Classical Studies

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Roman aquaduct in Segovia, Spain
(built ca. 100 A. D.)

FLL Department Office: Withers 310, Withers Building, 101 Lampe Drive
Box 8106, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8106
Telephone 919/515-2475 // Fax 919/515-6981
Coordinator: Dr. Mark L. Sosower, tel. 515-9315

Go to FLL Home Page

Classical Studies at NC State
Courses in Classical Studies introduce students to many aspects of Greco-Roman civilization and literature: the arts, history, philosophy, and the languages (Latin and Greek). These are the source of many of most important intellectual, spiritual, and artistic achievements of Western civilization. Moreover, law and medicine, the arts, and politics have been profoundly influenced by their ancient roots. In addition, Greek is the language of the New Testament; and Latin developed into the Romance languages--French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. Not only are Greek and Latin words commonly used for scientific and medical terminology, but these words constitute almost half of English vocabulary. Courses in Classical Studies give knowledge and a 3000-year perspective that reach the heart of education in the humanities.
How Classics Can Meet Your Degree Requirements
The first and second semesters of Latin (LAT 101-102) and Greek (GRK 101-102) may satisfy the NC State language requirement. (If Latin or Greek was not taken during high school, these courses may also be credited for graduation.) The third semester of Latin (LAT 201) and Greek (GRK 201) may satisfy the CHASS language requirement. In addition, Classical Mythology (GRK 310) and Greek Tragedies in Translation (GRK 320) can satisfy CHASS and the NC State literature distribution requirement. Completion of LAT 202 or GRK 202 satisfies one requirment of the Minor in World Literature. For specific information, return to the FLL Home Page, and consult your advisor.

Minor in Classical Studies
The minor in Classical Studies offers an excellent foundation for advanced work in other academic disciplines as well as in professional programs in law, medicine and finance. The minor gives students an opportunity to develop a keener perception and better understanding of the cultural forces at work in the contemporary world. By including a broad selection of courses in the various disciplines of literature, philosophy and history, the minor is a sound introduction to studies in antiquity. Requirements for the minor include five courses selected from the following: GRK 201 or LAT 201, GRK 310 or GRK 320; PHI 300 or REL 312; HI 403 or HI 404; and HI 405 or 406. Other courses may be substituted for the courses listed.

Minor in Classical Greek
The minor in Classical Greek is formal recognition at graduation of the difficult acheivement of learning ancient Greek at the intermediary level. In addition to having completed the four semesters of Greek with readings in ancient authors and in the New Testament, students may select another Greek course in translation (GRK 310 Greek Mythology or GRK 320 Greek Tragedy in Translation). Other courses may be substituted for the courses listed.

Faculty
Dr. Zola Packman, zmpackman@social.chass.ncsu.edu, 110, 1911 Building, Telephone: 515-9279. Dr. Packman received her Ph.D. from Yale University. Her research interests are ancient literature and ancient papyri.
Dr. Mark L. Sosower, mlsfll@unity.ncsu.edu, Professor & Coordinator, 401 Withers: 515-9315.
Dr. Sosower received his Ph.D. from New York University. His research interests are Greek codicology and the history of early humanistic libraries. Currently, Dr. Sosower is writing a new catalogue of watermarks of paper of sixteenth-century Greek manuscripts in Spanish libraries.

Catalogue of Courses
GREEK LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Attic (ancient) Greek is taught in a two-year cycle.
GRK 101 Elementary Greek 1. 3(3-0) F. Introduction to Classical Greek. Greek alphabet, basic grammar and syntax. Readings include Plato, Lysias and the New Testament.
GRK 102 Elementary Greek II. Preq: GRK 101. 3(3-0) S. A second course in Classical Greek, continuing and expanding the work of GRK 101. Completes study of grammar Readings from major authors including Herodotus, Thucydides, and Xenophon.
GRK 201 Intermediate Greek I. Preq: GRK102. 3(3-0) F. Introduction to Greek prose. Emphasis upon improvement of reading skill through vocabulary acquisition and study of complex grammar. Introduction to Attic dialect through reading Plato, and Koine Greek through reading the New Testament. Examination of the importance of these works to Western literature and culture.
GRK 202 Intermediate Greek II. Preq:GRK201.3(3-O)S. Reading in Homer'slliad and the New Testament. Techniques of oral poetry. Study of the use of myth, and of the literary and historical significance of the 11iad. Analysis of differences between classical and Koine Greek in the New Testament.
GRK (LAT) 310 Classical Mythology. 3(3-0) F. Greek and Roman mythology through the writings and art of the Classical period. Discussion of creation stories, the major gods and heroes, the underworld and afterlife. Intellectual religious and educational role of myth and of the most important theories of interpretation and classification. All readings and discussion in English.
GRK 320 Greek Tragedy in Translation. 3(3-0) F and S. Tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides in translation. Literary and social aspects of individual plays and tragic genre in fifth century. Selections from Aristophanes, Aristotle and Seneca on Greek tragedy. All readings and discussion in English.
GRK 333 Medical Terminology. 2(2-0) F and S. Study of the formation of medical terms from their Greek and Latin roots designed both to build vocabulary and to teach the uses of medical dictionary. This course is taught via the Internet.
GRK 371 The Origins of American Mythology. 3(8-0) S. Oral-traditional literature, Review formulaic myth composition and the Indo-European origins of the American folk hero. Readings include lliad, Gilgamesh, Sanskrit Puranas and Beowulf; films such as Stagecoach and Superman are included.

LATIN LANGUAGE AND LlTERATURE
LAT 101 Elementary Latin I. 3(3-0) F. Beginning course in Classical Latin, emphasizing elementary grammatical form and basic syntax. Readings based on brief selections from Roman authors, including Cicero and Catullus.SYLLABUS: PACKMAN
LAT 102 Elementary Latin II. Preq: LAT 101. 3(3-0) S. A second course in Classical Latin, continuing and expanding the work of Latin 101. Completes study of grammar. Readings from a variety of Latin texts.
LAT 201 Intermediate Latin I. Preq: LAT102. 3(3-0)F. Introduction to Latin prose and poetry with readings from Pliny and Ovid. Emphasis on increased reading skill. Review of grammar fundamentals and exposure to new and more complex syntax. Examination of cultural significance of readings. SYLLABUS: PACKMAN
LAT 202 Intermediate Latin II. Preq: LAT 201. 3(3-0) S. Study of Catullus and Virgil. emphasizing vocabulary, syntax, and techniques of Latin verse. Traditions and the evolution of lyric poetry and the social role of the Roman poet.
LAT (GRK) 310 Classical Mythology. 3(3-0) (See Greek Language and Literature.)

Tools and Resources for Classical Studies


Latin Place Names
Numismatics: link to information on Roman Coins
University of Kentucky's Links to Classical Sites
Perseus Digital Library
Classics Technology Center
Textkit: Greek and Latin texts in original langauge; and reference tools
L'Année philologique
Thesaurus Linguae Graecae
Schoenberg Database of Manuscripts

Ambrosian Library

Ex Libris: An electronic news and discussion group for those interested in rare books, manuscripts and special collections

History of Ink
Watermarks (Austrian site), which includes a link to Piccard online

Authors: Information on the names and dates of ancient and medieval authors

Diotima: Reference for the study of women in the Ancient World

Oxford Univeristy Press Mythology website
Renaissance Society of America

June, 2008