Ancient Mediterranean Classics

Unit 1 – Ancient Mediterranean World: Introduction

Unit 2 – The Trojan War in Homer's Iliad

Unit 3 – Homer's Odyssey: The Epic Hero's Journey

Unit 4 – Greek Lyric Poetry in the Archaic Period

Unit 5 – Athens: Birthplace of Democracy

Unit 6 – Greek Tragedy: Three Great Playwrights

Unit 7 – Greek Comedy: Aristophanes & Menander

Unit 8 – Greek Philosophy: Socrates to Aristotle

Unit 9 – Macedonia's Rise and Alexander's Conquests

Unit 10 – Hellenistic Culture & Literature

Unit 11 – Roman Republic: Institutions & Structure

Unit 12 – Roman Epic: Virgil's Aeneid

Unit 13 – Roman Lyric: Catullus and Horace

Unit 14 – Roman Historians: Livy & Tacitus

Unit 15 – Roman Philosophers: Cicero & Seneca

Unit 16 – Pompeii & Herculaneum: Daily Life Unearthed

## What do you learn in Classics of the Ancient Mediterranean World

You'll explore ancient Greek and Roman cultures, diving into their literature, philosophy, and history. The course covers epic poems like the Iliad and Odyssey, Greek tragedies, and Roman political writings. You'll also learn about mythology, art, and architecture from these civilizations, getting a well-rounded view of the classical world.

## Is Classics of the Ancient Mediterranean World hard?

It's not a walk in the park, but it's definitely manageable. The reading load can be heavy, with lots of ancient texts to get through. Some concepts might be tricky at first, especially if you're new to classical studies. But most students find it super interesting, which makes the work feel less daunting.

## Tips for taking Classics of the Ancient Mediterranean World in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Make a timeline of major events to keep track of chronology
3. Read summaries before diving into full texts (but don't skip the originals!)
4. Join a study group to discuss complex themes in works like Plato's Republic
5. Watch "Troy" or "Gladiator" for a fun (if not totally accurate) visual of the era
6. Listen to podcasts like "The History of Ancient Greece" for extra context
7. Visit a local museum with classical art to bring the material to life

## Common pre-requisites for Classics of the Ancient Mediterranean World

1. Introduction to World History: Covers major civilizations and events from prehistory to modern times. Provides a solid foundation for understanding the context of ancient Mediterranean cultures.

2. English Composition: Focuses on developing critical reading and writing skills. Prepares you for analyzing and writing about classical texts.

## Classes similar to Classics of the Ancient Mediterranean World

1. Ancient Greek Language: Introduces you to reading and translating ancient Greek texts. You'll learn grammar, vocabulary, and get to read some original works in their native language.

2. Roman History: Focuses specifically on the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. You'll study political systems, military campaigns, and daily life in ancient Rome.

3. Classical Mythology: Dives deep into the stories of Greek and Roman gods and heroes. You'll explore how these myths shaped ancient culture and continue to influence modern literature and art.

4. Ancient Philosophy: Examines the ideas of major Greek and Roman thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. You'll discuss big questions about ethics, politics, and the nature of reality.

## Majors related to Classics of the Ancient Mediterranean World

1. Classical Studies: Focuses on the languages, literature, history, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Students gain a deep understanding of the foundations of Western civilization.

2. Ancient History: Examines the development of early human societies, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean world. Students learn to analyze primary sources and interpret archaeological evidence.

3. Art History: Explores the evolution of visual arts from prehistoric times to the present. A significant portion of the curriculum covers classical art and architecture.

4. Philosophy: Investigates fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics. Ancient Greek philosophy forms a cornerstone of this field of study.

## What can you do with a degree in Classics of the Ancient Mediterranean World?

1. Museum Curator: Organizes exhibitions and manages collections of ancient artifacts. Curators research objects, write descriptions, and create educational programs for the public.

2. Archaeologist: Excavates and studies physical remains of past human cultures. Archaeologists work on dig sites, analyze findings, and contribute to our understanding of ancient societies.

