Modern Languages - Classical Studies

One of two major Western classical languages, the Latin language, along with the associated Roman culture, provide the basis for much of the cultural, religious, and linguistic traditions that shape the way we live even today. Coming to know the Roman language and culture can help you to better understand how our modern American world works—and how, sometimes, it doesn't. Moreover, by learning Latin and discussing literature, you will develop your skills at critical thinking, reading, writing, and self-expression.

Students can take Latin, Greek or Classics courses to count toward their language requirements for the B.A., pursue a minor in Classical Studies or a secondary major in International and Area Studies.

Want to know more about Classical Studies @K-State?

Need some financial assistance? Interested in studying abroad? Want to declare a Classical Studies Minor? Need to apply for retroactive credit? Have any questions? Contact:

Dr. Benjamin McCloskey ben
(on sabbatical leave F24-S25)
Associate Professor
EH 202
mccloskey@k-state.edu

Dr. Allie Pohler
Teaching Assistant Professor
EH
alliepohler@ksu.edu

Classical Studies Minor Requirements

The Classical Studies Minor requires 6 courses (18 credits). Two Latin or Greek Intermediate courses, two core humanities courses, and two ancillary courses (English, History, Music, Political Sciences or Theatre) approved by the department of Modern Languages. Study Abroad and Retroactive Credit apply toward the Classical Studies Minor. Please see our list of courses below.

Language Requirement (6 credits)

Two courses of intermediate language in either Latin or Greek:

Latin 301 (3) and Latin 302 (3)
Greek 301 (3) and Greek 302 (3)

Core Humanities Courses (6 credit hours)

CLSCS 309 - Introduction to Classical Literature in Translation Credits: 3
CLSCS 310 - Introduction to Classical Mythology in Translation Credits: 3
CLSCS 501 - Topics in Classical Literature in Translation Credits: 3
CLSCS 502 - Topics in Classical Studies Credits: 3
CLSCS 549 - Special Studies in Classics Credits: 1-5

Ancillary Courses with Classical Content (6 credit hours)

ENGL 230 - Classical Cultures Credits: 3
ENVD 250 - History of the Designed Environment I Credits: 3
HIST 567 - Europe in the Middle Ages Credits: 3
HIST 585 - Medieval Christianity Credits: 3
MUSIC 530 - Music History I: Ancient Greece through 1700 Credits: 3
POLSC 661 - Ancient and Medieval Political Thought Credits: 3
THTRE 572 - History of Theatre I Credits: 3

Latin, Classics & Greek Course Descriptions

Courses offered in Classical Studies

CLSCS105. Latin and Greek for Scientists. (2) The course is designed specifically to provide students of the biological sciences a background in Latin and Greek roots of scientific terms. Emphasis on prefixes, suffixes, and word derivations. No prior knowledge of either Latin or Greek is required. Course may not be applied toward the fulfillment of either language or humanities requirements for any degree. Offered Spring and Summer.
CLSCS501. Classical Literature in Translation. (3) Topics in classical literature. Reading and discussion (in English) of Greek and Latin authors, such as Homer, Virgil, Ovid and Herodotus. No prior knowledge of classical languages required. Cross listed with ENGL501.
CLSCS549. Special Studies in Latin.(Var.) Pr.: Consent of the department head and instructor involved. Independent study.

Courses offered in Greek

Offered periodically, please contact Dr. McCloskey for more information at mccloskey@ksu.edu.

Courses offered in Latin

LATIN101. Latin I. (4) An introductory study of the Latin language. Offered every fall.
LATIN102. Latin II. (4) Continuation and completion of the introductory study of Latin. Offered every spring.
LATIN301. Latin III. (3) An intermediate study of the Latin language via a study of original Latin prose and poetry. Offered every fall.
LATIN302. Latin IV. (3) Continuation of the intermediate study of the Latin language via a study of original Latin prose and poetry. Offered every spring.

Courses Offered Through the History Department

HIST 565 - History and Culture of Greece (Credits: 3) - The rise of civilization in the ancient Near East, the migrations of the Greeks and the Heroic Age, the Greek city-states, commerce and colonization, the Persian invasion, Athens’ leadership of Greece, the war between Athens and Sparta, Alexander the Great, and gender and sexuality.
HIST 566 - History and Culture of Rome (Credits: 3) - Examines the various theories of Rome’s origin, the causes, problems, and influences upon the republican government, political and economic problems of Roman expansion, and the Roman world. Various reforms including those of the Gracchi, Caesar, and Augustus. Contact with Greece and the older areas of civilization. The Roman imperial system, the many causes of Rome’s fall, and Rome’s role as a synthesizer of the ancient classical culture.
HIST 581 - Gender and Sexuality in Greece and Rome (Credits: 3) - Provides an introduction to constructions of gender and sexuality with special focus on their intersections with culture, ethnicity, and class. Course will combine close readings of primary texts and discussions of material culture with secondary literature. Broader discussions will emphasize change over time, noting not only how gender and sexuality develop and evolve across centuries of Greek and Roman culture but also how they influenced subsequent Western cultures. By means of close readings of these texts students will practice analyzing, interpreting, and contextualizing literature and material culture, and also come to a greater appreciation of how antiquity and modernity construct gender and sexuality. Course format will involve lecture combined with discursive analysis of texts, material culture, and especially visual arts.