Classical Poetics

Unit 1 – Classical Poetics: Discipline and Scope

Unit 2 – Greek Epic: Homer's Iliad and Odyssey

Unit 3 – Greek Lyric: Sappho, Pindar, and Anacreon

Unit 4 – Greek Tragedy: Three Great Playwrights

Unit 5 – Greek Comedy – Aristophanes and Menander

Unit 6 – Aristotle's Poetics: Elements of Tragedy

Unit 7 – Hellenistic Era: Callimachus and Theocritus

Unit 8 – Roman Epic: Virgil and Ovid's Masterworks

Unit 9 – Roman Lyric & Elegiac Poetry: Key Poets

Unit 10 – Horace's Ars Poetica: Poetic Craft & Purpose

Unit 11 – Silver Age Latin: Lucan, Statius, Martial

Unit 12 – Longinus: Sublime Rhetoric and Emotion

Unit 13 – Classical Legacy in Medieval to Modern Poetics

Unit 14 – Classical Reception: Modern Adaptations

## What do you learn in Classical Poetics

Classical Poetics digs into the ancient Greek and Roman theories of poetry and literature. You'll explore works by Aristotle, Horace, and Longinus, examining their ideas on tragedy, epic, and lyric poetry. The course covers key concepts like mimesis, catharsis, and the three unities, while also looking at how these classical ideas influenced later literary traditions.

## Is Classical Poetics hard?

Classical Poetics can be pretty challenging, especially if you're not used to reading ancient texts. The language can be dense, and the concepts can get pretty abstract. That said, most students find it rewarding once they get into it. It's not impossibly hard, but you'll definitely need to put in some work to wrap your head around the ideas.

## Tips for taking Classical Poetics in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Read the texts multiple times - once for the general idea, then again for deeper understanding
3. Keep a glossary of key terms like "mimesis" and "catharsis" - you'll use them a lot
4. Discuss concepts with classmates - talking it out can really help clarify things
5. Watch modern adaptations of Greek tragedies to see classical principles in action
6. Check out "The Poetics of Aristotle" by Stephen Halliwell for a modern take on classical ideas
7. Don't be afraid to ask your professor for clarification - these concepts can be tricky

## Common pre-requisites for Classical Poetics

1. Introduction to Ancient Greek Literature: This course covers major works of Greek literature, including epic poetry, tragedy, and philosophy. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the context of classical poetics.

2. Latin Language and Literature: This class focuses on developing Latin reading skills and exploring Roman literature. It helps students engage with original texts and understand the Roman perspective on poetics.

## Classes similar to Classical Poetics

1. Ancient Greek and Roman Literary Criticism: Explores the development of literary theory in the classical world. You'll look at how ancient critics analyzed and evaluated literature.

2. Medieval Literary Theory: Examines how classical ideas were adapted and transformed in the Middle Ages. It's a great follow-up to see how classical poetics evolved over time.

3. Renaissance Poetics: Focuses on how classical ideas were revived and reinterpreted during the Renaissance. You'll see how thinkers like Sidney and Scaliger built on ancient concepts.

4. Comparative Poetics: Looks at poetic theories from different cultures and time periods. It's a chance to see how classical ideas stack up against other traditions.

## Majors related to Classical Poetics

1. Classics: Focuses on the languages, literature, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Students dive deep into ancient texts and learn to analyze them in their original languages.

2. Comparative Literature: Examines literature across different cultures and time periods. Classical poetics often plays a key role in understanding the development of Western literary traditions.

3. English Literature: While broader in scope, this major often includes significant study of classical influences on English literature. Understanding classical poetics is crucial for analyzing many canonical English works.

4. Philosophy: Many key concepts in classical poetics have philosophical underpinnings. Philosophy majors often study these ideas as part of the history of aesthetics and literary theory.

## What can you do with a degree in Classical Poetics?

1. Literary Critic: Analyzes and interprets literature for academic journals, magazines, or newspapers. A background in classical poetics provides a strong foundation for understanding literary traditions and techniques.

