Classics and Archaeology
The Department of Classics and Archaeology seeks to provide the student with a deeper understanding of the literary and cultural foundations of western societies by exploring their roots in the Greek and Roman classical traditions. Our archaeological offerings extend these investigations of early European cultures to their Near Eastern background and include the hands-on study of ancient artifacts. The combined study of the languages, literature, religion, and material cultures of the ancient Greece, Rome, and the Near East offers the student a wide-ranging and well-rounded preparation in critical thinking, analytical skills, and writing and prepares the student to contextualize the immense achievements of the past in the modern world. Because of the broad humanistic nature of the programs in Classics and Archaeology, there emerge fundamental questions about what it means to be a human being in society, thus the courses in the department offer many interdisciplinary connections with philosophy, theological studies, history, political science, theater, film studies, and other academic fields.
What Do Classics and Archeology Majors Do?
As a Classics and Archaeology Major, the student will:
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge of ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Civilizations, including such areas as their history, literature (in the original or in translation), and their material culture.
- Be able to critically analyze the cultures of the Mediterranean and Near Eastern world and place them in social and historical contexts, both ancient and modern.
- Develop writing, research and communication skills that are articulate, thoughtful and effective.
Is This Major Right For You?
You might be a Classics and Archaeology major if you:
- Are thinking of a legal or medical career
- Enjoy learning about ancient myths, history, philosophy, religion
- Are passionate about language
- Are interested in the creative retelling of ancient stories in theatre and film
Representative Courses
Our offered courses have included:
- Elementary Greek
- Elementary Latin
- Greek Tragedy in Performance
- Archaeology Methods and Techniques
- Ancient Near East
- Classical and Near Eastern Myths
- Greek and Roman Religions
- Introduction to near Eastern Religions
- The Bible and Archaeology
- Classical Hellenism, Race, and Ethnicity
- Ancient World and Film
- Representations of Greece: Ancient and Modern