Classical Presence

Explore the past and the ways that this past lives on in us and in our world today. "Classical Presence" gives you the chance to discover the rich diversity central to Western civilization, from its ancient Mediterranean origins to your own political, cultural, and visual world. In this program, through classes in history, art, literature, composition, and communication, you will encounter classical gods and goddesses, heroes, myths, and legends. You will learn principles of persuasion grounded in classical rhetoric and will learn to interpret themes and imagery in the visual arts and in myths, tales, and epics.

This special sequence of Mason Topics lasts for one year. Both semesters of your freshman year, you will enroll with the same group of students in one pair of linked general education courses that focus on Classical Presence. The rest of your schedule will be open to you to plan according to your other interests.

Proposed Sequence of Courses Starting Fall 2008

These classes satisfy university-wide General Education requirements for all students.

First Semester (Fall 2008)

English 101: Composition (3 credits)

History 100: History of Western Civilization (3 credits)

Communication 100: Public Speaking (3 credits)

History 100: History of Western Civilization (3 credits

Discover connections between the classical and modern worlds as you develop effective oral and written communication skills. In both our historical readings and our oral and written presentations, we will place special emphasis on how the legacy of Greece and Rome lives on today.

General Education Requirements Fulfilled: Written Communication (3 credits) or Oral Communication (3 credits) and Western Civilization (3 credits) for all students.

Second Semester (Spring 2009)

Proposed Sequence of Courses Starting Fall 2007

These classes satisfy university-wide General Education requirements for all students.

First Semester (Fall 2007)

Communication 100: Public Speaking (3 credits)
History 100: History of Western Civilization (3 credits)

General Education Requirements Fulfilled: Oral Communication (3 credits) and Western Civilization (3 credits) for all students.

Second Semester (Spring 2008)

English 201: Reading and Writing about Text (3 credits)
Art History 102: Symbols and Stories in Art (3 credits)

Learn to see a work of art with new eyes--whether this art is created out of paint, stone, or words themselves. Interpret themes and imagery in the visual and literary arts while encountering Classical gods and heroes, ancient myths and legends.

General Education Requirements Fulfilled: Literature (3 credits) and Fine Arts (3 credits) for all students.

Proposed Sequence of Courses Starting Fall 2006

These classes satisfy university-wide General Education requirements for all students.

First Semester (Fall 2006)

English 101: Composition (3 credits)
History 100: History of Western Civilization (3 credits)

Communication 101: Interpersonal and Group Interaction (3 credits)
History 100: History of Western Civilization (3 credits)

General Education Requirements Fulfilled: Written Communication (3 credits) and Western Civilization (3 credits) or Oral Communication (3 credits) and Western Civilization (3 credits) for all students.

Second Semester (Spring 2007)

English 201: Reading and Writing about Texts (3 credits)
Art History 102: Symbols and Stories in Art (3 credits)

General Education Requirements Fulfilled: Literature (3 credits) and Fine Arts (3 credits) for all students.

Proposed Sequence of Courses Starting Fall 2005

These classes satisfy university-wide General Education requirements for all students.

First Semester (Fall 2005)

English 101: Composition (3 credits)
History 100: History of Western Civilization (3 credits)

Communication 101: Interpersonal and Group Interaction (3 credits)
History 100: History of Western Civilization (3 credits)

Second Semester (Spring 2006)

English 201: Reading and Writing about Texts (3 credits)
Art History 102: Symbols and Stories in Art (3 credits)

General Education Requirements Fulfilled: Literature (3 credits) and Fine Arts (3 credits) for all students.

Proposed Sequence of Courses Starting Fall 2004

These classes satisfy university wide General Education requirements for all students.

First Semester (Fall 2004)

Communication 100: Public Speaking (3 credits)
History 100: History of Western Civilization (3 credits)

English 101: Composition (3 credits)
History 100: History of Western Civilization (3 credits)

General Education Requirements Fulfilled: Literature (3 credits) and Fine Arts (3 credits) for BA and BS students.

Second Semester (Spring 2005)

English 201: Reading and Writing about Texts (3 credits)
Art History 102: Symbols and Stories in Art (3 credits)

General Education Requirements Fulfilled: Literature (3 credits) and Fine Arts (3 credits) for BA and BS students.

Proposed Sequence of Courses Starting Fall 2003

First Semester (Fall 2003)

Communication 101: Interpersonal and Group Interaction (3 credits)
History 100: History of Western Civilization (3 credits)

English 101: Composition (3 credits)
History 100: History of Western Civilization (3 credits)

Discover connections between the classical and modern worlds as you develop effective oral and written communication skills. In both our historical reading and our oral and written presentations, we will place special emphasis on how the legacy of Greece and Rome lives on today.

General Education Requirements Fulfilled: Written Communication (3 credits) and Western Civilization (3 credits) for BA and BS students

Second Semester (Spring 2004)

English 201: Reading Texts
Art History 102: Symbols and Stories in Art

General Education Requirements Fulfilled: Literature (3 credits) and Fine Arts (3 credits) for BA and BS students.