Ancient Studies (former program)

Discover the wonders of the ancient Mediterranean world

Dive deep into the diversity of the ancient Mediterranean world and study the political, social, and economic conditions of a different time and place. Gain a greater understanding of the peoples of the ancient Mediterranean and their approach to international relations, religious beliefs, literature, art, and technology. Read some of the great epics and works of philosophy, and learn the intimate details of the love poets’ relationships. Get caught up in the lives and stories of civilizations from the earliest of times up to the age of the emperor Justinian in the mid-sixth century CE. Learn through a multi-faceted program that will introduce you to many sources, approaches, and theories that will prepare you for study in numerous different fields.

N.B. For Classical Studies program requirements, see Classical Studies.

Important notices

• This program is not appropriate for students who plan on doing graduate studies in Classics. Please consult the Classical Studies pages.
• Majors in Ancient Studies and Classical Studies cannot be combined.
• It is recommended that first-year students take ANTR 1006/7 and ANCS 1006/7 as they are prerequisites for many upper-year courses.
• Students may count a maximum of 42 cr at the 1000 level towards their degree.

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary Schools
• Grade 12 U level English
• 5 other grade 12 U or M level courses
• For more information, contact CLAS@thorneloe.ca

Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Studies

TOTAL CREDITS: 120

(as published by Laurentian University in April 2015)

BA – Promotion Requirements

To be in good academic standing in a B.A. program, a student must:

1. have satisfied all conditions of admission;
2. have maintained a concentration/specialization/major GPA of 3.5;
3. have failed no more than six of the previous 30 credits;
4. have achieved a GPA of 3.5 in the previous year or in the previous 30 consecutive credits.

A student is subject to a one-year probationary period if he or she:

1. fails more than 6 credits in an academic year or a sequence of 30 credits;
2. does not maintain a minimum concentration/specialization/major or overall GPA of 3.5 in an academic year or a sequence of 30 credits.

A student is required to withdraw from the university if he or she:

1. does not satisfy all conditions of admission after one year or 30 consecutive credits;
2. fails more than 42 credits;
3. has not achieved good academic standing in two consecutive years or 60 consecutive credits.

Students required to withdraw may petition the Senate Committee on Academic Regulations and Awards for readmission after one calendar year, with a recommendation from the academic unit prior to consideration by the committee.

BA Graduation Requirements (pre-September 2017)

To graduate with a 3 year Bachelor of Arts degree, a student must:

1. meet all stated requirements for the degree;
2. complete 90 credits after no more than 132 credit attempts, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 (only courses taken at Laurentian University or its affiliated colleges are included in the calculation of averages);
3. not count more than 42 credits of first year courses.
4. minimum of 6 credits in Sciences

To graduate with a 4 year Bachelor of Arts degree, a student must:

1. meet all stated requirements for the degree;
2. complete 120 credits after no more than 162 credit attempts, with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (only courses taken at Laurentian University or its Affiliated Colleges are included in the calculation of averages);
3. not count more than 42 credits of first year courses.
4. minimum of 6 credits in Sciences

Notes:

• A specialization normally consists of 60 credits.
• Students may take a maximum of 78 credits in a single subject area for credit toward the degree.
• A major consists of 42 credits
• A concentration consists of 36 credits

BA Graduation Requirements (September 2017 and onwards)

To graduate with a 3 year Bachelor of Arts degree, a student must:

1. meet all stated requirements for the degree;
2. complete 90 credits after no more than 132 credit attempts, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 (only courses taken at Laurentian University or its affiliated colleges are included in the calculation of averages);
3. not count more than 42 credits of first year courses.
4. minimum of 6 credits in courses promoting linguistic awareness
5. minimum of 6 credits in courses with a minimum of 50% Indigenous content
6. minimum of 6 credits in scientific literacy

To graduate with a 4 year Bachelor of Arts degree, a student must:

1. meet all stated requirements for the degree;
2. complete 120 credits after no more than 162 credit attempts, with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (only courses taken at Laurentian University or its Affiliated Colleges are included in the calculation of averages);
3. not count more than 42 credits of first year courses.
4. minimum of 6 credits in courses promoting linguistic awareness
5. minimum of 6 credits in courses with a minimum of 50% Indigenous content
6. minimum of 6 credits in scientific literacy

Notes:

• A specialization normally consists of 60 credits.
• Students may take a maximum of 78 credits in a single subject area for credit toward the degree.
• A major consists of 42 credits
• A concentration consists of 36 credits

Linguistic Awareness Requirement for the BA (6 credits)

NOTES: 

• Transfer credits in languages not currently taught at Laurentian University or its federated partners (e.g. Hebrew) may be used to fulfill this requirement. Credits earned in various languages may be used towards the 24-credit Certificate in Basic Multilingual Competence.
• FL courses are available in many disciplines in Arts and Science. Students who obtain at least 15 credits in each official language can obtain the https://laurentian.ca/faculty/arts/certificates-ba-students Certificate of Bilingualism while completing their degree. Go to: for further information.

