Classics 430: Troy and the Trojan War

This course involves a survey of sources for the archaeological site of Troy and legends of the Trojan War in art, archaeology, and literature. Students are introduced to monuments at archaeological sites, as well as archaeological discoveries at Troy from the age of Schliemann to current excavations going on now. Materials studied include architecture, sculpture, inscriptions, pottery, and coins, as well has human and animal skeletal remains. We supplement the material record with literature, especially Homer and Vergil. This course imparts knowledge about Troy’s enduring questions: Who were the Trojans? Was there a Trojan War? Who was Homer? What was the legacy of Troy in Greek and Roman times? This course also imparts methods in archaeology and art history, and includes discussions of ethics in archaeology, trade in antiquities, the role of museums in modern society, and cultural heritage preservation. Students acquire skills in written communication (on exams), critical thinking about primary source materials in archaeology and literature, and the enduring vocabulary of classical antiquity.