CLAS 205 G — Bioscientific Vocabulary
Winter 2025
Instructor: Suh Young Choi
Department Course Coordinator: Professor James Clauss
Email: jjc@uw.edu
COURSE AIMS:
Anyone interested in the biological and natural sciences will more than likely run into Greek and Latin stems at some point in their studies. (You saw at least four in "biological and natural sciences" alone!) This course is designed to help students master the scientific vocabulary of their particular field by a study of the Latin and Greek roots that are used to create the majority of scientific terms. In addition, you will explore science and medicine in the Ancient Mediterranean, as well as how the Greco-Roman scientific tradition has contributed to modern methods of scientific inquiry and theory. In other words, how come modern science is so full of ancient language?
This course has four primary goals:
- To improve your understanding of bioscientific vocabulary through pattern recognition and practice with word formation
- To give you familiarity with Greek and Latin stems and their meanings so you can identify and interpret unfamiliar terms
- To introduce you to high-level concepts relating to the Latin and Greek languages, and to the role that the Ancient Mediterranean has played in shaping modern science
- To provide a framework for discussing scientific topics and technical jargon
You will learn to assess the meaning of words by breaking them down into component parts that derive from Latin and ancient Greek. By the end of the quarter you should be at ease in interpreting rare medical or scientific terminology.
How can I be successful in this course?
CLAS 205 requires a great deal of memorization. Keep in mind that this is first and foremost a vocabulary class, and you will need a systematic way to memorize a lot of new vocabulary each week. You should also make sure to keep up with assignments and review the contents of each lesson regularly.
But I don't know any Latin or Greek!
That's OK! In fact, that's expected-- you don't need to know any Latin or Greek to succeed in this class. (That's also why I'm here as your instructor!)
Do I need to buy any books?
Nope! For the online offering of CLAS 205, we will be hosting readings on our course website (forthcoming!) instead of a traditional textbook.
**If you are planning to take the in-person section, you will need this textbook: Donald M. Ayers, Bioscientific Terminology: Words from Latin and Greek Stems (The University of Arizona Press). The textbook can be purchased at the University bookstore for about $25.