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CLASSICS 488

GREEKS, ROMANS AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

3 credits.

Examine ways in which the ancient Greeks and Romans interacted with their Mediterranean environments and the various conceptions of the natural world that they developed in poetry, prose and visual art. Explore a number of general topics that will underpin the course as a whole: the characteristics of the Mediterranean environment, the effect of nature on humankind, and the impact of humankind on nature. Study aspects of Greek and Roman engagements with nature, such as agriculture, hunting, sacrifice, the contested relationship between the natural and the civilized, and representations of human beings using terms drawn from the natural world ("bears" of Artemis, cannibalistic "wolves"). Consider how these aspects of the ancient world relate to modern treatments of such themes. (NB: All Greek and Latin texts will be read in English translation.)

Prerequisites & course information

Requisites: Sophomore standing Course Designation: Core GenEd - Humanities & Arts Breadth - Humanities Level - Intermediate L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of Classical societies and cultures. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 2. Examine, analyze, and interpret ancient texts in translation. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Critique ancient Greek, Roman, and/or Near Eastern societies and cultures and compare them to other societies and cultures. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Carry out and present the results of in-depth research into aspects of the modern and ancient worlds. Audience: Graduate 5. Develop an extended scholarly argument in written form. Audience: Graduate 6. Reflect on modern environmental issues in light of ancient experiences and thought. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 7. Explain the social, economic, and/or environmental dimensions of the sustainability challenge of the over-exploitation of natural resources. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 8. Analyze the causes of and solutions for the sustainability challenges of human-caused climate change, pollution and other forms of environmental harm. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad Learning Outcomes: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of Classical societies and cultures. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 2. Examine, analyze, and interpret ancient texts in translation. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Critique ancient Greek, Roman, and/or Near Eastern societies and cultures and compare them to other societies and cultures. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Carry out and present the results of in-depth research into aspects of the modern and ancient worlds. Audience: Graduate 5. Develop an extended scholarly argument in written form. Audience: Graduate 6. Reflect on modern environmental issues in light of ancient experiences and thought. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 7. Explain the social, economic, and/or environmental dimensions of the sustainability challenge of the over-exploitation of natural resources. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 8. Analyze the causes of and solutions for the sustainability challenges of human-caused climate change, pollution and other forms of environmental harm. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad

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