Studying Classics at Haverford :: Our Curriculum
We offer two types of courses:
(1) Language courses from the elementary to the advanced level that explore Greek and Latin literature
(2) Classical studies courses requiring no knowledge of Greek or Latin that explore topics in Greek and Roman literature, culture and society and their relation to the later western cultural tradition.
All members of the faculty teach courses of both kinds and at all levels; our classes are generally small (most under twenty students, some under ten), and we emphasize discussion.
Our department has a close collaborative relationship with Bryn Mawr’s Department of Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies: we plan our curriculum together, share the teaching, and work together with students at both colleges. This means that students have the opportunity to study with eight faculty specializing in Classics. In addition to these core faculty members, additional faculty in the Haverford and Bryn Mawr departments of Archaeology (at Bryn Mawr), Comparative Literature, English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religion, teach courses and conduct research on subjects related to the ancient world.
Since the study of Greek and Roman culture includes work in a number of different disciplines, We encourage our students to broaden their knowledge of classical antiquity and their understanding of different disciplinary approaches by taking courses in other departments at Haverford and Bryn Mawr (Archaeology, Comparative Literature and other literature departments, History, Philosophy, and Religion). In fact, such inter-disciplinary studies are integral components of our Classical Culture & Society, Greek, and Latin majors.
We also encourage them to study abroad during the junior year, especially in Athens or Rome.
Sequence of Latin and Greek Courses
Students at Haverford have access to an extensive sequence of courses in Greek and Latin. We offer introductory courses in both languages every year, and our collaboration with Bryn Mawr means that we can give students opportunities to do work at the intermediate, advanced, and seminar levels. Introductory courses are taught every year and assume no knowledge of the language. After learning the basics, students usually spend the second half of the second semester reading and discussing works of ancient literature. In recent years, students have read Plato's Crito and Lysias' On the Murder of Eratosthenes, selections of Ovid and Vergil, and more. Intermediate and advanced courses investigate various themes, genres, and topics of ancient language and culture. As the level of the language increases and a student's ability with Latin and Greek matures, we place an increasing emphasis on discussion and critical analysis. Each of the intermediate courses is offered every year. The Advanced Greek courses are taught every year; Advanced Latin courses are cycled through every other year (usually with LATN201 & 202 taught one year, and LATN203 & 204 taught the next). Students who have reached the advanced level in either language also have the opportunity to pursue graduate-level courses. These are usually taught at Bryn Mawr, but with the regular participation of Haverford faculty. |
For questions about placement, please visit our FAQ or contact a member of the Department. |
Greek Courses |
Latin Courses |
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Introductory |
GREK001-002: Elementary Greek | LATN001-002: Elementary Latin | ||
Continuous Practica |
GREK170: Readings in Koine | LATN170: Stilus: Latin Reading & Stylistics | ||
Intermediate |
Fall | GREK101: Herodotus & Lyric Poetry | Fall | LATN003: Reading & Review |
| Spring | GREK102: Homer | Spring | LATN102: Roman Comedy ...or.... LATN112: The Augustans (Horace & Livy) |
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Advanced |
GREK201: Plato & Thucydides |
LATN201: Medieval Latin LATN202: Ovid's Love Poetry LATN203: Vergil LATN204: Latin of the Empire |
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Seminar |
GREK311: Plato & the Sophists
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LATN301: Vergil's Aeneid |
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Classical Culture & Society Courses (taught in translation)
We also offer a diverse range of courses in classical studies that explore topics in Greek and Roman literature, culture and society and their relation to the later western cultural tradition. These courses require no knowledge of Greek or Latin.
Although we encourage students to take one of the 100-level surveys at some point, many students begin their studies in Classics by taking courses at the 200 level.
300-level courses are conducted as seminars in which students engage in intensive discussion of and research into a particular author, text, or topic. Admission to these courses usually requires previous coursework in the ancient world (or permission of instructor).
@ Haverford |
@ Bryn Mawr College |
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Introductions & Surveys (100-level) |
CSTS119: Culture & Crisis in the Golden Age of Athens |
CSTS110: World Through Classical Eyes |
Approaches to Topics & Themes (200-level) |
CSTS205: Tales of Troy |
CSTS205: Greek History |
Seminars (300-level) |
CSTS35x: The Fall of Rome |
CSTS359: Classical Warfare & its Legacy |
| Independent Work (400-level) | CSTS460: Teaching Assistant CSTS480: Independent Study |
Recent Courses Related to the Classical World
@ Haverford |
@ Bryn Mawr College |
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Introductions & Surveys (100-level) |
HIST118: Introduction to the History of Science
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ARCH101: Egyptian & Near Eastern Archaeology |
Approaches to Topics & Themes (200-level) |
PHIL201: Plato PHIL210: Aristotle RELG221: Women and Gender in Early Christianity RELG222: Gnosticism |
ARCH201: Pre-classical Greek Art & Archaeology |
Seminars (300-level) |
PHIL310: Aristotle's Philosophical Psychology |
ARCH308: Ceramic Analysis |