The concentration in Classical Archaeology provides extensive experience of the material remains of Greek and Roman culture, including sites, museums, and landscapes in Greece and/or Italy. Coursework supplies training in archaeological methods as well as a chronological overview of material culture from prehistoric Greece through the later Roman Empire. Hands-on work in Dartmouth's Hood Museum is a frequent component of these courses, as well as field trips to other museums in North America. Archaeology concentrators are also encouraged to apply for departmental support for participation in archaeological digs during their off terms.
Students electing this major are required to complete a specified set of courses, including:
1. an introductory classical archaeology course (CLST 6), to provide an overview of the chronology and geography of the ancient Mediterranean world and to introduce students to the methodologies of archaeology.
2. three additional courses in Classical Archaeology that establish a general knowledge of the material culture of the ancient Mediterranean world and/or explore contemporary issues and methodologies in the study of ancient artifacts (e.g. provenance and repatriation, imaging techniques).
3. one course in ancient history, to establish a general knowledge of ancient Greek and Roman history and introduce students to historial methodologies.
4. two courses from the Greece or Rome Foreign Study Programs, enabling on-location study of sites and artifacts.
5. two Greek or Latin courses at the intermediate or advanced level, to develop a working knowledge of one or both of the languages essential for research.
6. two additional courses that can develop skills and methodologies useful to and employed by Classical archaeologists.
All majors must also complete a Culminating Experience Requirement by doing one of the following: (a) completing a Senior Honors Project; (b) participating in a second Off-Campus Program within the Classics Department; (c) completing an independent study course in conjunction with a museum internship; or (d) taking an additional course from among the more advanced courses within the department (a list is provided), in conjunction with which they complete a substantial research project relating to the learning objectives of that course.
Requirements for the Major in Classical Archaeology
Use this worksheet (pdf) to help select courses that fulfill the major requirements. Students are encouraged to meet with a member of the faculty to discuss major and course selections.
Requirements for the Modified Major in Classical Archaeology
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.
Requirements for the Minor in Classical Archaeology
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.
Classical Archaeology majors learn to:
1. Effectively apply contextual skills to interpret objects, sites, physical structures, and landscapes, identifying specific features that convey information about the cultures from which they come.
2. Effectively use information technology and digital media essential for the study of archaeology 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 ancient Mediterranean archaeology, such as provenance questions, repatriation of museum artifacts, respect for present-day Mediterranean cultures and peoples.