Undergraduate Program

Introduction to the mythology of the classical world. We will examine the major myths about the gods, the origins and nature of the universe, and the heroic past, as they developed in the Greek world and as they were adapted in the Roman world. We will consider the nature and function of myth in society, some theoretical approaches to myth, and the way in which myths were adapted by Greek and Roman authors to fit a particular literary or historical context. This course will also devote time to comparing the classical system of myths to other mythological systems.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

In this course, students will examine the various traditions of the ancient Greek and Roman underworld and afterlife. The course will take an interdisciplinary approach and draw on a diverse and engaging selection of content including ancient literature in translation (epic, philosophy, and drama), archaeological sites and and the material record, and the disparate evidence for mystery cults. Students will hone skills in writing and critical thinking and leave the course with a firm understanding of Greek and Roman views on death, its value as a window into the diverse identities and experiences of the ancient world, and its reception in the modern world (from Dante's Inferno to the 2020 video game Hades). The course assumes no previous knowledge of Greek and Roman antiquity.

Location

(TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

Survey of the philosophy of ancient Greece, from the Presocratics through Hellenistic philosophy six centuries later. We will study the work of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle on topics such as being, beauty, the soul, and the nature of justice, with special focus on the great dialogues of Plato.

Location

(MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

In this course, students will examine the tradition of Greek theatre and its lasting impact on the development of later drama. Students will read a diverse and engaging selection of Greek tragedy, comedy, and satyr drama by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, and Menander. Students will leave the course with a firm understanding of Greek drama, its value as a window into the diverse identities and experiences of the ancient world, and its relevance to modern audiences. The course assumes no previous knowledge of Greek antiquity.

Location

(MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

Though we often assume that religion deals with the spirit or the soul, the earliest Christians were deeply and primarily concerned with the body. In this course, we examine the multiple and various early Christian debates and practices relating to the body focusing in particular on issues related to physical suffering, death, sexuality, identity, and asceticism. Topics include: early Christian debates over the nature of the body and its relationship to personal identity and the nature of the self; conflicting ideas about the nature of Jesus’ incarnated, crucified, and resurrected body; gender, sexuality, and the bodies of men and women; Christian valorization of physical suffering and the bodies of the ill; the cult of the martyrs and the cult of the relics; the rise of asceticism and the bodies of saints.

Location

(MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

Explore the connections between pagans and Christians in ancient Rome. See how pagan religious, cultural, & architectural trends influenced later Christian traditions. How did the rise of Christianity transform the ancient city and society of Rome?

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

In this 2-credit course, registered concurrently with one of the CLST/RELC short-term study abroad courses, students will further develop the topic and ideas that researched and presented on-site during the study abroad course into a full research paper or project. This course will require additional readings and research, weekly meetings with the instructor(s) to discuss the process of research and writing, and editing of the final project beyond the work required for the study abroad course. Some of this work will take place prior to departure, while the bulk of the writing and editing will take place after returning to campus. Students will be encouraged to develop these projects for submission to the URochester Research Expo, the Journal of Undergraduate Research, or other outlet beyond the confines of the course.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

In this course, students will refine the written product of their capstone experience and share their project with their peers.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.  Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed through the Independent Study Registration form (https://secure1.rochester.edu/registrar/forms/independent-study-form.php)​

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department. Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed through the Independent Study Registration form (https://secure1.rochester.edu/registrar/forms/independent-study-form.php)

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)