Indigenous Content Requirement for the BA (6 credits)

All students must take 6 credits of courses with at least 50% Indigenous content from the following list:

List of courses (EL & FL) with at least 50% Indigenous content (some courses have a prerequisite)

Note: All INDG courses will count towards this requirement

• ANTR 2166EL Living with Things: Theories of Material Culture
• ANTR 2036EL Ethnology of North American Native Peoples
• ANTR 2046EL Peoples of the World: Tribes, States and the Global Village
• ANTR 2146EL The (De) Colonial Struggle
• ANTR 2906EL Introduction to Linguistics
• ANTR 3087EL Ethnomedicine: Cross-Cultural Healing
• ANTR 3116EL Anthropology of the Arts
• ANTR 3216EL Visual Ethnography
• ANTR 4116EL Critical Perspectives in Medical Anthropology
• ANTR 4136EL Ethnopsychiatry and Cross-Cultural Mental Health
• ARCL 3095EL Archaeology Field School
• ARCL 3207EL New World Archaeology
• BIOL 3066EL Indigenous Peoples: Ecology, Science and Technology
• EDUC 1046EL Indigenous Ways of Learning
• ENGL 1511EL Academic Reading and Writing in English for Aboriginal Students I
• ENGL 1512EL Academic Reading and Writing in English for Aboriginal Students II
• ENGL 2677EL Indigenous Poetics in Canada
• ENGL 3456EL Indigenous Literatures in Canada I
• ENGL 3496EL Indigenous Women’s Resistance Writing & Material Art
• ENGL 3516EL Creative Writing
• ENGL 3517EL Studies in Creative Writing
• ENGL 3576EL The Craft of Life Writing
• ENGL 3577EL The Craft of Writing Poetry
• ENGL 3546EL Media Representations of Indigenous Peoples in North America
• ENGL 3566EL Indigenous Oral Storytelling
• ENGL 4686EL Rhetoric of Apology
• ENGL 4787EL Indian Residential School Fiction
• ETAM 1106FL Les Premières Nations de l’Amérique du Nord: Perspective euro-américaine
• ETAM 1107FL Les Premières Nations de l’Amérique du Nord: Perspective amérindienne
• FOLK 2276FL Légendes et traditions orales amérindiennes
• FOLK 2287FL Coutumes amérindiennes: le cycle de la vie
• FOLK 2337FL Objets de la vie quotidienne des Amérindiens
• FREN 2717FL Thèmes de la littérature canadienne-française
• GEOG 3497EL Geography of Northern Canada: Developmental Issues
• HIST 1406EL Canadian History: Pre-Confederation
• HIST 2466EL Indigenous Representations from Colonialism to Sovereignty
• HIST 2616EL The First Nations in Canada in Historical Perspective
• HIST 3216FL L’histoire des Premières Nations au Canada
• HIST 3276EL History of Northern Ontario
• HIST 3276FL Histoire du Nord de l’Ontario
• HIST 3486EL Indigenous Histories, Indigenous Food Ways: Understanding Contact and Conflict through Dietary Change
• HIST 3876EL The Social History of Canadian Art
• HIST 4436EL Ideas, Ethics and Method: Oral History in Thought and Practice
• JURI 3426FL Droit applicable aux peuples autochtones
• LITT 3146FL Littérature et culture des Autochtones et des Métis du Québec et du Canada français
• POLI/INDG 3105EL Canadian Law, Politics and Aboriginal People
• POLI 3437EL The Colonizer and the Colonized
• PSYC 4066EL Culture and Psychology
• PSYC 4066FL Culture et psychologie
• RLST 2285EL North American Native People: Tradition and Culture
• SOCI 2266EL Cultural Marginality and the Environment: Environmental Risk and Indigenous Populations
• SOCI 2276FL Enjeux autochtones contemporains
• SOCI 3326FL Sociologie de la mémoire
• SOCI 4306FL Sociologie du droit autochtone
• SOCI 4256EL Aboriginal Peoples and Society
• WOMN 2046EL Gender, Race and Racism
• WOMN 2906EL/HIST 3966EL/SOCI 3907EL Special Topic: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

Scientific Literacy Requirement for the BA (6 credits)

All students must take a total of 6 credits of Scientific Literacy from any of the five (5) lists below (or combination of lists):

NOTE : COSC 1701 and COSC 1702 CANNOT be used towards the Scientific Literacy Requirement 

1) INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENCE COURSES – NO PREREQUISITES 

These new interdisciplinary courses are team-taught by faculty in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They will be of particular interest to students in the B.Ed.

SCEN 1006EL Integrated Science I

SCEN 1007EL Integrated Science II

2) GRADE 12U EQUIVALENT SCIENCE COURSES 

These grade 12U-level courses prepare students to enter first-year courses in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics required for degree programs in those disciplines. Note that Biology

does not require a grade 12U course or equivalent as a prerequisite for entry into the first year course (BIOL 1506EL/FL).

CHMI 1031EL Elementary Chemistry (No prerequisite)

CHMI 1031FL Chimie élémentaire (No prerequisite)

CHMI 1041EL Chemical Concepts (No prerequisite)

CHMI 1041FL Concepts chimiques (No prerequisite)

MATH 1911EL Finite Mathematics (One grade 12 mathematics)

MATH 1911FL Mathématiques discrètes (One grade 12 mathematics)

MATH 1912EL Elementary Calculus (One grade 12 mathematics)

MATH 1912FL Calcul élémentaire (One grade 12 mathematics)

PHYS 1211EL Understanding Physics I (No prerequisite)

3) INTRODUCTORY SCIENCE COURSES THAT COUNT TOWARDS A MINOR, CONCENTRATION, MAJOR OR SPECIALISATION 

Students may count these credits towards a minor or major in a Science discipline within the B.A. degree.

