Classical Studies

The concentration in Classical Studies is a less specialized liberal arts major that combines elements of language and literature, ancient history, classical archaeology, and other topics relating to Greek and Roman culture. Classical Studies concentrators are not required to include the study of Greek or Latin in their program, although such study is certainly encouraged. This concentration is also a good choice for combining with a major in another department and may easily be modified for a more individualized educational program.

Students electing this major are required to complete a specified set of courses, including:

1. two prerequisite courses, to introduce ancient Greece and Rome and the methodologies scholars employ in studying these cultures.
2. two courses in ancient history, to establish a general knowledge of ancient Greek and Roman history and introduce students to historical methodologies.
3. two courses in Classical archaeology, to establish a general knowledge of ancient Greek and Roman material culture and introduce students to archaeological methodologies.
4. two courses in Classical literature, philosophy, and religion, to establish a general knowledge of languages, literature, and systems of though in ancient Greece and Rome and introduce students to the methodologies used in studying that subject matter.
5. two additional courses that can extend the student's knowledge, skills, and methodologies for the study of Greco-Roman antiquity.

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.

Classical Studies 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 apply contextual skills to interpret objects, sites, physical structures, and landscapes, identifying specific features that convey information about the cultures from which they come.
3. Identify intellectual and cultural issues that emerge from the study of ancient texts and describe some formal characteristics of such texts.
4. Effectively use information technology and digital media essential for the study of various subdisciplines of Classics in the 21st century, such as geographical information systems, article databases, and research databases.
5. 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 cultures (such as the production and preservation of ancient text and objects; colonialism, cultural hegemony, and social hierarchies; respect for present-day Mediterranean cultures and peoples.