2008-2009 Catalog - Virginia Wesleyan College

COMMUNICATIONS/JOURNALISM67elite. Students are encouraged to use their own experiencesas student-athletes as a primary source towardunderstanding the role of sports in different culturalcontexts. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.209 Greek History (3) (H)Through readings in primary sources—works of history,literature, and philosophy written by the ancient Greeksthemselves—this course attempts to recover the full pictureof life in Ancient Greece, not only for its own intrinsicinterest, but also for the relevance that the study of thedistant past may have for the world in which we now live.Special attention given to the first writers of history and tothe development of Athenian democracy.210 Roman History (3) (H)Using wide-ranging sources from history, literature, andarchaeology, this course explores Roman civilization fromits earliest beginnings, through the period of Republicanexpansion and transition into a vast Empire, concludingwith the Empire’s ultimate decline and dissolution. Specialattention given to Roman historiography and to thepolitical changes from Republic to Empire.330 Classical and World Epic (3)Students begin exploration of traditional epics by readingClassical texts such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey andVirgil’s Aeneid, exploring the cultural contexts andexamining theories of epic composition and performance.The perspective is broadened to take in epics from a varietyof cultural traditions from around the world and, finally,students consider the relation of these traditional epics totheir modern equivalents in science fiction and cinema. Allreadings in English translation, Prerequisite: CLAS 105,209 or 210.350 Women in the Ancient World (3)Examines gender roles and identities of sexuality inancient Greece and Rome through readings in primarysources supplemented by current scholarship. Explorationof contrasts between representations of women in Classicalliterature and the limitations women faced in the realworld, with observation of changes in women’s status thatoccurred according to place and time. Consideration ofancient definitions and expressions of alternate sexualities,marking the similarities and differences between ancientand modern labels and identities. Prerequisite: CLAS 105,209 or 210.370 The Ancient World in the Cinema (3)A study of how ancient Greece and Rome continue tointerest and influence us through the modern medium ofcinema. Readings of selected classical texts and comparisonswith modern screen treatments. Attention both to moderncinematic adaptations of ancient literary works and also toepic “historical” spectacles. Examination of directorialcreativity, audience expectation, historical accuracy, andmodern myth-making. Prerequisite: CLAS 105, 209 or 210.450 Senior Seminar in Classics (3) (I) WGives students the opportunity to do sustained researchon a topic of their own choice, and to present the results ofthis research in a substantial piece of work, ranging from 20to 30 pages of writing. Upon completion of the seniorresearch project, students will present their work in apublic oral defense. Prerequisite: senior major in classicalstudies or Latin. Offered annually as needed beginningspring 2007.GREEK COURSES (GREK)121, 122 Elementary Ancient Greek I, II (4, 4)Introduces the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary ofAncient Greek. Completion of the year-long sequenceprepares students to read connected passages in ancienttexts such as the dialogues of Plato or the New Testament;emphasis on Attic Greek or Koine dialects varies accordingto the instructor and interest of the class. NOTE: Does notcount toward the foreign language requirement. Offered onsufficient demand.211 Intermediate Ancient Greek (3)Begins with a thorough review of basic Greek grammaras covered in GREK 111-112. Students then undertakeextended readings in an ancient Greek text such as the NewTestament or the Dialogues of Plato. Texts may varydepending on instructor. Emphasis is placed on translationand reading skills rather than speaking/listening skills.Prerequisite: GREK 112 with a grade of C or higher orplacement. Offered on sufficient demand.(See Foreign Languages and Literaturesfor Latin courses)COMMUNICATIONS/JOURNALISMDR. BORIS HELLMANDR. KATHY MERLOCK JACKSON, Program CoordinatorDR. TERRANCE LINDVALLDR. STUART C. MINNISDR. WILLIAM J. RUEHLMANNThe Department of Communications/Journalism offerscourses and opportunities for individual work in the areasof communications, film, print and broadcast journalism,and digital media. Without neglecting professional andcareer interests, the department stresses the artistic andhumanistic bases of its particular disciplines even whenthese are of experiential nature.Students who major in communications/journalismmight expect to find career opportunities (apart fromgraduate school) in the areas of radio, television,newspapers, magazines, digital media, advertising, publicrelations, teaching, and related fields. The communicationsindustry is one of the fastest growing industries in today’sworld. A student may elect a departmental major incommunications with a concentration in either journalismor media studies.