ANTR 2016EL Human Biological Variation, Adaptations and Health

ANTR 3046EL Environmental Anthropology

ANTR 3047EL Public Health and Epidemiology

ANTR 3086EL Medical Anthropology: Medicine, Culture and Society

ANTR 3087EL Ethnomedicine: Cross-cultural Healing

ANTR 4006EL Food and Disease Prevention

ANTR 4007EL Origins of Sickness and Medicine

ANTR 4116EL Critical Perspectives in Medical Anthropology

ANTR 4136EL Ethnopsychiatry and Cross-Cultural Mental Health

ARCL 1006EL Introduction to Archaeology and Physical Anthropology (No prerequisite)

BIOL 1506EL Biology I

BIOL 1506FL Biologie I

BIOL 1507EL Biology II

BIOL 1507FL Biologie II

BIOL 2026EL Introduction to Microbiology (BIOL 1506/1507 or 12U Biology)

BIOL 2026FL Introduction à la microbiologie (BIOL 1506/1507 or 12U Biology)

BIOL 2105EL Human Anatomy and Physiology (No prerequisite)

BIOL 2105FL Anatomie et physiologie humaine (No prerequisite)

BIOL 2356EL Principles of Ecology (No prerequisite)

BIOL 2356FL Principes d’écologie (No prerequisite)

BIOL 2757EL Biological Aspects of Human Sexuality (BIOL 1506/1507 or 1700, or permission)

BIOL 2757FL Les aspects biologiques de la sexualité humaine (BIOL 1506/1507 or 1700, or permission)

BIOL 3066EL Indigenous Peoples: Ecology, Science and Technology (No prerequisite)

BIOL 3927EL Forest Entomology (BIOL 1000, 2356, 3706 or permission)

BIOL 4717EL Animal Behaviour

BIOL 4717FL Comportement animal

CHMI 1006EL General Chemistry I

CHMI 1006FL Chimie générale I

CHMI 1007EL General Chemistry II

CHMI 1007FL Chimie générale II

COSC 1046EL Computer Science I

COSC 1046FL Informatique I

COSC 1047EL Computer Science II

ENSC 1406EL Earth’s Environmental Systems

ENSC 2216EL Our Environment: The Science Behind the Stories (24 cr. completed)

ENSC 4146EL Urban Waters (ENSC 1406 or permission)

GEOL 1006EL Introduction to Geology I (No prerequisite)

GEOL 1007EL Introduction to Geology II

MATH 1036EL Calculus I

MATH 1036FL Calcul I

MATH 1037EL Calculus II

MATH 1037FL Calcul II

MATH 1056EL Discrete Mathematics I

MATH 1056FL Mathématiques discrètes I

MATH 1057EL Linear Algebra I

MATH 1057FL Algèbre linéaire I

PHYS 1006EL Introductory Physics I

PHYS 1006FL Introduction à la physique I

PHYS 1007EL Introductory Physics II

PHYS 1007FL Introduction à la physique II

PHYS 1206EL Physics for the Life Science I

PHYS 1206FL Physique pour les sciences de la vie I

PHYS 1207EL Physics for the Life Science II

PHYS 1207FL Physique pour les sciences de la vie II

PSYC 2606EL Brain and Behaviour

PSYC 2606FL Le cerveau et le comportement

PSYC 2617EL Human Neuropsychology

PSYC 2617FL Neuropsychologie humaine

PSYC 2656EL Physiological Psychology

PSYC 2905EL Receptor Processes and Perception

PSYC 2905FL Sensation et perception

PSYC 2917EL Sensation and Perception

PSYC 3106EL Evolutionary Psychology

PSYC 3306EL Learning

PSYC 3306FL Apprentissage

PSYC 3307EL Laboratory in Learning and Memory

PSYC 3307FL Laboratoire en apprentissage

PSYC 3506EL Neuropharmacology

PSYC 3507EL Behavioural Neurobiology

PSYC 3706EL Topics in Cognitive Psychology

PSYC 3706FL Psychologie cognitive I – Processus fondamentaux

PSYC 3707EL Laboratory in Cognitive Psychology

PSYC 3707FL Psychologie cognitive II – Processus supérieurs

PSYC 3757EL Sleep and Dreaming

PSYC 4506EL Advanced Experimental Psychology I

PSYC 4507EL Advanced Experimental Psychology II

4) COURSES WITHOUT PREREQUISITES 

BIOL 1000EL Canadian Environmental Biology

BIOL 1700EL Structure and Function of the Human Body

BIOL 1700FL Structure et fonction du corps humain

BIOL 2110EL Medical Microbiology

BIOL 2701EL Human Physiology

FORS 1016EL Fundamentals of Forensic Science I

GEOL 1021EL Understanding the Earth I

GEOL 1021FL Comprenons la Terre – La planète et ses processus internes

PHYS 1905EL General Astronomy

PHYS 1905FL Astronomie générale

5) COURSES WITH PREREQUISITES 

BIOL 2011EL Fundamentals of Genetics (grade 12U level chemistry, CHMI 1030 or 1041, or BIOL 1506)

CHMI 1032EL Essential Concepts of Organic Chemistry (CHMI 1031, 1041 or equivalent)

CHMI 1032FL Concepts essentiels de la chimie organique (CHMI 1031, 1041 or equivalent)

CHMI 1202EL Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (CHMI 1041 or grade 12U level Chemistry)

