, transcribing, dating, and localizing manuscripts. Topics include monastic scriptoria and libraries, and the rise of university and lay production of manuscripts during the high Middle Ages. Prerequisites: proficiency in Latin; reading knowledge of French, German, or Italian.

CLSS 645b, Numismatics. William Metcalf. T 2.30–4.20
An introduction to the history of ancient coinage and the modern methodology of numismatic study. Brief consideration of the Greek background followed by detailed treatment of the Roman Republic and Empire. Prerequisites: proficiency in Greek and Latin; reading knowledge of French, German, or Italian.

CLSS 802a, Hellenistic Art. Judith Barringer. W 2.30–4.20
This seminar considers major issues and problems in Hellenistic art (sculpture, mosaics, painting, and "minor" arts) and architecture with an emphasis on historical, political, and religious considerations. Topics to be addressed include: Alexander's image and its impact, the Attalid kingdom of Pergamon, Ptolemaic Alexandria, "Graeco-Roman" art, the appeal and function of exotic and erotic sculpture, Athens as a Classical memory and as a Hellenistic reality, and the impact of Rome as conquering power and voracious art collector. Also HSAR 575a.

CLSS 822b, Herodotus. William Desmond. M 4–6
A detailed study of Herodotus' History with particular focus upon the text itself and more recent scholarship. Topics include Herodotus' sources, veracity, and methods of composition; relation to epic and Attic tragedy; early anthropology and Greek views of the "other"; religious elements; and Herodotus' philosophy of history.

CLSS 823a, Sallust. Celia Schultz. M 2.30–4.20
A study of the history of the late Roman Republic through a close reading of the extant works of C. Sallustius Crispus. Attention is also paid to literary and stylistic considerations.

CLSS 844b, Roman Imperial Art. Björn Ewald. Th 2.30–4.20
A course on Roman Imperial art, comprising the period from Augustus to Constantine (late first century B.C. to fourth century A.D.). The focus is on the so-called historical reliefs which once adorned or still adorn public buildings (e.g., triumphal arches) and monuments (e.g., the Ara Pacis). They are part of an elaborate visual system of official art which served to praise Imperial virtues and to imprint the Imperial accomplishments on the "collective memory" of Roman society. Also HSAR 577b.

CLSS 850b, Topics in Roman History and Culture. Carlos Noreña, Celia Schultz. F 4–6
A weekly program of research papers on various topics, given by faculty members, graduate students, and visitors to Yale, followed by formal and informal discussion. Graduate students may acquire a course credit by presenting a paper to the seminar or by writing a term paper on one of the topics chosen, together with regular participation and contributions to discussion. Suggestions for and offers of papers are welcome. Also HIST 525b.

CLSS 856a, Rewriting the Roman Past. Susanna Braund, Marcus Wilson. T 2.30–4.20
Consideration of how the Roman past is represented in two major literary traditions during the early empire: historical drama (fabula praetexa) and historical epic. Special attention to Silius Italicus's treatment of Hannibal's attempt on Rome in the Punica, on the treatment of civil war in Lucan and Petronius, and on the excesses of Nero's court in the historical drama Octavia. Texts are studied in English with specific assignments in Latin.

CLSS 885b, Aristotle's Athenaion Politeia. Donald Kagan. Th 1.30–3.20
A study of the historical portion of Aristotle's Constitution of the Athenians. Also HIST 512b.

CLSS 900a or b, Directed Reading.
By arrangement with faculty.

CLSS 910a or b, Directed Research.
By arrangement with faculty.

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