CLASSICAL AND NEAR EASTERN LANGUAGES AND CIVILIZATIONS
Professor E.A. Fisher
Associate Professors E.H. Cline (Chair), Y. Peleg, M. Esseesy
Assistant Professors M.D. Ticktin, E.A. Friedland, A.M. Smith II, P. Minuchehr
Teaching Instructors S. Marcus, N. Taher, J.J. Tobkin, M.M. Kassab, R. Casteel, O. Al-Shalchi, E. Oraby
Bachelor of Arts with a major in classical studies-The following requirements must be fulfilled:
1. The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.
2. Classical language proficiency: Students must demonstrate proficiency either in one classical language (Greek or Latin) through the 2002 level or in one classical language through the 2001 level and in the other through the 1002 level. Placement into Greek or Latin above the 1001 level is based on the placement exam offered by the Language Center. Students who have scored a 4 or 5 on the AP Exam for Latin or who place into 3001 or higher in Greek or Latin must still take at least one classical language course at GW or at an approved program.
3. The major consists of 11 courses. Required: Clas 2112, 2113, and either AH 2101 or 2102 or a related course approved by the departmental advisor; eight courses, of which four are chosen from group (a) and four chosen from group (b) as follows. In all cases, cross-listed courses may be substituted (e.g., Clas/Hist 2803). Courses cannot be double-counted across categories.
(a) Clas 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107, 2803, 2804, 3111, 3114, 3115, 3901, 4901; Grek 3101, 3102; Latn 3101, 3102.
(b) Anth 2601, 3805, 3806, 3834; AH 2101, 2102, 2111; Phil 2111; PSc 2105; Rel 3341.
Special Honors-In addition to the general requirements stated under University Regulations, in order to be considered for graduation with Special Honors, a student must (1) have attained a 3.7 grade-point average in the major and at least a 3.25 average overall by the end of the junior year, and (2) no later than the beginning of the senior year consult a departmental faculty member about a research project to be prepared under the supervision of that faculty member through Clas 3901- 4901. Only if a committee of two faculty members approves the completed project will Special Honors be recommended; the research project must be graded A or A-.
Minor in classical studies-Prerequisite: Latn or Grek 1001- 2. The minor consists of 16 credit hours selected from Latn or Grek 2001- 2, 3001, 3002; Clas 2105 through 4901; Anth 3834, 3805, 3806; AH 2101, 2102. In all cases, cross-listed courses may be substituted (e.g., Clas/Hist 2112).
Minor in Arabic and Hebrew languages and cultures-The student chooses the minor with either an Arabic focus or a Hebrew focus. The minor consists of 15 credits in addition to prerequisite language study or demonstrated competence through the fourth semester (Arab 2002 or Hebr 2002) in the primary focus and through the second semester (Arab 1002 or Hebr 1002) in the other focus. Depending upon the focus chosen, the student completes either Arab 3001, 3301, and 3302 or Hebr 3001, 3301, and 3302, plus two courses chosen from Clas 3101, 3102, 3201, 3202, with at least one course in the student's chosen focus.
Note: For information on the new major in Arabic and Hebrew languages and cultures, see www.gwu.edu/~csll.
Courses
CLASSICAL STUDIES (in English)
| 2104 |
Ancient Medicine and Modern Medical Terms (3) |
Staff |
| |
The formation of medical terms derived from Greek and Latin, along with principles that govern the derivation of their meaning. The course includes a survey of ancient medical centers and practices. |
| 2105 |
Special Topics (3) |
Staff |
| |
Topics in Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, Roman, and Yiddish literature and culture; topics announced in the Schedule of Classes . May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. |
| 2106 |
Mythology of the Classical World (3) |
Staff |
| |
The creation of the world, the nature of the gods, and the adventures of heroes as described in various Greek and Roman literary sources (e.g., epic, drama, hymns) and as shown in ancient art. |
| 2107 |
Greek and Roman Drama (3) |
Staff |
| |
Study of Greek and Roman tragedy and comedy; the nature and setting of dramatic performance in classical antiquity. |
| 2112 |
Early Aegean and Greek Civilizations to 338 B.C. (3) |
Staff |
| |
Same as Hist 2112. |
| 2113 |
The Roman World to 337 A.D. (3) |
Staff |
| |
Same as Hist 2113. |
| 2803 |
The Ancient Near East and Egypt to 322 B.C. (3) |
Cline |
| |
Same as Hist 2803. |
| 2804 |
History of Ancient Israel (3) |
Cline |
| |
Same as Hist 2804. |
| 3101 |
Modern Hebrew Literary Classics (3) |
Staff |
| |
Prose and poetry of a century of writing from the beginning of the Hebrew literary renaissance to contemporary Israeli literature, including works of Bialik, Agnon, Hazaz, Amichai, Oz, and Yehoshua. Discussions stress historical development and authors' treatments of tradition and modernity. |
| 3102 |
Israeli Society and Culture: Literary Perspectives (3) |
Staff |
| |
A study of literature reflecting such contemporary issues as the conflict between the "builders' generation" and their children; the cultural contacts of Ashkenazim and Sefardim; image of the Arab; impact of the Holocaust; Zionist ideals and current realities. |
| 3103 |
Israeli Cinema (3) |
Peleg |
| |
Film considered as both an artistic and a historical medium that reflects and comments on the history, politics, and culture of Israel. The kinds of issues that Israeli films raise and the cinematic style that distinguishes them. |
| 3111 |
Topics in Ancient History (3) |
Staff |
| |
May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Same as Hist 3111. |
| 3114 |
Topics in Ancient Literatures and Cultures (3) |
Staff |
| |
May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. |
| 3115 |
Topics in Ancient Art and Archaeology (3) |
Staff |
| |
May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Same as AH 2105. |
| 3201 |
Arabic and Arab Identity (3) |
Esseesy |
| |
History of the Arabic language from pre-Islamic times and its subsequent spread into contiguous regions. The role of the Arabic language in formulating the ideology of Arab nationalism and identity. |
| 3202 |
Arab Film and Culture (3) |
Esseesy |
| |
Historical survey of Arab cinema and its expression of Arab culture. |
| 3901-4901 |
Directed Project (1, 2, or 3) |
Staff |
| |
Individual advanced reading or research, to be arranged with a member of the faculty. May be repeated for credit. Admission by permission of instructor and department. |
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