Jane Chaplin
James I. Armstrong Professor of Classics
- Office
- Twilight Hall 211
- Tel
- (802) 443-5111
- chaplin@middlebury.edu
- Office Hours
- F24: Monday 2:15-4:00, Thursday 2:15-4:00
Courses Taught
CLAS 0131
Current
Archaic and Classical Greece
Course Description
Archaic and Classical Greece
A survey of Greek history from Homer to the Hellenistic period, based primarily on a close reading of ancient sources in translation. The course covers the emergence of the polis in the Dark Age, colonization and tyranny, the birth of democracy, the Persian Wars, the interdependence of democracy and Athenian imperialism, the Peloponnesian War, and the rise of Macedon. Authors read include Herodotus, Thucydides, Aristophanes, Plutarch, Xenophon, and the Greek orators. 2 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc.
Terms Taught
Requirements
CLAS 0132
History of Rome
Course Description
History of Rome
This course is an introductory survey of Roman history, from the emergence of the Republic to the influence of Rome on the western world. In the first half of the course we will study the origins of Rome's rise to dominance, the conquest of the Mediterranean and its effect on Roman society, and the crumbling of political structures under the weight of imperial expansion. In the second half, we will study the empire more broadly, starting with the emperors and moving out to the daily lives of people around the Mediterranean. The course will end with the importance of Rome for the Founding Fathers. We will read from authors including Polybius, Plutarch, Appian, Caesar, Suetonius, Tacitus, Juvenal, and Pliny. 2 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc.
Terms Taught
Requirements
CLAS 0331
Upcoming
Sparta And Athens
Course Description
Sparta and Athens
For over 200 years, Athens and Sparta were recognized as the most powerful Greek city-states, and yet one was a democracy (Athens), the other an oligarchy (Sparta). One promoted the free and open exchange of ideas (Athens); one tried to remain closed to outside influence (Sparta). This course studies the two city-states from the myths of their origins through their respective periods of hegemony to their decline as imperial powers. The goal is to understand the interaction between political success and intellectual and cultural development in ancient Greece. 2 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc.
Terms Taught
Requirements
CLAS 0332
Roman Law
Course Description
Roman Law
The Romans' codification of civil law is often considered their greatest intellectual achievement and most original and influential contribution to the world. This course treats the four main divisions of Roman law (persons, property, obligations, and succession). Great emphasis is placed on the role of law in Roman society. How did the law influence the lives of Roman citizens living under it? How did ordinary Roman citizens shape the law? Students will come to understand the principles of Roman law through actual cases. Designed for students with some background in Roman history and/or literature. 2 hrs. lect./1 disc.
Terms Taught
Requirements
CLAS 0500
Current
Upcoming
Independent Study
Course Description
Independent Study
(Approval required)
Terms Taught
CLAS 0505
Current
Upcoming
Ind Senior Project
Course Description
(Approval Required)
Terms Taught
CLAS 0700
Current
Upcoming
Sr Essay Classics/Cy
Course Description
Senior Essay for Classics/Classical Studies Majors
(Approval required)
Terms Taught
FYSE 1026
Current
Herodotus/Historical Writing
Course Description
Herodotus and the Writing of History
Dubbed ‘the Father of History’ by Cicero, Herodotus saw himself as presenting the results of an investigation in order to preserve human achievements, grant them renown, and above all to explain why the Greeks and Persians came to fight one another. We will read the whole of Herodotus’ Histories, considering the place of story-telling, ethnography, and divine intervention in explaining the past, and exploring how Herodotus’ inquiry spawned historical writing. Ancient and modern discussions about historical writing will supplement the central text. 3 hrs. sem.
Terms Taught
Requirements
GREK 0201
Intermediate Greek: Prose
Course Description
Intermediate Greek: Attic Prose-Lysias & Plato *
Readings in major authors. 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
HIST 0332
Roman Law
Course Description
Roman Law
The Romans' codification of civil law is often considered their greatest intellectual achievement and most original and influential contribution to the world. This course treats the four main divisions of Roman law (persons, property, obligations, and succession). Great emphasis is placed on the role of law in Roman society. How did the law influence the lives of Roman citizens living under it? How did ordinary Roman citizens shape the law? Students will come to understand the principles of Roman law through actual cases. Designed for students with some background in Roman history and/or literature. 2 hrs. lect./1 disc.
Terms Taught
Requirements
LATN 0101
Beginning Latin
Course Description
Beginning Latin I
The course offers an intensive introduction to the Latin language that prepares students to read the major authors of ancient Roman literature. In addition to their systematic study of grammar and syntax, students translate excerpts from Vergil, Seneca and the Vulgate Bible. This course is designed for students who have had no previous experience with Latin, as well as those who have had some Latin but want to review the fundamentals of grammar.
Terms Taught
Requirements
LATN 0102
Upcoming
Beginning Latin II
Course Description
Beginning Latin II
This course is a continuation of the introductory winter term course (LATN 0101). After completing the fundamentals of Latin grammar, students translate selections from authors such as Cicero and Ovid. 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
LATN 0202
Intermediate Latin: Poetry
Course Description
Intermediate Latin: Poetry
Readings in major authors. Students should have had some formal study of Latin and should consult with the instructor during the first week of classes to determine whether or not the class is at the appropriate level. 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
LATN 0401
Advanced Readings in Latin I
Course Description
Advanced Readings in Latin I
Readings in major authors. . Students should have had some formal study of Latin and should consult with the instructor during the first week of classes to determine whether or not the class is at the appropriate level. 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
LATN 0501
Adv Readings in Latin III
Course Description
Advanced Readings in Latin III
Readings in major authors. Students should have had some formal study of Latin and should consult with the instructor during the first week of classes to determine whether or not the class is at the appropriate level. 3 hrs lect.
Terms Taught
Areas of Interest
My primary interest and area of specialization is Roman historiography. All my published work has dealt with Livy.Most recently I have written an article on the Periochae, the surviving summaries of all but two of 142 books of the Ab Urbe Condita. My current interests revolve around intertextuality in the classical historians, and in particular how textual repetition intersects with actual repetition.