CLAS 2285 The Chorus, Ancient and Modern: Forms of Communal Performance and the Body Politic

This course investigates a particular form of cultural institution developed in ancient Greece, the chorus. It begins by exploring how the ancient chorus both praised and questioned the political systems that facilitated it before considering how choral performance in the modern period has been an effective tool for propaganda, revolt, and riot. Alongside works by ancient Greek poets, students look at a range of modern performance genres such as opera, ballet, sporting ceremonies, Broadway musicals, and flash mobs. Students also gain experience of communal performance themselves through participation in a series of practical movement and singing workshops.

Course overview

Department
Classical Studies
School
MCAS
Credits
3
Level
Undergraduate
Offered
Biannually in the Fall

Catalog details

Satisfies core
Arts

Catalog text is imported from the reviewed Boston College course snapshot. Confirm eligibility in EagleApps.

Requirements fulfilled

  • Ancient Greek: III. One elective: either Greek (intermediate or above) or a course on Greek civilization (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
  • Latin: III. One elective: either Latin (intermediate or above) or a course on Roman civilization (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
  • University Core: Arts (All undergraduates)

Requirement eligibility can vary by school, cohort, and section. Confirm the selected section in EagleApps or with an advisor.

Official evaluation summary

3.70 / 5

Based on 10 aggregate responses from BC Avalanche/Blue evaluations.

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-08-02. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Thomas Sapsford
    Fall 2026, Fall 2022 · Official rating 4.40/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Thomas Sapsford · Campion Hall 204 TuTh 03:00PM-04:15PM · Offered