3. Teacher or Professor: Educates students about classical languages, literature, and history. Teachers can work at various levels, from high school Latin classes to university courses on ancient civilizations.

4. Writer or Editor: Produces books, articles, or documentaries about ancient history and culture. Writers might create everything from academic texts to popular history books or scripts for historical dramas.

## Classics of the Ancient Mediterranean World FAQs

1. Do I need to know Latin or Greek to take this course? Usually not, as most texts are studied in translation. However, knowing some basics can give you a leg up in understanding certain concepts.

2. How much reading is typically assigned? Expect to read quite a bit, often 50-100 pages per week. The texts can be dense, so give yourself plenty of time to digest them.

3. Are there any field trips or hands-on components? Some courses include visits to museums or even study abroad opportunities. Check with your specific program to see what extras they might offer.

Ancient Studies

1.2 Major cultural and historical periods

1.3 Key sources and methodologies for studying the ancient world

1.4 Interconnections between Mediterranean cultures

1.1 Geography and chronology of ancient Mediterranean civilizations

2.1 Historical context and mythological background of the Trojan War

2.4 Literary techniques and oral tradition in Homeric poetry

2.2 Structure and themes of the Iliad

2.3 Characterization and heroic code in the epic

3.1 Plot structure and major themes of the Odyssey

3.4 Comparison between the Iliad and the Odyssey

3.3 The role of gods and fate in the epic

3.2 Character development and the concept of nostos

4.1 Origins and characteristics of Greek lyric poetry

4.2 Major poets and their works (e.g., Sappho, Pindar, Archilochus)

4.3 Themes and social context of lyric poetry

5.1 Development of Athenian democracy and key political reforms

5.3 Athenian empire and the Peloponnesian War

5.4 Art and architecture of the Golden Age

5.2 Social structure and citizenship in classical Athens

6.1 Origins and structure of Greek tragedy

6.4 Social and religious context of tragic performances

6.3 Themes and dramatic techniques in Greek tragedy

6.2 Major playwrights and their significant works

7.1 Development and characteristics of Old and New Comedy

7.2 Major works of Aristophanes and their political context

7.3 Menander and the transition to New Comedy

7.4 Influence of Greek comedy on later theatrical traditions

8.1 Pre-Socratic philosophy and the Sophists

8.3 Plato's major works and philosophical concepts

8.4 Aristotle's contributions to philosophy and science

8.2 Socratic method and ethics

9.3 Hellenization and cultural exchange in Alexander's wake

9.2 Alexander's conquests and the creation of his empire

9.1 Philip II and the expansion of Macedonian power

10.2 Developments in art, architecture, and science

10.3 Hellenistic poetry and the Alexandrian school

10.1 Political landscape of the Hellenistic world

10.4 Philosophy in the Hellenistic period

11.4 Crisis and fall of the Roman Republic

11.1 Founding myths and early history of Rome

11.2 Political institutions and social structure of the Republic

11.3 Roman expansion and the Punic Wars

12.3 Roman values and national identity in the Aeneid

12.1 Historical context and literary influences of the Aeneid

12.4 Virgil's poetic techniques and innovations

12.2 Structure, themes, and characters of the epic

13.1 Neoteric poetry and Catullus' literary circle

13.4 The influence of Greek poetry on Roman lyric

13.3 Horace's Odes and Satires

13.2 Themes and style in Catullus' poetry

14.1 Development of Roman historiography

14.3 Tacitus' works and his view of the Principate

14.2 Livy's Ab Urbe Condita and Roman national history

14.4 Historical methods and literary style of Roman historians

15.1 Cicero's philosophical works and their Greek influences

15.2 Stoicism in Rome and Seneca's contributions

15.3 Political philosophy and ethics in Roman thought

16.2 Urban planning and architecture in Roman towns

16.4 Art and material culture from the excavations

16.1 The eruption of Vesuvius and preservation of the cities

16.3 Daily life, social structure, and economy in Pompeii and Herculaneum

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