Survey of myths and sagas of ancient Greece and Rome. No classical preparation necessary. Background course for majors in English, the arts, music, history, modern languages, classics.

This class examines one of the major issues faced by people throughout history, whether and under what circumstances an individual should act against the wishes of society. The great philosophical and historical works of the ancient world shed light not only on how the Greeks and Romans approached the idea of personal responsibility but also on the assumptions we today make about human nature and the relationships on which society depends. No prior knowledge of the ancient world required. All readings are in English.

This course analyzes the cultural development of Pompeii and adjacent sites buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. The aim is to understand the architectural layout and material culture of the cities, their development over time, as well as understand how social norms, politics and cultural influences shaped the appearance and the built environment in the seven hundred years that Pompeii existed prior to its destruction. Through the lens of the surviving art, architecture, and material culture students will learn about everyday life in ancient Pompeii and how different social classes interacted in the city.

The Romans used the house as a communication technology for defining and expressing their identities in society and in the natural world. In this course, we examine literary and visual sources for Roman houses, apartments, villas, and palaces, and we compare and contrast the role of the house in the ancient world and in American society. We pay special attention to how domestic space shapes and is shaped by environment, politics, and culture.