Currently viewing 2011-12 bulletin

Faculty: J. Hartnett***, I. Köster, D. Kubiak (chair), M. Sears

***Sabbatical leave, full year

The Classics Department offers students two approaches to the study of the ancient world. First, students can emphasize the study of Greek or Latin language and literature. Second, students can explore Greece and Rome in non-language courses falling into the broad categories of ancient literature, ancient history, and art & archaeology. If students wish to pursue their studies of the ancient world more deeply, they can major or minor in any of three areas, Latin, Greek, and classical civilization, according to the schemes described below.  The Classics Department encourages students interested in Greece and Rome to experiece its physical remains directly through study abroad or immersion trips.

Courses in the Classics Department seek to help students to

(in Latin and Greek courses)

• Gain understanding of an ancient literature and culture through the study of its language
• Develop a better understanding of English by studying its Greek and Latin roots

(in all courses)

• Appreciate and enjoy aspects of Greek and Roman culture
• Gain a broad sense of Greek and Roman culture by studying literature, mythology, art, architecture, and social and political history
• Develop perspective on their own beliefs by discovering how Greeks and Romans struggled with questions about divinity, life and death, sexuality and gender, social and political justice, and the like
• Study the historical contexts out of which there developed such fundamental Western institutions as the Christian religion and representative democracy
• Learn skills of critical thinking such as reading and interpreting difficult texts, generating information about them through research, solving problems about them and answering questions they raise, and presenting their findings to others orally and in writing

A major concentration in Greek will normally consist of four Greek courses beyond the elementary (Greek 101, 102) level, two courses in Latin beyond the elemtary (Latin 101, 102) level, plus Greek 400. Majors in Greek should also consider taking some of the following related courses: History 211, 310 (when applicable), Classics 101, 102, 103, 105, 111 (when applicable) 112 (when applicable), 113 (when applicable) 211 (when applicable), 212 (when applicable), 213 (when applicable), Philosophy 140, 249 (when applicable), Political Science 330 (when applicable), Rhetoric 320.

Requirements for the Greek minor: Four courses beyond the Greek 101, 102 level.

A major concentration in Latin will normally consist of four Latin courses beyond the elementary (Latin 101,102) level, two courses in Greek beyond the elementary (Greek 101, 102) level, plus Latin 400. All majors in Latin should also consider choosing some of the following related courses: History 212, 310 (when applicable), Classics 104, 106, 111 (when applicable) , 113 (when applicable), 211 (when applicable), 212 (when applicable), 213 (when applicable), Political Science 330 (when applicable), Rhetoric 320.

Requirements for the Latin minor: Four courses beyond the Latin 101,102 level.

A major in Classical Civilization: emphasizes the study of Greek and Roman civilizations and requires appreciably less work in language. Students choosing this major might focus on Art and Archaeology, Ancient History, Greek and Roman Literature, or Philosophy. Requirements for the major are: five courses, at least one of which requires a prerequisite (Latin and Greek courses beyond the 102 level may count as part of the five courses); one course in Greek or Latin beyond the elementary (101, 102) level (this course does not count toward the five courses listed above); Classics 400; courses in ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy, Ancient Rhetoric (RHE 320) and Ancient Political Theory (PSC 330) (when applicable) also count toward the major.

Requirements for the minor are: Five courses, at least one of which requires a prerequisite. Minors in Classics should consult with the department chair as soon as possible to discuss the coherence of their minor. Greek or Latin courses at the 102 level and above also count toward the minor.

Comprehensive Examinations in the Classics Department examine students in one of the three areas (Classical Civilization, Latin, or Greek) in which they choose to major within the department. The examinations are made up by the department after consulting the range of courses each student presents for his major and test both general knowledge in the area he chooses and specific knowledge over the selection of the courses he presents.

An Area of Concentration in Education and Middle and High School Teaching licensure (grades 5-12) with this major is administered through the Teacher Education Program. For Education AOC and teaching licensure information, please see the Teacher Education section of the Academic Bulletin. Students are asked to consult with their academic advisor AND the Director of Teacher Education to learn more about course and licensure requirements.