CLA 221 - Stigma, Taboo, and Obscenity in Ancient Greece & Rome

“Stigma is a process by which the reaction of others spoils normal identity.” - Erving Goffman. Each society has its own notions of stigma. What makes something obscene? Which things, or people, or behaviors are considered taboo? Which identities are marginalized or stigmatized, and is their stigma reversible-or is it permanent? These are just a few of the questions we will address in the course as we delve into contemporary social and literary theory alongside Ancient Greek and Latin texts. Topics will include hygiene, purity, and religion; dirty jobs and disreputable professions; obscene language across literary genres; sickness and death; disability; sexuality and gender; slavery and social death. We will read from primary texts in translation-across genres such as tragedy, oratory, satire, historiography, poetry, and graffiti-to explore literary attitudes towards stigma in Ancient Greece and Rome while learning about the treatment of different categories of people in ancient Mediterranean societies. We will also consider modern scholarship drawing from areas such as sociology, disability studies, feminist theory, queer theory, and translation studies.

Satisfies Classical Languages and Literature major requirement.
Satisfies Classical Studies major and minor requirement.

Satisfies the Justice, Equality and Community Requirement.