Classics Minor
As a classics minor, you will gain unique access to the lives and thoughts of ancient Greek and Roman people by studying the Greek and/or Latin languages and reading ancient texts in the original. You will learn to interpret diverse ancient literary and historical writings as you gain a deep understanding of the world they came from. Classics majors explore big questions about power, gender, art, religion, education, cultural change, and more, and develop valuable critical and writing skills.
sample courses:
The myths of ancient Greece are not only inherently interesting, but they are an incomparable starting point for the study of the ancient world, and they have offered numerous images and paradigms to poets, artists, and theorists. This course provides an introduction to the major Greek myths, their role in literature and art, their historical and social background, and ancient and modern approaches to their interpretation. Student work will include discussing course material in sections and online, taking two exams covering both the myths themselves and the ancient authors who represent our richest sources, and writing several essays interpreting or comparing ancient literary treatments.
An examination of the high-water marks of philosophy in ancient Greece and Rome, focusing primarily on Plato and Aristotle. A wide range of philosophical problems will be discussed, including the nature of the good life, the justification of knowledge, and the ultimate nature of mind and world. Attention will be paid to how these problems unfolded in their historical context and to how the ancient treatments of them compare to contemporary efforts.
