The Department of Classical Studies offers courses in Ancient Greek and Roman language, culture, and history. Most courses, especially those in history and civilization, have no language prerequisite.
For our full course offerings in classical civilization and languages, please see the Boston University College of Arts and Sciences Bulletin. For our full course offerings in Modern Greek, please click here.
The department does not permit individuals from outside the BU community (current faculty, staff, students) to audit (“sit in on”) courses informally. For information on auditing through Evergreen Programs, click here.
Summer 1 & 2, 2025 Courses
CAS CL101 The World of Greece
Historical Consciousness, Philosophical Inquiry and Life’s Meanings, Critical Thinking
The literature, philosophy, art, and culture of ancient Greece and their impact on later cultures. Topics covered include the emergence of epic poetry; art and lyric in the Archaic Age; drama, architecture, philosophy, and political developments of classical Athens and Greece. All texts in translation.
Summer II,TWR 10:00AM-12:30PM Reynolds
CAS CL213 Greek and Roman Mythology
Philosophical Inquiry and Life’s Meanings, Historical Consciousness
A general introduction to the myths of the ancient classical world, with particular regard to the patterns of experience, both religious and psychological, from which they evolved. All texts in translation.
Summer I, TWR 10:30-1:00PM Miotti
CAS CL305 Topics in Myth
Aesthetic Exploration, Writing-Intensive Course, Research and Information Literacy
A focused consideration of a particular aspect of Greek Mythology. The topic for Summer 2025 is Ancient Myth & Allegory. This course will look at Greek myths and how ancient philosophers, Jews, and Christians read them. In class, we will discuss the myths themselves and the range of strategies used by ancient interpreters to make sense of them. Students will read selections in translation from texts from c. 500 BCE to 250 CE. Selections will include philosophical readings of the Odyssey; Orphic and Gnostic theogonies; and Jewish and Christian allegorical interpretations of the Hebrew Bible. This course may be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite courses: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g. WR 100 or WR 120)
Summer I, MWR 1:30-4:00PM Hirsch