CHMI 2031EL Natural Products (CHMI 1032 or equivalent)

CHMI 2041EL Introductory Environmental Chemistry (CHMI 1202, 1032 or 1007)

FORS 1017EL Fundamentals of Forensic Science II (FORS 1016)

GEOL 1022EL Understanding the Earth II (GEOL 1021)

GEOL 1022FL Comprenons la Terre – La croûte terrestre: les roches et les minéraux (GEOL 1021)

PHYS 1212EL Understanding Physics II (PHYS 1006, 1206 or 1211 or grade 12U level Physics)

NOTES: 

• All courses in Archaeology (ARCL), Biology (BIOL), Chemistry (CHMI), Computer Science (COSC) with the exception of COSC 1701/1702EL/FL, Environmental Science (ENSC), Earth Sciences (GEOL), Mathematics (MATH), Physics (PHYS), and Integrated Science (SCEN) may be used to fulfill this requirement.
• A. students are not eligible to take courses in Forensic Science (FORS) with the exception of FORS 1016/1017EL. However, students transferring from Forensic Science into the B.A. may use their FORS credits towards this requirement.

Change of concentration/specialization/major within Arts or Science

A student who wishes to change concentrations/specializations/majors requires the permission of the department chair of the new concentration/specialization/major. The student’s current academic status must be “may proceed in program” or “may proceed in program on probation.”

Ancient Studies Courses

(ANCS, GREC, and LATN)

Last update: 14 June 2015

Notes:

1. CLAS credits earned until the summer of 2015 count as ANCS credits (from the fall of 2015). CLAS courses, therefore count as ANCS prerequisites.
2. Many ANCS courses are offered only in alternate years, or once every third or fourth year. Please consult WebAdvisor, the Calendar, or the Ancient Studies webpages to know what courses are offered this year.
3. You cannot enroll in ANCS 4887 or 4995 through WebAdvisor. You must approach a professor who will agree to supervise you. The chair will then contact the Registrar’s Office.
4. To enroll in Greek and Latin language courses through WebAdvisor, you must select “Greek” and “Latin” (rather than “Ancient Studies”) in the “Subjects” menu.
5. You are allowed to take GREC 2115 and LATN 2115 (introductory Greek and Latin) in your first year even if they belong to the 2000 series.
6. The reading and advanced reading courses in Greek and Latin are offered on demand. Please consult the chair (clas@thorneloe.ca).

ANCS 1006 Greek Civilization

A preparation for future courses both in Ancient Studies and other subjects. An introduction to Greek culture and civilization and a general study of Greek literature, religion, philosophy, art and architecture, social and political thought, and Greek influences on the course of Western society.
PREREQ: none (lec 3, cr 3).
NB: Also offered as a distance course.

ANCS 1007 Roman Civilization

A preparation for future courses both in Ancient Studies and other subjects. An introduction to Roman culture and civilization and a general study of Roman literature, religion, philosophy, art and architecture, social and political thought, and Roman influences on the course of Western society.
PREREQ: none (lec 3, cr 3).
NB: Also offered as a distance course.

ANCS 2016 Classical Mythology

This is an introduction to Greek and Roman myths and legends in their historical and literary context. Modern theories of mythology will be assessed. The course involves readings in English from ancient writers, but also archaeological evidence and modern representations of mythological themes.
PREREQ: none (lec 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 2016 and 2005. Also offered as a distance course.

ANCS 2036 The Ancient World in Film

This course examines selected films with themes and stories derived from ancient myth and history. Films that interpret Greek drama, mythological tales, the politics and history of the Roman Empire and Early Christianity will be considered, as well as others that adapt literary themes to a modern setting.
PREREQ: none (lec 3, cr 3).

ANCS 2046 Sport in the Ancient World

An introduction to ancient Greek and Roman thought and culture through the examination of ancient sport. Students examine such issues as the place of sport and spectacle in ancient society, ancient conceptions of the athletic ideal, and the professionalism of ancient sport.
PREREQ: none (lec 3, cr 3).

ANCS 2095 Women in the Ancient World

A focus on the development of attitudes towards women and their place in the ancient Near East and the Classical world. A wide variety of literary and archaeological evidence is used to investigate such topics as marriage, divorce, adultery, lesbianism, witchcraft, female infanticide, and the classical roots of attitudes towards women in Western society.
PREREQ: none (cr 6).
NB: Available only through distance education.

ANCS 2116 The Ancient Novel

An introduction to the Greek and Roman novel in English translation. Through a chronological survey of major texts, from Xenophon to Heliodorus, the course deals with the definition of the genre and investigates the sociopolitical conditions that contributed to the novel’s rise.
PREREQ: 3 cr from 1000- or 2000-series ANCS courses, or ENGL 2106 (lec 3, cr 3).

ANCS 2136 Greek & Latin Roots of English

This course provides students with a basic understanding of the structure and vocabulary of Greek and Latin as they have influenced the development of English. It focuses on the Greek and Latin roots of technical vocabulary in fields such as psychology, social sciences, art, literature, law, biology, medicine, religion, and philosophy. Some attention is also paid to the influence of Greek and Roman society on Western culture. No previous language training is required.
PREREQ: none (lec 3, cr 3).
NB: Available also as an on-line course.

ANCS 2156 Magic in the Ancient World

This course explores the role of magic and other occult practices in Greek and Roman religion and culture. The origins, literary depictions, philosophical critiques and social background of magical thought and practice are examined. Some consideration is also given to the conflict of magical tradition and cult with early Christianity and ancient philosophy and science.
PREREQ: 18 university credits. (lec 3, cr 3).

