Hellenic Studies

Alejandro Santana, Ph.D., philosophy, director

Greek history and culture is the cornerstone of Western liberal arts education.  Perhaps the most fundamental reason for this can be found in the inscription “Γνωθι σαυτόν,” “Know thyself.” This was written in the forecourt of the temple dedicated to Apollo, in perhaps one of the holiest sites in the Greek world – Delphi. This idea, so central to the ancient Greek conception of wisdom, was also crucial in their conception of the good life.  Knowing who you are, and especially your cultural and historical roots, provides you with a foundation for meaning and stability in everyday life, and this has become increasingly difficult to attain in a world that has become increasingly unsettled and disconnected. In such a world, understanding one’s roots provides a tether that keeps one grounded and nourished in one’s cultural heritage. And there is no doubt that one important tether of Western civilization reaches back to the Greeks.

The Hellenic studies minor provides the student with a rich a context in which to explore the University of Portland’s core questions, and it fosters a greater understanding of the student’s relationship to the cultural heritage of the Western world.

Learning Outcomes for Hellenic Studies Minors

Hellenic studies graduates of the University of Portland should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of significant periods of Hellenic history.
   1. Identify significant facts, periods, or historical narratives of Hellenic history.
   2. Describe in writing these significant facts, periods, or historical narratives.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of major dimensions of Hellenic culture.
   1. Identify at least one major dimension of Hellenic culture.
   2. Describe in writing this major dimension.
3. Explain the relevance of Hellenic history and culture in Western civilization.
   1. Identify at least one significant period of Hellenic history or dimension of Hellenic culture that relates to Western civilization.
   2. Explain in writing the relevance of this period or dimension to Western civilization.
4. Critically evaluate Hellenic history or culture.
   1. Develop a stance on Hellenic history or culture.
   2. Support that stance with a well-developed argument.

Capstone Experience

Students pursuing a Hellenic studies minor will participate in either PHL 338 or PHL 371 as the last course in the minor.

Minor Requirements - 12 credit hours

Required Courses - 6 credit hours

HST 330	Ancient Mediterranean World	3
	Or
THE 360/THE 460	Christianity's First Thousand Years: Emergence and Growth, 100-1200	3
PHL 338	Metaphysics: Ancient Greek Metaphysics in Context	3
	Or
PHL 371	Ancient Greek & Roman Philosophy	3

Upper Division Electives - 6 credit hours

Select from the following:

CST 327	Argumentation and Advocacy	3
CST 490	Directed Study	Variable
FA 350	Art History I	3
HST 330	Ancient Mediterranean World	3
HST 430	Seminar in European History	3
MTH 431	Modern Geometry	3
PHL 321	Logic	3
PHL 338	Metaphysics: Ancient Greek Metaphysics in Context	3
PHL 371	Ancient Greek & Roman Philosophy	3
PHL 372	Medieval Philosophy	3
PHL 490	Directed Study	Variable
POL 305	Ancient and Medieval Political Thought	3
POL 490	Directed Study	3
THE 307/THE 407	Theology and Controversy in the Letters of Paul	3
THE 360/THE 460	Christianity's First Thousand Years: Emergence and Growth, 100-1200	3
THE 490	Directed Study	Variable
THTR 307	A History of Theatre and Culture	3
THTR 490	Directed Study	Variable

HST 430 and directed study courses (designated 490) may fulfill the elective requirements if the topic is related to Hellenic studies. Please confirm eligible yearly course offerings with the program director.