The study of the ancient Mediterranean world, especially that of the Greeks and Romans, takes us back to the beginnings of our western civilization. Although the prime concern is with the way the ancient Greeks and Romans lived and thought, the lines of influence extend to our own lives as well.  Religious thought, legal codes, drama, lyric poetry, the writing of history, all took shape in these cultures of the Mediterranean.

At this time a general survey of the cultural movements of the Mediterranean world is offered under the auspices of the history department and a survey of classical literature is offered within the purview of comparative literature. The philosophy department offers a survey of the ancient philosophical schools of thought. Additional courses in the classics are offered during the Interim.

A minor in Classical Studies is possible. There are also opportunities to explore special areas of interest by Independent Study. Greek is taught with attention to both the biblical and classical context and satisfies seminary prerequisites in the language. Latin still functions as a valuable adjunct for work in history, religion (the early Lutheran heritage was crafted in German and Latin), English, law and medicine.

A student considering advanced work in either language is encouraged to take English 225, the appropriate course in ancient civilization, and, if interested in ancient thought, Philosophy 220 before starting work on the intermediate level of the language.

Minor: Minimum of 15 credit hours, including at least six credit hours in Greek and six credit hours in Latin.

110, 111. ELEMENTARY LATIN I, II. 3 Cr. Hrs.
Introduction to the Latin language, including study of forms, syntax, vocabulary, and relationship to
English. May be applied to Area 3.4.

200, 201. ELEMENTARY GREEK I, II. 3 Cr. Hrs.
Introduction to ancient Greek, both Biblical and classical, CLAS 200 places heavy emphasis on learning the forms of Greek and developing basic vocabulary. CLAS 201 stresses syntax and development of reading skills. May be applied to Area 3.4.

220. OUR PHILOSOPHICAL HERITAGE I. 3 Cr. Hrs.
See Philosophy 220.

260. THE GRECO-ROMAN WORLD. 3 Cr. Hrs.
See History 260.

301. NEW TESTAMENT GREEK I. 3 Cr. Hrs.
Selected readings from the Gospels, with a review of grammar and syntax. Prerequisite: CLAS 201 or its equivalent. Offered in the spring semester of even numbered years.

302. NEW TESTAMENT GREEK II. 3 Cr. Hrs.
Selected readings from the Letters, with a review of grammar and syntax. Prerequisite: CLAS 201 or its equivalent. Offered in the spring semester of odd numbered years.

311. READINGS IN PLATO AND ARISTOTLE. 4 Cr. Hrs.
An introduction to the writings of Plato and Aristotle in the original Greek. A dialogue of Plato and
representative selections of Aristotle’s thought are read, with emphasis on content and style of expression. One session a week devoted to Greek composition. Recommended as a prior course: Classical Studies 220. Prerequisite: CLAS 201 or its equivalent. Offered in the fall semester of odd
numbered years.

312. GREEK DRAMA. 4 Cr. Hrs.
An introduction to Greek drama in the original. Tragedies by Sophocles or Euripides and a comedy by Aristophanes are read. A review of forms and syntax and a study of the conventions of ancient drama are an integral part of the course. One session a week devoted to Greek composition. Recommended as a prior course: English 225. Prerequisite: Classics 201 or its equivalent. Offered in the fall semester of even numbered years.

197, 297, 397. TOPICS. 2-4 Cr. Hrs.

199, 299, 399. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 2-4 Cr. Hrs.