ANCS 2216 Approaches to the Ancient World

This course surveys the basic tools for research in Ancient Studies and approaches to the discipline. It is intended for students in the humanities and Ancient Studies majors in particular. Topics covered include archaeology, the study of coins and inscriptions, art, literature and translation, online research, and contemporary approaches to the study of the ancient world.
PREREQ: none (lec/sem 3, cr 3).
NB: This course is required for Ancient Studies and Classical Studies majors.

ANCS 2236 Sex and the Body in the Ancient World

This course explores sex, sexuality, and the body in ancient Greece and Rome, using primary sources such as literature, art, and archaeological remains to examine how gender, sexuality and the body were constructed, displayed and regulated in the ancient world. The course covers topics such as the ideal body, medical theories of gender, youth and aging, prostitution, pederasty, adultery, body odour and perfume, clothing, funeral rites, and depictions of sex in art.
PREREQ: none (lec 3, cr 3).

ANCS 2327 Jesus in Film

This course explores the portrayal of Jesus in modern film. By viewing representative films and film-clips in conjunction with selected readings, the course analyzes and assesses the cinematic depiction of Jesus in light of modern Biblical scholarship and the historical record found in the New Testament Gospels and other literature. The course will also foster a critical awareness of how Jesus films influence viewers’ perceptions about Jesus and the early Jesus movement.
PREREQ: none (lec 3, cr 3)
NB: Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 2327 and RLST 2327.

ANCS 2406 Race and Ethnicity in the Ancient World

This course examines race and ethnicity in the ancient Mediterranean through the art, literature, and archaeology of ancient Greece and Rome. It investigates how group identity and belonging were constructed, questioned, and employed by cultural and political forces in the ancient world, and how these concepts developed over time. The course considers how ideas about the ancient world have influenced modern definitions of race and ethnicity, and how these concepts function in the world today..
PREREQ: 18 university credits. (lec 3, cr 3)

ANCS 2526 Greek Art and Archaeology

This course is a study of the art and archaeology of ancient Greece from the Minoan-Mycenaean period of the Bronze Age (2nd millennium BCE) to the Hellenistic Period. Archaeological sites such as Knossos, Mycenae, Tiryns, Samos, Olympia, Ephesus, and Athens are explored with an eye to examining their architecture, relief, sculpture, and pottery in a historical context. Problems and controversies in Greek art and archaeology are also covered.
PREREQ: none (lec 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 2516 and 2526.

ANCS 2527 Roman Art and Archaeology

This course is a study of the art and archaeology of ancient Rome from Villanovan and Etruscan forerunners to the Age of Constantine. The development of architecture, town planning, sculpture, and wall-painting is traced within the framework of Roman social and political history. Special attention is given to the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Ostia as case studies in Roman material culture.
PREREQ: none (lec 3, cr 3).

ANCS 3006 The Hellenistic World from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra

A survey of the political, social and cultural history of the Greek world from Alexander the Great to the death of Cleopatra VII. The emergence and development of the Hellenistic kingdoms, the role of the monarch, and the survival of democracy in the Greek city-state are examined in detail. Other topics include the interaction between the Greek and native populations, the increasing influence of women in their communities as well as the influence of Hellenistic culture on religion, literature and visual arts.
PREREQ: ANCS 1006 and 1007 (lec 3, cr 3).

ANCS 3016 Xenophon and Greek Historiography

This course is a study of the historical and biographical works of Xenophon with an emphasis on the literary, social and historical content. This course analyzes the development of the historical genre in the fourth century through an in-depth study of the historical works of Xenophon: the Hellenica and the Anabasis and his biographies of the Spartan king Agesilaos and Hiero, tyrant of Syracuse.
PREREQ: ANCS 1006 (lec 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 3016 and ANCS 4016.

ANCS 3026 Theories of Myth

This course examines theoretical approaches to classical mythology and the tools for interpreting and explaining the development and function of myth. The mythology of other cultures is also compared and contrasted with Greco-Roman mythology and religion.
(lec 3, cr 3)

ANCS 3056 Historical Figures and the Greek Biographical Tradition

This course examines the development of ancient Greek biography with respect to figures such as Pericles, Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar. It analyzes the originality of this literary genre from the Athenian encomia of the fifth century B.C.E. down to the Parallel Lives of Plutarch. The relevant texts are read in translation.
PREREQ: 6 cr ANCS or instructor’s permission (lec 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 3056 and ANCS 4056.

ANCS 3057 War, Imperialism, and the Roman State

This course will study Rome as the most powerful and enduring empire to have ruled over the Mediterranean. The nature of the Roman leadership, the structure of the army, and theories of imperialism (ancient and modern) will be investigated.
PREREQ: 6 cr ANCS or instructor’s permission (lec 3, cr 3)

ANCS 3116 Ancient Greek Epic

This course examines Ancient Greek epic tales from Homer to Apollonius Rhodius in English translation. The material studied will include pre-Greek stories like the Enuma Elish and the Epic of Gilgamesh as well as the stories of the Trojan war, the wanderings of Odysseus, and Jason and the golden fleece.
PREREQ: ANCS 1006 or permission of the department (lec 3, cr 3).

