CLAS 4280 Beast Literature
From Aesop's fables to animated films, philosophical dialogues to furry graphic novels, we often imagine animals speaking as humans do. But what are we saying when we use animals to talk with and about one another and ourselves? And what do cultural products featuring articulate beasts say about our attitudes towards humans and animals and the lines that we draw between them? This course examines animal anthropomorphism as a mode of thought and expression in ancient Greece and Rome, Medieval Europe, and the modern world. Please contact Prof. Polt (polt@bc.edu) directly for permission to enroll in this course.
Course overview
- Department
- Classical Studies
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Both
Catalog details
- Prerequisites
- Permission of Instructor
Requirements fulfilled
- Classics: Advanced courses (three courses, 9 credits minimum): Latin and/or Greek at the 3000 level for the Classical Language track, or courses in English at the 4000 level for the Classical Cultures track (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Classics: Electives (five courses, 15 credits minimum): any Classical Studies course, or approved electives from other departments (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.77 / 5 · Excellent
- Instructor rating
- 4.84 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 2
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | Christopher Polt | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4–6 hrs/week | 15 of 19 |
| Spring 2023 | Christopher Polt | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4–6 hrs/week | 11 of 19 |