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The origins of Western culture in Ancient Europe: an introduction to ancient Greek and Roman civilization – history, war and conquest, politics, society, and culture.

CLAS 111 is a study of ancient myth in literature (poetry, drama, historiography, and other genres) and art. We will explore different ways of interpreting myths and seek to understand the meaning of myths in their contexts. Prominent themes include ...

This course examines ancient Greek attitudes and practices regarding death and dying through a wide range of different material, including material culture, literature, and historical sources. Topics include burial practices, 'good' and 'bad' deaths,...

A study of the Greek and Roman dramatists with special emphasis on the theatrical techniques of the authors and the means of production in the ancient theatre. Co-taught with CLAS 303. Offered in alternate years.

This course will look at the ways in which animals are represented and used in ancient Greek and Roman literature, myth, art, religion, philosophy and everyday life.

A study of the main features of Roman social history from the time of Augustus to AD 200. Topics include class structure, law, education, the family, slavery, poverty and public entertainment. Offered in alternate years.

A study of ancient Greek society, particularly Athens in the Classical period. Topics include sex, gender, politics, education, entertainment, and food and agriculture. Co-taught with CLAS 308.

The development of Classical Epic, from Homer to Vergil and his successors. What is distinctive about epic artistry and the connection of epic poetry to the societies that value it. Co-taught with CLAS 310. Offered in alternate years. 50% internal as...

What is myth? What is it for? In this course, we study the diverse functions of myth and storytelling in different cultures. In particular, we read Greek and Roman mythology alongside narratives from other times and places, including te ao Māori and ...

This course surveys the rise of Macedon under Alexander the Great, his eastern conquests, the Hellenistic kingdoms which then dominated the east and transformed what it meant to be Greek, the indigenous societies which had to cope with these kingdoms...

This course takes a deep dive on the ancient god Dionysos, also known as Bacchus or Liber: a god of wine, madness, death, and drama (and sex). We will investigate the significance and influence of Dionysos in ancient society, religion, politics, poet...

This course surveys the history and development of the archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean world, examining its brilliant discoveries and sensational blunders through a series of case studies.

How to curse your rivals, charm your lover, and bring the wrath of the gods down on your enemies: this course looks at ancient Greek magic and witchcraft. Topics include ancient spells and practitioners and the gods they called on, representations of...

This course examines ancient Greek attitudes a attitudes and practices regarding death and dying through a wide range of different material, including material culture, literature, and historical sources. Topics include burial practices, 'good' and '...

A study of the Greek and Roman dramatists with special emphasis on the theatrical techniques of the authors and the means of production in the ancient theatre.

This course will look at the ways in which animals are represented and used in ancient Greek literature, myth, art, religion and everyday life.

A study of the main features of Roman social history from the time of Augustus to AD 200. Topics include class structure, law, education, the family, slavery, poverty and public entertainment. Co-taught with CLAS 207. Offered in alternate years.

A study of ancient Greek society, particularly Athens in the Classical period. Topics include sex, gender, politics, education, entertainment, and food and agriculture. Co-taught with CLAS 208.

The development of Classical Epic, from Homer to Vergil and his successors. What is distinctive about epic artistry and the connection of epic poetry to the societies that value it that value it. Offered in alternate years.

What is myth? What is it for? In this course, we study the diverse functions of myth and storytelling in different cultures. In particular, we read Greek and Roman mythology alongside narratives from other times and places, including te ao Māori and ...

From historical miniatures wargames to modern eurogames to Dungeons and Dragons to Assassin’s Creed, the ancient world is a significant a source of inspiration and material for games. In using historical and mythological material, these games present...

This course surveys the rise of Macedon under Alexander the Great, his eastern conquests, the Hellenistic kingdoms which then dominated the east and transformed what it meant to be Greek, the indigenous societies which had to cope with these kingdoms...

Students will undertake an approved, supervised programme of research and study on a selected theme/topic in Classical Studies.

Students will undertake an approved, supervised programme of research and study on a selected theme/topic in Classical Studies.

This course takes a deep dive on the ancient god Dionysos, also known as Bacchus or Liber: a god of wine, madness, death, and drama (and sex). We will investigate the significance and influence of Dionysos in ancient society, religion, politics, poet...

This course surveys the history and development of the archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean world, examining its brilliant discoveries and sensational blunders through a series of case studies.

How to curse your rivals, charm your lover, and bring the wrath of the gods down on your enemies: this course looks at ancient Greek magic and witchcraft. Topics include ancient spells and practitioners and the gods they called on, representations of...

A study of various Greek archaeological sites with special emphasis on sites in Crete. Co-taught with CLAS 420. Note: A maximum of 20 students can be accepted for this and CLAS 420 in any year. An extra fee beyond that for a 20-point course will appl...

An author or genre of ancient literature for presentation, discussion and contextual analysis.

Ancient art, architecture and archaeology of the Bronze Age Aegean, Greek, Roman and/or Etruscan worlds for presentation, discussion and contextual analysis. For further information contact classics@vuw.ac.nz.

A period or topic of ancient history and/or historiography for presentation, discussion and contextual analysis.

The Historia Augusta (a fifth century collection of imperial biographies) has been variously described as wretched, incompetent and the fabrications of a “rogue grammarian”, but also as encoded, allegorical and sophisticated historical anarchy. What ...

A topic in ancient society and/or culture for presentation, discussion and contextual analysis.

Students will undertake an approved, supervised programme of research and study on a selected theme/topic in Classical Studies.

Students will undertake an approved, supervised programme of research and study on a selected theme/topic in Classical Studies.

A study of various Greek archaeological sites with special emphasis on sites in Crete. Co-taught with CLAS 320. Note: A maximum of 20 students can be accepted for this and CLAS 320 in any year. An extra fee beyond that for a 30-point course will appl...

A research project, usually in the form of an extended essay of 10,000 words, with regular guidance from a supervisor. Students are expected to show familiarity with the literature in their chosen field, and to write a the field and demonstrating ind...

MA thesis in Classical Studies.

MA thesis in Classics.

PhD course.

PhD course.

An integrated course of literature and language.

Literary and/or historical texts for translation, comment on subject matter, language and literary setting.

Literary and/or historical texts for translation, comment on subject matter, language and literary setting.

Literary and/or historical texts for translation, comment on subject matter, language and literary setting.

A research project, usually in the form of an extended essay of 10,000 words, with regular guidance from a supervisor. Students are expected to show familiarity with the literature in their chosen field, and to write a substantial discussion, engagin...

An integrated course of literature and language designed to enhance the ability of students to read Latin more easily and develop an appreciation of Latin Literature.

An integrated course of literature and language to build on LATI 201 and further develop reading skills and literary appreciation.

Literary and/or historical texts for translation, comment on subject matter, language and literary setting.

A research project, usually in the form of an extended essay of 10,000 words, with regular guidance from a supervisor. Students are expected to show familiarity with the literature in their chosen field, and to write a substantial discussion, engagin...