Sparta and Athens For over 200 years, Athens and Sparta were recognized as the most powerful Greek city-states, and yet one was a democracy (Athens), the other an oligarchy (Sparta). One promoted the free and open exchange of ideas (Athens); one tried to remain closed to outside influence (Sparta). This course studies the two city-states from the myths of their origins through their respective periods of hegemony to their decline as imperial powers. The goal is to understand the interaction between political success and intellectual and cultural development in ancient Greece.

Beginning Latin II This course is a continuation of the introductory winter term course (LATN 0101). After completing the fundamentals of Latin grammar, students translate selections from authors such as Cicero and Ovid.

Archaic and Classical Greece A survey of Greek history from Homer to the Hellenistic period, based primarily on a close reading of ancient sources in translation. The course covers the emergence of the polis in the Dark Age, colonization and tyranny, the birth of democracy, the Persian Wars, the interdependence of democracy and Athenian imperialism, the Peloponnesian War, and the rise of Macedon. Authors read include Herodotus, Thucydides, Aristophanes, Plutarch, Xenophon, and the Greek orators.

Advanced Readings in Latin III Readings in major authors. Students should have had some formal study of Latin and should consult with the instructor during the first week of classes to determine whether or not the class is at the appropriate level. 3 hrs lect.

Roman Law The Romans' codification of civil law is often considered their greatest intellectual achievement and most original and influential contribution to the world. This course treats the four main divisions of Roman law (persons, property, obligations, and succession). Great emphasis is placed on the role of law in Roman society. How did the law influence the lives of Roman citizens living under it? How did ordinary Roman citizens shape the law? Students will come to understand the principles of Roman law through actual cases. Designed for students with some background in Roman history and/or literature.

Intermediate Latin: Poetry Readings in major authors. Students should have had some formal study of Latin and should consult with the instructor during the first week of classes to determine whether or not the class is at the appropriate level.

History of Rome This course is an introductory survey of Roman history, from the emergence of the Republic to the influence of Rome on the western world. In the first half of the course we will study the origins of Rome's rise to dominance, the conquest of the Mediterranean and its effect on Roman society, and the crumbling of political structures under the weight of imperial expansion.  In the second half, we will study the empire more broadly, starting with the emperors and moving out to the daily lives of people around the Mediterranean.  The course will end with the importance of Rome for the Founding Fathers.  We will read from authors including Polybius, Plutarch, Appian, Caesar, Suetonius, Tacitus, Juvenal, and Pliny.

Advanced Readings in Latin I Readings in major authors. . Students should have had some formal study of Latin and should consult with the instructor during the first week of classes to determine whether or not the class is at the appropriate level.

Beginning Latin I The course offers an intensive introduction to the Latin language that prepares students to read the major authors of ancient Roman literature. In addition to their systematic study of grammar and syntax, students translate excerpts from Vergil, Seneca and the Vulgate Bible. This course is designed for students who have had no previous experience with Latin, as well as those who have had some Latin but want to review the fundamentals of grammar.

Intermediate Greek: Attic Prose-Lysias & Plato * Readings in major authors.

Herodotus and the Writing of History Dubbed ‘the Father of History’ by Cicero, Herodotus saw himself as presenting the results of an investigation in order to preserve human achievements, grant them renown, and above all to explain why the Greeks and Persians came to fight one another.  We will read the whole of Herodotus’ Histories, considering the place of story-telling, ethnography, and divine intervention in explaining the past, and exploring how Herodotus’ inquiry spawned historical writing.  Ancient and modern discussions about historical writing will supplement the central text.

Jane Chaplin

Reviews and ratings for Jane Chaplin at Middlebury College.Jane Chaplin teaches Sparta And Athens, Beginning Latin II, Archaic and Classical Greece and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Jane Chaplin good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This course will complete the second half of Beginning Latin 1 offered in the winter. The course is fast-paced, with the goal of finishing the textbook, Wheelock's Latin, at the end of the semester. While not super easy, and certainly requiring serious commitment to homework and studying for quizzes, this course is very rewarding. 

I always love Professor Chaplin's passion in her teaching. The discussion sessions are very fruitful and are heavily based on assigned readings. If you don't read and think, it is hard to get involved. We have no exams but 4 papers: the first one is short, and the remaining are all 1800 words long. Professor Chaplin would like to see how you develop your thoughts using primary sources and the pace of reading and writing is comparatively fast.

Ms Chaplin is one of my favorite professors I have had. She is truly enthusiastic about the material and very engaging. One of the few classes that I look forward to every day. That said, she is a challenging grader, and there is an average of 150 pages of reading a week.