2. Teacher or Professor: Educates students about literature, literary theory, and classical traditions. This could be at the high school level or in higher education, depending on your degree level.

3. Editor: Works with authors to improve and refine their writing. Knowledge of classical poetics can be valuable in understanding literary structures and techniques across various genres.

4. Dramaturge: Serves as a literary advisor for theater productions. Understanding classical poetics is crucial for interpreting and adapting classical plays for modern audiences.

## Classical Poetics FAQs

1. Do I need to know Greek or Latin to take this course? While knowing these languages can be helpful, most Classical Poetics courses use translations and don't require original language skills.

2. How does Classical Poetics relate to modern literature? Many modern literary techniques and theories have roots in classical poetics. Understanding these foundations can enhance your appreciation of contemporary literature.

3. Is Classical Poetics only about poetry? While poetry is a major focus, the course also covers other forms of literature like drama and epic. The principles discussed often apply to narrative in general.

Literature

Ancient Studies

1.1 Defining Classical Poetics and its historical context

1.2 Key concepts and terminology in Classical Poetics

1.3 Major figures and works in the Classical tradition

1.4 The relationship between Classical Poetics and other literary disciplines

2.1 The origins and characteristics of Greek epic poetry

2.3 Structure, themes, and narrative techniques in the Odyssey

2.4 The cultural and literary impact of Homeric epics

2.2 Structure, themes, and narrative techniques in the Iliad

3.3 Pindar and the choral ode tradition

3.4 Anacreontic verse and its influence

3.2 Sappho and the poetry of personal expression

3.1 Forms and functions of Greek lyric poetry

4.1 The origins and structure of Greek tragedy

4.2 Aeschylus and the development of tragic form

4.3 Sophocles and the perfection of tragic drama

4.4 Euripides and the evolution of tragic themes

5.1 The origins and characteristics of Greek comedy

5.2 Old Comedy: Aristophanes and political satire

5.3 New Comedy: Menander and domestic themes

5.4 The influence of Greek comedy on later theatrical traditions

6.3 Aristotle's six elements of tragedy and their significance

6.4 The influence of Aristotle's Poetics on literary criticism

6.1 Aristotle's theory of mimesis and its implications

6.2 The concept of catharsis and its interpretations

7.1 The cultural and literary context of the Hellenistic period

7.2 Callimachus and the aesthetics of brevity and erudition

7.3 Theocritus and the development of pastoral poetry

7.4 The role of Alexandria in preserving and shaping Classical literature

8.1 The Roman adaptation of Greek epic traditions

8.2 Structure, themes, and narrative techniques in the Aeneid

8.4 The influence of Roman epics on later literature

8.3 Structure, themes, and narrative techniques in the Metamorphoses

9.1 The development of Roman lyric and elegiac forms

9.2 Catullus and the neoteric movement

9.3 Horace's Odes and their cultural significance

9.4 Propertius and the Roman love elegy tradition

10.1 The structure and key arguments of Ars Poetica

10.2 Horace's views on poetic composition and style

10.4 The influence of Ars Poetica on later poetic theory

10.3 The concept of decorum in Classical poetry

11.1 The cultural and literary context of the Silver Age

11.2 Lucan's Pharsalia and the evolution of epic poetry

11.4 Martial and the development of the epigram

11.3 Statius and the continuation of the epic tradition

12.3 The relationship between style and emotional effect

12.4 The influence of On the Sublime on later literary criticism

12.1 The concept of the sublime in Classical rhetoric and poetics

12.2 Longinus' five sources of sublimity

13.2 Classical influences in Renaissance poetry and poetics

13.3 Neoclassicism and the revival of Classical forms

13.4 Modern adaptations and interpretations of Classical poetics

13.1 The transmission and reception of Classical texts in the Middle Ages

14.1 Theoretical approaches to Classical reception studies

14.2 Contemporary adaptations of Classical themes and forms

14.3 Digital humanities and the study of Classical poetry

14.4 The relevance of Classical poetics in the 21st century

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