COMPLITTHT 2107
Classical to Renaissance Literature: Text & Traditions
Students enrolled in this course engage in close and sustained reading of a set of texts that are indispensable for an understanding of the European literary tradition, texts that continue to offer invaluable insights into humanity and the world around us. Homer's Iliad is the foundation of our class. We then go on to trace ways in which later poets and dramatists engage the work of predecessors who inspire and challenge them. Readings move from translations of Greek, Latin, and Italian, to poetry and drama composed in English. In addition to Homer, we will read works of Sappho, a Greek tragedian, Plato, Vergil, Ovid, Petrarch, and Shakespeare.
Instructors
Reviews
Prof Henke is really nice. He assigns A LOT of reading. He is available to help but is a bit of a harsh grader and looks very closely at individual sentences. He also doesn't always answer your questions in discussions. Overall, he's a great human being and I learned a lot his class but it was a lot of work.
4/16/2026
Really great professor for literature. She cares a lot about her students and leads really great discussions. She's really funny and lighthearted and engages the class really well even when it comes to dense texts. She's not a tough or easy grader and provides really helpful feedback.
12/8/2024
6-8 hrs/week
This class is engaging, and fun. There is a reason that Professor Ake is rated so highly. But this class is not a blow over- readings are long and she has actual expectations for essays. If you like writing are ready to apply yourself this class will be fun and very doable.
5/19/2024
She is a really great professor that a lot of people respect, and a wonderful teacher. Her advice and commentary on my essays really helped for other classes, and she was very clear about her grading. The class is a lot of reading, but it's divided into completely doable proportions. I really recommend the class, and I love Professor Ake.
12/14/2021
Fluent in Attic Greek and Latin, Doctor Purchase is knowledgeable in classics. His lecture on class is sometimes hypnotizing but at most of the time inspiring. Moreover, he is devoted to introducing his students to different activities in humanities.
12/26/2019
Prof. Henke is an extremely knowledgeable professor, and he is adept at interpreting the nuances of literature. He also is very accessible and is always happy to chat after class or whenever honestly. Hes not a tough grader and he is always receptive to debate and commentary.
11/27/2018
He is a very smart professor who is articulate and gives many deep insights into the books you read. There are many readings, and you have to read them, but if you send him drafts of your essays and participate in class you should do well. He is a cool guy to talk do during office hours.
3/3/2015
Classical to Renaissance Literature - an absolutely fabulous teacher. Makes class extremely interesting and is very knowledgeable. A lot of reading assigned though, so get ready to work, but all interesting texts. He can be fairly harsh/direct in his comments on essays, but gives fairly good grades none the less. Take him if you can!!!
11/16/2013
A-mazing. Ridiculous and absurd in the best way possible. Love love love. Very knowledgeable, gives interesting lectures, leads fabulous discussions and is extremely approachable and helpful outside of class. Go talk to him, it will probably be one of the best conversations of your life.
12/12/2008
If you can get into one of her classes, take it! She is probably the smartest woman you will ever meet in your life, and she's hilarious. I still stop by her office just to talk. She's extremely knowledgeable about course material and college life in general.
4/9/2007
lots of work covering a lot of dense material in a short amount of time, but she's a good professor.
12/27/2004