School of Arts & Sciences - University of Pennsylvania

Classical Studies Greek Latin Ancient History

> Summer 2008 Classical Studies Courses

Ancient Theater CLST 141-920 crosslisted w/COML 264, ENGL 103, THAR 141 Hudak MTWR 1:00-2:35 CANCELLED Dates: 7/7/08-8/15/08	This course will introduce you to the "roots" of the western dramatic tradition by surveying a number of well-known tragedies and comedies from Greco-Roman antiquity. Although the syllabus varies slightly from year to year, students can expect to read such influential works as Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" and Aristophanes' "Clouds." In addition to reading the plays themselves, students will gain insight into the reception of dramatic performances in the ancient world. Individual authors and works will be presented within their historical contexts and we will attend to matters such as staging of drama, the evolution of theatrical performance, and interpretation of ancient drama as social and/or political commentary.
Greek and Roman Mythology CLST 200-910 crosslisted w/COML 200 & FOLK 200 Struck TR 4:30-6:30 INTERNET CLASS Dates: 5/27/08-7/3/08	Myths are traditional stories that have endured many years. Some of them have to do with events of great importance, such as the founding of a nation. Others tell the stories of great heroes and heroines and their exploits and courage in the face of adversity. Still others are simple tales about otherwise unremarkable people who get into trouble or do some great deed. What are we to make of all these tales, and why do people seem to like to hear them? This course will focus on the myths of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as a few contemporary American ones, as a way of exploring the nature of myth and the function it plays for individuals, societies, and nations. We will also pay some attention to the way the Greeks and Romans themselves understood their own myths. Are myths subtle codes that contain some universal truth? Are they a window on the deep recesses of a particular culture? Are they entertaining stories that people like to tell over and over? Are they a set of blinders that all of us wear, though we do not realize it? Investigate these questions through a variety of topics creation of the universe between gods and mortals, religion and family, sex,love, madness, and death.
Roman Art and Architecture CLST 221-910 crosslisted w/ARTH 221 Follo MW 5:30-8:40 Dates: 5/27/08-7/3/08
Greek and Roman Magic CLST 320-910 Struck TR 7:00-9:00 INTERNET CLASS Dates: 5/27/08-7/3/08	The Greeks are often extolled for making great advancements in rational thinking. Their contributions to philosophy, architecture, medicine, and other fields argue that they surely did advance rational thought. However, this view gives us an incomplete picture. Many Greeks, including well-educated, prominent Greeks, also found use for casting spells, fashioning voodoo dolls, toting magical amulets, ingesting magic potions, and protecting their cities from evil with apotropaic statues. In this course you will learn how to make people fall in love with you, bring harm to your enemies, lock up success in business, win fame and respect of your peers, and also some more general things about Greek and Roman society and religion -- you will also learn what "apotropaic" means.