Classical Studies Minor
The Department of Classical Studies combines literary and cultural studies, history, archaeology, art history, law, ancient political thought, philosophy, and the reception of classical antiquity to offer a program of study that is fundamentally interdisciplinary in character. Through investigation of the diverse cultures of the Greek, Roman, and ancient Mediterranean worlds, our students gain an understanding not only of various aspects of the ancient world but also of how the methodologies of different disciplines can work separately and together to widen and deepen our comprehension of human cultures in all periods. Moreover, our faculty are committed to engaging students in developing lifelong skills, including critical reading, evidence-based research, and effective writing.
Faculty in the department have expertise in Roman law, economy, and social history, Greek and Latin literature, Aegean Bronze Age archaeology, history and archaeology of the Hellenistic world, Roman art and archaeology, and ancient philosophy and science. The department offers general courses on Greek and Roman literature, culture, history, and archaeology, along with more in-depth courses on topics such as Knossos, Roman law, the archaeology of ancient Israel, race from antiquity to the US, early Christianity, ancient science, Etruscans and early Rome, ancient leadership, and Graeco-Roman Utopias and the Colonial Americas.