ANCS 3127 The Pauline Letters in the New Testament

This course examines the chronology and authenticity of the letters attributed to Paul, the development of Paul’s theology and its later imitators, and the significance of Paul for modern theology.
PREREQ: none (lec 3, cr 3)
NB: Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 3127 and RLST 3127.

ANCS 3226 Greek and Roman Tragedy

This course is a study of Greek and Roman tragedy in English translation, including such authors as Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Seneca. Ancient tragedy is examined in its societal, literary, political, and historical contexts.
PREREQ: any 6 ANCS cr (though some background in mythology is an asset) or THEA 1115 or permission of the department (lec 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 3125 & 3226.

ANCS 3317 Roman Poetry

This course analyzes the major Latin poets of the Golden Age of Rome. Themes such as love, politics, philosophy, religion, and literary criticism are explored. Selections from authors such as Catullus, Horace, Virgil, and Ovid will be read in translation and placed within the appropriate literary and historical context.
PREREQ: 6 cr ANCS or instructor’s permission (lec/sem 3, cr 3)
NB: Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 3317 and ANCS 4317.

ANCS 3416 Greek History: Athens and Sparta

This course is a study of Greek history in the Archaic and Classical periods with a particular focus on Athens and Sparta. Topics include the rise of the city-state system, the formation of an alliance of Peloponnesian states under the leadership of Sparta, and the rise of Athens and Athenian imperialism.
PREREQ: 9 cr ANCS courses or instructor’s permission (lec/sem 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 3416 and ANCS 4416.

ANCS 3427 Roman History: the Late Republic and Early Empire

This course is a study of Roman history from the land reforms of the Gracchi brothers (130s and 120s BCE) to the death of Nero (68 CE). Particular attention is paid to understanding the causes of the fall of the republican form of government and rise of a monarchical regime under Julius Caesar and Augustus. Other themes include the role of the army and religion in politics, and the Senate and other republican institutions as agents of stability or change.
PREREQ: 9 cr ANCS courses or instructor’s permission  (lec/sem 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credits for both ANCS 3427 and ANCS 4427.

ANCS 3506 Selected Topics in Classical Studies

A focus on a particular theme, topic, or author in Classical Studies that will vary according to the specialization of the instructor and the interest of students.
PREREQ: instructor’s permission (lec 3, cr 3)

ANCS 3527 Roman Epic

This course examines Roman epic poetry in English translation. The material studied includes Virgil’s Aeneid, Lucan’s Civil War and Statius’ Thebaid, as well as the cultural, historical, and literary context of these works.
PREREQ: At least 3cr of ANCS 2000 or 3000 level courses, or instructor’s permission (lec/sem 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credits for both ANCS 3527 and ANCS 4527.

ANCS 3556 Topics in the Influence of the Classical World

This course examines the influence of classical Greece and Rome on Western civilization, from the middle ages to the modern world. Areas to be examined may include culture, politics, literature, art, architecture, religion, philosophy, law, the military, and language.
PREREQ: any 6 ANCS cr or permission of the instructor (lec 3, cr 3)

ANCS 4016 Xenophon and Greek Historiography

This course is a study of the historical and biographical works of Xenophon with an emphasis on the literary, social and historical content. This course analyzes the development of the historical genre in the fourth century through an in-depth study of the historical works of Xenophon: the Hellenica and the Anabasis and his biographies of the Spartan king Agesilaos and Hiero, tyrant of Syracuse.
PREREQ: ANCS 1006 (lec 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 3016 and ANCS 4016.

ANCS 4056 Historical Figures and the Greek Biographical Tradition

This course examines the development of ancient Greek biography with respect to figures such as Pericles, Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar. It analyzes the originality of this literary genre from the Athenian encomia of the fifth century B.C.E. down to the Parallel Lives of Plutarch. The relevant texts are read in translation.
PREREQ: 12 cr ANCS or instructor’s permission (lec 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 4056 and ANCS 3056

ANCS 4057 War, Imperialism, and the Roman State

This course will study Rome as the most powerful and enduring empire to have ruled over the Mediterranean. The nature of the Roman leadership, the structure of the army, and theories of imperialism (ancient and modern) will be investigated.
PREREQ: 12 cr ANCS or instructor’s permission (lec 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 4057 and ANCS 3057

ANCS 4116 Greek Epic

This course examines Ancient Greek epic tales from Homer to Apollonius Rhodius in English translation. The material studied includes pre-Greek stories such as the Enuma Elish and the Epic of Gilgamesh as well as the stories of the Trojan war, the wanderings of Odysseus, and Jason and the golden fleece.
PREREQ: 12 Ancient Studies credits or instructor’s permission (lec 3, cr 3) Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 4116 and ANCS 3116.

ANCS 4226 Ancient Greek Lyric Poetry

This course is a study of the lyric poets of ancient Greece and the themes treated in their works (war, love, moral, politics), as well as the evolution of the main literary genres (elegy, odes, hymns, epigrams), from the Archaic to the Hellenistic period. Each author will be studied in translation and placed in his/her historical, social and political context.
PREREQ: related 3000-level course or instructor’s permission (lec 3, cr 3)

ANCS 4307 Topics in Roman Religion

This course explores selected themes in Roman religion such as religious diversity, local cults, syncretism and acculturation, Greek cults to Roman benefactors, cults to the living or dead emperor, oriental cults, the development of monotheism and the rise of Christianity.
PREREQ: 12 cr ANCS or instructor’s permission (lec/sem 3, cr 3).

