Department Goals and Learning Objectives

The major and minor in Classical Studies focuses on the histories and cultures of Greco-Roman antiquity within their context in the ancient Mediterranean. Courses cover the ancient languages, histories, rhetoric, law and politics, literary and performance arts, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, and modern receptions of antiquity. They encourage creativity, civic and social awareness, critical and analytical inquiry, ethical reasoning, and embracing global perspectives.

The minor in Greek focuses on the ancient Greek language within its cultural and historical context, beginning in the 8th century BCE through the 2nd century CE. The study of Greek language enables students to read in the original language works of literature that have deeply influenced the modern world, including Homer, Herodotus, the New Testament, Plato, Hippocrates, orators, and tragic and comic playwrights.

The minor in Latin focuses on the Latin language within the cultural context of ancient Rome from its origins as a small village in central Italy, through its transformation into a Mediterranean empire that spanned three continents and diverse populations. The study of Latin enables students to read major Roman authors such as Vergil, Ovid, Cicero, Tacitus, Plautus and others in their original language, while also exploring them within their historical contexts and as a foundation for many modern European languages and cultures.

Classical studies majors and Classical Studies, Greek and Latin minors should learn both content knowledge of the ancient Mediterranean, the Greek and Latin languages, and various modes and methods of inquiry and analysis used to study them. Students engaged in the academic study of Classical Studies, Greek, and Latin will:

  • Learn to write clearly and convincingly
  • Develop strong oral communications skills
  • Learn different approaches to engaging human diversity in global contexts
  • Develop intermediate ability in reading either ancient Greek or Latin
  • Learn to interpret texts and other artifacts in their historical and other contexts
  • Develop interdisciplinary approaches and methods for engaging diverse types of sources including literary, visual, and physical evidence
  • Develop ethical and moral reasoning through the study of complex societies
  • Develop civic awareness through the study of ancient governments and societies that have served as a reference for many modern civic institutions
  • Understand how ancient Greek and Roman societies have influenced and continue to influence the modern world