“Nature” is at once among the most basic of concepts and among the most ambiguous. Law is often called upon to clarify the meaning of nature. In doing so it raises questions about what it means to be human.

Demands to reform, defund, or abolish the police have a long history, even as contemporary calls to curb law enforcement are hotly debated. Some worry that demands for radical changes to policing spell political doom. Others hope they toll the final bell for racism. And some think even minor cuts to police will trigger a Hobbesian “war of all against all.” What is the relationship between the police and what jurists name “police power”: the state's legal authority over public health and welfare? How did this relationship originate, and how has it changed?

It is well known that Shakespeare's texts put into play an intricate set of juridical terms and forms. The premise of this course is that we can retrieve from this "putting into play" a unique way of thinking about modern juridical order at the moment of its inception.

Fall and spring semesters. Members of the Department.

The authors read in LATI 441 and 442 vary from year to year. Both 441 and 442 may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic is not the same. In 2021-22 LATI 441 will read texts from Roman religion, including the first Christian dialogue, Minucius Felix's Octavius. Three class hours per week. Seminar course.

Requisite: LATI 215 or 316 or equivalent. Fall semester. Professor van den Berg.

This course will examine Catullus’s poetic technique, as well as his place in the literary history of Rome. Extensive reading of Catullus in Latin, together with other lyric poets of Greece and Rome in English. Three class hours per week.

Requisite: LATI 202 or equivalent. Fall semester. The Department

This course prepares students to read classical Latin. No prior knowledge of Latin is required. Three class hours per week.

Fall semester. Professor Zanker.

Independent reading course.

Full course. Fall and spring semesters.

This course is a continuation of JAPA 411. The course is designed for students who possess a high proficiency level of speaking but need training in cover-to-cover reading or film comprehension. Class materials will be selected from well-known books and films. Writing assignments will be given to develop critical and creative writing skills in Japanese. Small groups based on the students’ proficiency levels will be formed, so that instruction accords with the needs of each group.

Requisite: JAPA 411 or equivalent. Fall and spring semesters. Professor Tawa.

This course is designed for students who possess a high proficiency level of speaking but need training in cover-to-cover book reading or film comprehension. Class materials will be selected from well-known books and films. Writing assignments will be given to develop critical and creative writing skills in Japanese. Small groups based on the students’ proficiency levels will be formed, so that instruction accords with the needs of each group.

Requisite: JAPA 402 or equivalent. Fall and spring semesters. Professor Tawa.