ANCS 4317 Roman Poetry

This course analyzes the major Latin poets of the Golden Age of Rome. Themes such as love, politics, philosophy, religion, and literary criticism are explored. Selections from authors such as Catullus, Horace, Virgil, and Ovid will be read in translation and placed within the appropriate literary and historical context.
PREREQ: 12 cr ANCS or instructor’s permission (lec/sem 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 4317 and ANCS 3317.

ANCS 4337 The Administration of the Roman Empire

This course is a study of Roman administration at the imperial, provincial and municipal levels. The objective is to understand why Roman hegemony over the entire Mediterranean (and beyond) was virtually unchallenged for centuries. Because of the lack of good literary evidence, students will become familiar with a wide variety of documents (in translation): inscriptions, coins, papyri, literary passages, etc.
PREREQ: related 3000-level course or instructor’s permission (lec/sem 3, cr 3)

ANCS 4416 Greek History: Athens and Sparta

This course is a study of Greek history in the Archaic and Classical periods with a particular focus on Athens and Sparta. Topics include the rise of the city-state system, the formation of an alliance of Peloponnesian states under the leadership of Sparta, and the rise of Athens and Athenian imperialism.
PREREQ: 9 cr ANCS courses or instructor’s permission (lec/sem 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credit for both ANCS 3416 and ANCS 4416.

ANCS 4427 Roman History: the Late Republic and Early Empire

This course is a study of Roman history from the land reforms of the Gracchi brothers (130s and 120s BCE) to the death of Nero (68 CE). Particular attention is paid to understanding the causes of the fall of the republican form of government and rise of a monarchical regime under Julius Caesar and Augustus. Other themes include the role of the army and religion in politics, and the Senate and other republican institutions as agents of stability or change.
PREREQ: 9 cr ANCS courses or instructor’s permission  (lec/sem 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credits for both ANCS 3427 and ANCS 4427.

ANCS 4527 Roman Epic

This course examines Roman epic poetry in English translation. The material studied includes Virgil’s Aeneid, Lucan’s Civil War and Statius’ Thebaid, as well as the cultural, historical, and literary context of these works.
PREREQ: At least 3cr of ANCS 2000 or 3000 level courses, or instructor’s permission (lec/sem 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credits for both ANCS 3527 and ANCS 4527.

ANCS 4887 Independent Studies

This course provides an opportunity for qualified students to undertake directed readings and participate in tutorials in the broad field of Classical Studies.
PREREQ: instructor’s permission (tut 3, cr 3).
See above, note 2.

ANCS 4995 Research Project in Classics

The research project involves a research essay (or “thesis”) of up to 50 pages, normally in close supervision with a faculty member. There will be a strong emphasis on the use of primary sources (in Greek, Latin, and/or translation).
PREREQ: a minimum average of 70% in ANCS courses, including at least 6 cr of 3000-series ANCS courses; a minimum of 70% in GREC 2115 or LATN 2115 or both (according to research field); and/or instructor’s permission (tut 3, cr 6).
See above, note 2.

Greek Courses

GREC 2116 Introduction to Classical Greek I

This course is an introduction to the study of the grammar and vocabulary of Classical Greek for the purpose of reading ancient authors.
PREREQ: none (lec 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credit for both GREC 2116 and 2115. See above, notes 3–4.

GREC 2117 Introduction to Classical Greek II

This course continues the introductory study of the grammar and vocabulary of Classical Greek for the purpose of reading ancient authors.
PREREQ: GREC 2116 (lec 3, cr 3).
NB: Students may not retain credit for both GREC 2117 and 2115. See above, notes 3–4.

GREC 3226 Intermediate Classical Greek I

This course continues the study of the grammar and vocabulary of Greek for the purpose of reading ancient authors.
PREREQ: GREC 2115 or equivalent (lec 3, cr 3)

GREC 3227 Intermediate Classical Greek II

This course continues the study of the grammar and vocabulary of Greek for the purpose of reading ancient authors. Passages in Greek are translated into English.
PREREQ: GREC 3226 or equivalent (lec 3, cr 3)

GREC 4336 Readings in Classical Greek I

This course proposes the reading and translation of long excerpts from one or two ancient Greek works. Passages will be analyzed from the grammatical, literary, and historical points of view. The authors and genre (historical prose, epic poetry, etc.) will vary from year to year.
PREREQ: GREC 3227 or equivalent (lec 3, cr 3)

GREC 4337 Readings in Classical Greek II

This course proposes the reading and translation of long excerpts from one or two ancient Greek works. Passages will be analyzed from the grammatical, literary, and historical points of view. The authors and genre (historical prose, epic poetry, etc.) will vary from year to year.
PREREQ: GREC 4336 or equivalent (lec 3, cr 3)

GREC 4446 Advanced Readings in Classical Greek I

This course proposes the advanced reading and translation of long excerpts from one or two ancient Greek works. Students will also analyse passages from the grammatical, literary, and historical points of view. The authors and genre (historical prose, epic poetry, etc.) will vary from year to year.
PREREQ: GREC 4337 or equivalent (lec 4, cr 3)

GREC 4447 Advanced Readings in Classical Greek II

This course proposes the advanced reading and translation of long excerpts from one or two ancient Greek works. Students will also analyse passages from the grammatical, literary, and historical points of view. The authors and genre (historical prose, epic poetry, etc.) will vary from year to year.
PREREQ: GREC 4446 or equivalent (lec 4, cr 3)

Latin Courses

LATN 2115 Introductory Latin

This course is an introduction to the study of the grammar and vocabulary of Latin for the purpose of reading ancient authors.
See above, notes 3–4.

