Academic Bulletin Classics - 2012-13

Currently viewing 2012-13 bulletin

Faculty: J. Hartnett (Chair), D. Kubiak, M. Sears

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 an 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 consist of at least seven courses: four Greek courses beyond the elementary (GRK 101, 102) level, two courses in Latin beyond the elemtary (LAT 101, 102) level, and GRK 400. Majors in Greek should also consider taking some related courses which provide a broader context for students' studies of ancient language and literature: HIS 211, 310, CLA 101, 102, 103, 105, 111, 112, 113, 211, 212, 213, PHI 140, 249, PSC 330, and RHE 320. CLA 103 and 105 are especially encouraged because of their emphasis on chronology.

Requirements for the Greek minor: Five courses beyond the GRK 101 level.

A major concentration in Latin will consist of at least seven courses: four Latin courses beyond the elementary (LAT 101,102) level, two courses in Greek beyond the elementary (GRK 101, 102) level, and LAT 400. Majors in Latin should also consider choosing some of the following related courses: HIS 212, 310, CLA 104, 106, 111,113, 211, 212, 213, PSC 330, RHE 320. CLA 104 and 106 are especially enouraged because of their emphasis on chronology.

Requirements for the Latin minor: Five courses beyond the LAT 101 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. The major will consist of at least seven courses: 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); and one course in Greek or Latin beyond the elementary (101, 102) level (this course does not count toward the five courses listed above); CLA 400. Courses in ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy, Ancient Rhetoric, Ancient Political Theory, and Ancient Religions also count toward the major.

Requirements for the Classical Civilizations minor are: Five courses, at least one of which requires a prerequisite. Minors in Classic Civilizations 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, Greek, or Latin) 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.