Department of Classical Studies

Mission Statements and Learning Objectives

DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICAL STUDIES

MISSION STATEMENTS AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES

December 2008

DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICAL STUDIES: DESCRIPTION AND AIMS

The ancient cultures of Greece and Rome are the foundation on which western civilization stands. The study of these ancient cultures should provide students with an historical perspective on and better understanding of the institutions, values, and intellectual frameworks of the world in which we live. Classical studies, which combines the methodological approaches of history, literary and cultural studies, archaeology, art history, law, and linguistics, represents approaches to the study of antiquity that are fundamentally interdisciplinary in character. Our students should gain an understanding not only of these various aspects of the ancient world but also of how the methodologies of these disciplines can work separately and together to widen and deepen our comprehension of human cultures in all periods.

This document contains mission statements and learning objectives for the following programs:

  • Undergraduate major in Classical Studies
  • Undergraduate major in Greek or Latin
  • Undergraduate minor in Classical Studies
  • Undergraduate minor in Greek or Latin
  • Master of Arts in Classics

MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE MAJOR IN CLASSICAL STUDIES

Through the major program in Classical Studies, we aim, first, to educate students in the ancient history and culture of the Mediterranean world through the study of ancient texts in translation and ancient material culture, and, second, to foster our students’ desire and ability to analyze critically the evidence on which our knowledge of the ancient Mediterranean is based.

Learning objectives:

  1. Knowledge of several fields relating to the history and culture of ancient Greece and/or Rome in the context of the greater Mediterranean world.
  2. Ability to analyze critically primary texts and material culture from the ancient Mediterranean world as well as secondary scholarship.
  3. Ability to complete successfully a project of research. This involves the following: development of a research topic, proficient skill with research methods, ability to document sources, articulation of a thesis relevant to the topic, evaluation and use of sources (primary and secondary) to argue for a point of view, and effective communication of arguments and conclusions.

MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE MAJORS IN GREEK AND LATIN

The acquisition of ancient Greek and Latin provides first-hand access to the texts of the ancient Mediterranean world and the early medieval period. In addition, the study of these ancient languages provides excellent training in logical analysis and a superior understanding of how languages function to convey meaning.

Learning objectives:

  1. Thorough knowledge of the grammatical and lexical skills needed for reading Greek and/or Latin.
  2. Ability to analyze critically ancient texts in Greek and/or Latin.
  3. Ability to complete successfully a project of research. This involves the following: articulation of a research topic, proficiency with research methods, ability to document sources, evaluation and use of sources (primary and secondary) to argue for a point of view, and effective communication of arguments and conclusions.

MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE MINOR IN CLASSICAL STUDIES

Through the minor program in Classical Studies, we aim, first, to introduce students to the ancient history and culture of the Mediterranean world through the study of ancient texts in translation and ancient material culture, and, second, to foster our students’ desire and ability to analyze critically the evidence on which our knowledge of the ancient Mediterranean is based.

Learning objectives:

  1. Knowledge of several fields relating to the history and culture of ancient Greece and/or Rome in the context of the greater Mediterranean world.
  2. Ability to analyze critically the texts and material culture of the ancient Mediterranean world.
  3. Ability to articulate in reasoned exposition how a process of critical analysis has been carried out and what conclusions have been reached.

MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE MINORS IN GREEK AND LATIN

The acquisition of ancient Greek and Latin provides first-hand access to the texts of the ancient Mediterranean world and the early medieval period. In addition, the study of these ancient languages provides excellent training in logical analysis and a superior understanding of how languages function to convey meaning.

Learning objectives:

  1. Thorough knowledge of the grammatical and lexical skills needed for reading Greek and/or Latin.
  2. Ability to analyze critically ancient texts in Greek and/or Latin.
  3. Ability to explain in reasoned exposition how a process of critical analysis has been carried out and what conclusions have been reached.

MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS IN CLASSICS

The MA in Classics serves two primary purposes: (1) to prepare students for entry into a PhD program in Classics or a related field, and (2) to prepare students for teaching Latin, Greek, and the history and culture of the ancient Mediterranean world in secondary schools.

Learning objectives:

  1. Advanced knowledge of the grammatical and lexical skills needed for reading Greek and Latin.
  2. Knowledge of several fields relating to the history and culture of ancient Greece and/or Rome in the context of the greater Mediterranean world.
  3. Ability to analyze critically primary texts and material culture from the ancient Mediterranean world and secondary scholarship.
  4. Ability to complete successfully a substantial research project. This involves the following: articulation of a research topic, proficiency with research methods, ability to document sources, evaluation and use of sources (primary and secondary) to argue for a point of view, and effective communication of arguments and conclusions.