The concentration in Ancient History allows the student to focus on the process of continuity and change. Courses in Greek and Roman history provide a chronological overview while also introducing such topics as food security, women's experience and the cultural obsession with masculinity, personal prestige and political identity, power dyamics within slave societies, colonialism and cultural hegemony. Students work closely with a faculty member to develop their understanding of the methods of historical analysis, including hands-on experience with coins and inscriptions.
Ancient History majors learn to
1. Develop persuasive arguments concerning sources of historical information, distinguishing reliably between primary and secondary sources and between facts and assertions.
2. Effectively use information technology and digital media essential for the study of ancient history in the 21st century, such as geographical information systems, imaging techniques, and use of relevant databases
3. Make effective arguments both orally and in writing that demonstrate critical reading skills (such as evaluating scholarly arguments) and understanding of intellectual and/or ethical issues that arise from the study of Greek history and Roman history, including such questions as colonialism, cultural hegemony, and social hierarchies.
4. Effectively use subsidiary techniques for various modes of analysis in Classics, including archaeological methods, the study of texts in at least one ancient language, and other techniques such as the analysis of coins or inscriptions.
Requirements for the Major in Ancient History
Use this worksheet (pdf) to help select courses that fulfill the minor requirements. Students are encouraged to meet with a member of the faculty to discuss minor and course selections.
Requirements for the Minor in Ancient History
Use this worksheet (pdf) to help select courses that fulfill the minor requirements. Students are encouraged to meet with a member of the faculty to discuss minor and course selections.
Requirements for the Modified Major in Ancient History
Use this worksheet (pdf) to help select courses that fulfill the modified major requirements. Students are encouraged to meet with a member of the faculty to discuss modified major and course selections.