Dr. Hans-Peder Hanson at the Coliseum in Rome. Hanson will teach Roman Civilization and Greek Mythology at UNM-LA during the fall semester. Courtesy/Hans Hanson
UNM-LA News:
UNM-LA is pleased to welcome Dr. Hans-Peder Hanson a core faculty member in Classics and as the Program Coordinator in General Studies. Hanson earned his Ph.D. in Classics from the University of Washington, with a focus on ancient Greek and Latin literature. He also teaches Latin at Los Alamos High School.
Hanson enjoys providing classroom instruction, and encouraging the students to consider things from different perspectives. He introduces ideas, then leads the class into discussions, sharing his enthusiasm for the subject. “The advantage of real-time discussions,” said Hanson, “is that students can question each other, and build on each other’s ideas.”
During the fall semester, Hanson is teaching Roman Civilization and Greek Mythology.
Roman Civilization (CLST 205) will meet 2-3:15 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. The course covers the period from the founding of Rome in 753 BC to the fall of the Western Empire in 475 AD. Hanson will introduce various aspects of ancient Rome, including history, literature, art and archeology.
The textbook for the course provides excerpts from Latin literature. The founding of Rome is studied in mythological terms, from Aeneas to Romulus and Remus. Hanson will introduce different interpretations of this history, and will challenge the students to find similarities and differences between today’s society and that of the ancient Romans.
Two different sections of Greek Mythology (CLST107) will be offered. A Monday/Wednesday section meets 2:15-3:30 p.m., and a Tuesday/Thursday section meets 12:30-1:45 p.m. For thousands of years, Greek myths have inspired plays and operas, art and literature; today they live on in movies and video games as well.
The texts for the course include plays by Euripides and a Phillip Freeman’s “Oh My Gods”, a contemporary retelling of the most popular Greek myths. Hanson will also compare the Greek myths to similarly themed myths from other cultures.
For information about registering for classes, call 505.662.5919 or visit Student Services in Building 1 on the UNM-LA campus. Classes begin Aug. 20.
UNM-Los Alamos is an innovative, rigorous, and affordable comprehensive branch community college that provides foundations for transfer, leading-edge career programs, and lifelong learning opportunities. More information about UNM – Los Alamos is available at losalamos.unm.edu.