LATN 3226 Intermediate Latin I

This course continues the study of the grammar and vocabulary of Latin for the purpose of reading ancient authors.
PREREQ: LATN 2115 or equivalent (lec 3, cr 3)

LATN 3227 Intermediate Latin II

This course continues the study of the grammar and vocabulary of Latin for the purpose of reading ancient authors. Passages in Latin are translated into English.
PREREQ: LATN 3226 or equivalent (lec 3, cr 3)

LATN 4336 Readings in Latin I

This course proposes the reading and translation of long excerpts from one or two ancient Latin works.  Passages will be analyzed from the grammatical, literary, and historical points of view. The authors and genre (historical prose, epic poetry, etc.) will vary from year to year.
PREREQ: LATN 3227 or equivalent (lec 3, cr 3)

LATN 4337 Readings in Latin II

This course proposes the reading and translation of long excerpts from one or two ancient Latin works.  Passages will be analyzed from the grammatical, literary, and historical points of view. The authors and genre (historical prose, epic poetry, etc.) will vary from year to year.
PREREQ: LATN 4336 or equivalent (lec 3, cr 3)

LATN 4446 Advanced Readings in Latin I

This course proposes the advanced reading and translation of long excerpts from one or two ancient Latin works.  Students will also analyse passages from the grammatical, literary, and historical points of view. The authors and genre (historical prose, epic poetry, etc.) will vary from year to year.
PREREQ: LATN 4337 or equivalent (lec 4, cr 3)

LATN 4447 Advanced Readings in Latin II

This course proposes the advanced reading and translation of long excerpts from one or two ancient Latin works.  Students will also analyse passages from the grammatical, literary, and historical points of view. The authors and genre (historical prose, epic poetry, etc.) will vary from year to year.
PREREQ: LATN 4446 or equivalent (lec 4, cr 3)

Ancient Studies Electives from Other Departments

N.B. These courses can not be counted as ANCS courses towards the Specialization, Major, Concentration, Certificate, or Qualifying Year in Classical Studies.

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) have prerequisites.

ANTR-2095 E* World Prehistory & Archaeology
ANTR-3037 E* Palæoanthropology: Human Origins
ANTR-3206 E* Old World Archæological Culture History
ANTR-3207 E* New World Archæological Culture History
ANTR-4206 E* Archæological Themes and Problems
HIST-2026 E Historical Methods
HIST-2056 E/F History of Ancient Civilizations/Histoire de l’Antiquité jusqu’aux Grecs
HIST-2106 E Early Medieval Europe
HIST-4516 E* Early Medieval Chronicles
PHIL-2305 E/F Origins of Western Philosophy/Philosophie grecque
PHIL-3306 E Topics in Ancient Philosophy
RLST-1150 E Elementary Biblical Hebrew
RLST-2105 E Event and Meaning in the Bible: Foundations of the Judaeo-Christian Tradition
RLST-2106 E Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
RLST-2107 E Introduction to the New Testament
RLST-2186 E The Person of Jesus in Historical Context
RLST-2136 E Christian Thought and Culture I
RLST-2187 E The Person of Jesus in the Christian Testament
RLST-2196 E The Fourth Gospel
RLST-3106 E The Christian Church: Origins and Foundations
RLST-3126 E The Prophets of Israel
RLST-3127 E The Pauline Letters in the New Testament
RLST-3136 E Wisdom Literature
RLST-3137 E Apocalyptic and the Book of Revelation
RLST-3156 E Exploring the Dead Sea Scrolls
RLST-3157 E Secret Gospels: the Hidden Life and Teaching of Jesus
RLST-3166 E Mark’s Gospel
RLST-3276 E Hinduism: Origins and Development
RLST-4116 E Biblical Studies I: Interpretive Methods
RLST-4117 E Biblical Studies II: Reading the Text
SREL-2105 F L’experience religieuse d’Israël
SREL-2126 F Le pays et le peuple de la Bible
SREL-2186 F La personne de Jésus (I)
SREL-2187 F La personne de Jésus (II)
SREL-3106 F L’Église I: Origines et fondements
SREL-3156 F À la découverte des manuscrits de la mer Morte
SREL-3157 F Les apocryphes chrétiens
SREL-4106 F Herméneutique
SREL-4107 F Études bibliques
THEA-2246 E* Theatre History I

Professor Emeritus

The following projects were created by students in 2013 for CLAS 3026 – Theories of Myth (now ANCS 3026), under the supervision of Dr. Aven McMaster. All projects are being shared here with the permission of the authors. No further copying or use is allowed without the express written permission of the authors.
For more information, contact clas@thorneloe.ca.

The Assignment:

Choose one modern (i.e. 20th/21st cent.) work of literature, pop culture, entertainment, or art. Analyze this work as a myth, using as many of the theoretical approaches introduced in this class as are appropriate and useful (minimum 3). Consider in particular what types of insights are available from this work, both to its intended audience and to others now or in the future.

The 13th Warrior (Board Game)
Instructions and Analysis (PDF)
Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog
Video
Transcript (PDF)

Princess Mononoke
Slideshow (PDF)

Modern Interpretations of the Lotus-Eaters
Slideshow (PDF)