For more than 2,000 years, classical civilization has influenced the institutions, languages, literature, and arts of many nations. Indeed, the ancient Greeks and Romans created much of the political and intellectual questioning still with us today. To take only one example, the US Constitution rested in part on the founders’ deep respect for the literature and history of ancient Greece and Rome. The study of classics therefore provides access to the thoughts, achievements, and ways of life of the ancient Greeks and Romans, but also treats material relevant to the study of many cultures across the ages.It is also true that some elements of the classical world are abhorrent, such as the institution of slavery, to take an obvious example. The study of classics, then, does not entail mindless admiration for the “greats” of the past; on the contrary, it fosters critical investigation of that past in all of its glory and all of its problems. We also seek to acknowledge and confront the abuse of the classical tradition by those who have enlisted it to promote racism and elitism. Through our courses, students will engage with some of the most profound thinkers and writers of human history, but they will also learn about the contributions of the “forgotten” voices from the past, of enslaved people, of women, of conquered foreigners, and of other marginalized peoples.A major in Classical Civilization provides a superb foundation for students interested in comparative literature, archaeology, linguistics, philosophy, religion, and a wide range of other humanistic disciplines; it also provides a solid foundation for law school or medical school. Many of our majors use their classical studies degree as a foundation for careers in other fields, such as law, business, medicine, or communications. The classical studies major teaches students to read, write, and think clearly and enables them to deal from a critical perspective with the ethical and moral issues raised by a professional career.Learning OutcomesStudents majoring in Classical Civilization should be able to:Demonstrate broad understanding of the history and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.Read with comprehension works of Ancient Greek andor Latin poetry and prose, either in the original or in English translation, demonstrating understanding of genre, style, and cultural context.Communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, ideas about the ancient world and its products.Demonstrate an understanding of the influence of classical culture on other historical periods.
