Goals of the Program
Through the study of primary material (Latin and Greek texts, in the original or in translation; archaeological and art historical artifacts), students gain an appreciation for ancient societies that continue to inform our own. Students must not only master basic factual material, but also learn how to synthesize sometimes disparate material. The program provides a serious intellectual foundation for work in any field and for life-long learning.
Students will be able to read, translate and interpret ancient Greek and Latin texts at an advanced level.
Students will be able to research, synthesize, and draw reasoned arguments from the evidence of literature, history, philosophy, art and archaeology. Please click here for Classics writing rubrics.
A majority of students will experience antiquity first-hand by successfully completing an optional overseas study academic experiences (for example, College Year in Athens and the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies at Rome).
Students will complete independent research projects.
Classics within the Broader Educational Environment
Significant elements of the Program’s curriculum address the following university-wide general education objective(s):
- enhanced understanding of written and spoken English
- competence in analytical and critical thinking
- ability to access and evaluate bibliographic and other systems of stored data and information, including electronic resources
- proficiency in a classical or modern language other than English at the fourth-semester level (SU language requirement)
- an understanding of other cultural traditions in order to expand students’ cultural experience and provide fresh perspectives on their own cultural assumptions and traditions
- an understanding of human experiences and cultures through close reading and critical analysis of our histories, literatures, languages, ideas and values