Robert W. Sawyer (1972) Professor of Classics

B.A., Exeter University; M.A., University of Washington; Ph.D., University of Michigan

Requirements for Majors

The Classical Studies major requires a minimum of 9 courses or 33 hours. Required courses include Latin 103, Greek 101-103, Greek or Latin 281, Classics 245, Classics 260, History 208 or History 249, and one of the following: Art 221, Communications 332, Political Science 373, Philosophy 210. Majors are encouraged to take additional courses related to the ancient world.

Requirements for Minors

A minor in either Greek or Latin consists of five courses beyond 103.

Courses

129 Masterpieces of Classical Literature (4 hours)

        The study of significant works from Greek and Latin literature which have exerted a lasting influence on Western writers. The specific texts will vary each time the course is offered, but students will read representative works from the following genres: epic, lyric poetry, tragedy, comedy, history, philosophy, and satire.

244 and 245 Classical Drama  (3 hours for 244 and 3 hours for 245)

        This course focuses on tragedies and comedies of the Greek and Roman theatres. Representative plays on various Greek and Latin playwrights will be examined and discussed. One play will be presented as Reader's Theatre. Also listed as Theatre Arts 245.

247 Classics and the Movies (3 hours)

        The purpose of this course is to compare cinematic adaptations of the classical texts with the original versions.  After reading the translated works of selected Greek and Latin authors, students will view the film versions, paying close attention to where the directors have been faithful to the original, where there are divergences, and how successful the adaptations are.  Movies will include those dealing with myth, epic, tragedy, comedy, and historical themes.

260 Classical Mythology  (4 hours)

        This course concentrates on the myths inherited from the Greeks. Various theories of myth will be examined and representative myths will be analyzed in detail. Later works of art and literature which have drawn their inspiration from Greek originals will also be studied.

490 Senior Presentation (4 hours)

Greek

101 Beginning Greek I  (4 hours)

        An introduction to the basics of the language. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring Greek vocabulary and mastering elementary grammar.

102 Beginning Greek II  (4 hours)

        Continuation of Greek 101. More complex grammar. Reading of simple passages in the original language.

103 Intermediate Greek  (3 hours)

        Additional grammatical constructions and reading of passages from Greek authors.

281 Independent Study  (3 hours)

        Concentration on the work of one Greek author.

Latin

101 Beginning Latin I  (4 hours)

        An introduction to the basics of the language. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring Latin vocabulary and mastering elementary grammar so that simple Latin sentences can be read.

102 Beginning Latin II  (4 hours)

        Continuation of Latin 101. More complex grammar, including an introduction to the subjunctive.

103 Intermediate Latin  (3 hours)

        Continuation of Latin 102. Various uses of the subjunctive. Reading of connected passages from Latin authors.

281 Independent Study  (3 hours)

        Concentration on the work of one Latin author.

[Literature in translation] [Classical studies] [French] [German] [Japanese] [Chinese] [Spanish]

[Hiram college] [Homepage] [Faculty] [intro] [links]