Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Course Objectives:
This course aims to develop a students understanding of and appreciation for the interaction of cultures
and dogmas in the Classical World, from Epicureanism to the rise of Christianity. The course will help
students develop not only a knowledge of the history and philosophy of Classical Greece and Rome,
but also a deeper understanding of the influence of classical culture on the modern day. Critical
thinking and analysis skills as well as writing skills will be honed as students engage with a wide
variety of primary documents.
Course Description: Cultures and Dogmas of the Classical World is an interdisciplinary course which
integrates the philosophy, art, archaeology and history of ancient Greece and Rome. The origins of
western philosophy are traced from Miletus to Rome, with a special emphasis on Epicureanism,
Stoicism, and Christianity. The parallel rise and fall of civilizations will be examined, from the earliest
Minoans to Alexander the Great to the fall of Rome. Critical engagement in key debates will form the
foundation of the course. The intricacies of cultural change and the complex relationship between early
Christianity and its competing dogmas will be explored. Students will also come away with an
understanding of how modern Western culture, and their own lives, are deeply tied to the classical
world.
Required Texts:
Steven Kershaw, A Brief Guide to Classical Civilization (Robinson, 2010)
The Classical World Primary Source Packet and Journal
This is a soft-bound custom collection of primary source readings relevant to all our
destinations. The book will list analysis questions and offer space for you to respond on every
document. It will also function as an academic and travel journal, with blank pages throughout
for you to record your travel experiences. See course schedule for specific readings.
Assignments:
No late assignments will be accepted; you are always welcome to turn assignments in early. Your
grade will be determined by the following:
Assignment
Points
Academic Journal
Full attendance and participation
One 9-10 page paper on the course topic
TOTAL
200
200
200
600
Academic Journal: Keep an academic journal in the Primary Source Packet (on blank pages
provided) in which you will record reading notes, ideas, analysis and travel experiences relating to your
study of the classical world in the following ways:
Before the trip, use this journal to record your own responses to the assigned reading. A number of
texts must be read in full before departure (see schedule). You will be given response/analysis
questions for each assigned text; these must be answered thoroughly in your academic journal.
During the trip, your journal will be the place where you record your own experiences as well as your
thoughts on ideas and debates presented during the course. Readings in the Primary Source Packet will
be assigned throughout the trip, and your responses to analysis questions should be recorded in your
journal on relevant days. Time and space for study and journaling will be allocated appropriately (see
course schedule below). The journal is due on or before July 8.
Ten-page paper on a debate in Classical studies: This course will highlight a number of
debates/critical issues in classical Greece and Rome, but special emphasis will be placed on
philosophical and cultural influences on early Christianity. As Christianity spread and formed, it both
drew from and pushed against Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Mystery Religions. Write a 10-page
analysis examining the question, How did early Christianity both incorporate and contrast itself
against preceding philosophies and cultures? A successful paper will integrate both primary source
readings and modern scholarship on the topic, engaging critically with each and concluding with your
own analysis of the issue. Use of WSUs Writing Center is highly recommended. Further instructions in
class. The paper is due on or before July 8.
Attendance and Participation: Students are expected to attend every two-hour pre-departure class
(listed below) as well as every group tour/lecture while abroad. Full participation is crucial to this
intensive experiential learning course. 10 points will be docked for each missed lecture, tour or
discussion and cannot be made up.
Grading Scale:
94-100%
90-93%
87-89%
84-86%
80-83%
77-79%
A
AB+
B
BC+
74-76%
70-73%
67-69%
64-66%
60-63
C
CD+
D
D-
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Date & Topic:
20 FEB
Have read A Brief Guide to Classical Civilization in full, plus response
Intro to the Classical World questions in Academic journal
Practical Travel Advice
13 MAR
Greece and Philosophy
3 APR
Early Christianity
24 APR
Rome
1 MAY
Introductions
2 MAY
Introducing the Classical
World
3 MAY
The origins of Western
philosophy
4 MAY
Epicurus and Pythagoras
5 MAY
Christianity and The
Empire
6 MAY
Lycian culture
7 MAY
Rhodesian culture
8 MAY
The Minoans
9 MAY
The Minoans
10 MAY
The Minoans
11 MAY
The Roman Emperors
12 MAY
The Rise of Christianity
Morning: Pantheon
Afternoon: Vatican City. Read St. Ambrose on bishops, response
questions in Journal
Sleep in Rome
13 MAY
Roman Epicureanism
Sleep in Rome
14 MAY
Conclusions
15 MAY
Fly home
Fly home
Please Note:
Any form of cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. Students engaging in unethical behavior will
be prosecuted to the full extent of the statues of the university.
Any student requiring accommodations or services due to a disability must contact Services for
Students with Disabilities (SSD) in Room 181of the Student Services Center, or by phoning 801-6266413. SSD can also arrange to provide materials in alternative formats if necessary.