Ancient and Classical Studies
Ancient and classical studies is the study of ancient Greece and Rome as well as of other cultures that influenced and impacted those societies. You will examine the language, literature, art, history, religion and culture of ancient Greece and Rome as well as Persia, Britain, Egypt and Gaul, among others.
Ancient Greece and Rome are important in that these civilizations have had a profound impact on the development of western culture, both positive (theatre, architecture, law, medicine) and negative (patriarchy, racism, classism). To study the ancient past is to study the roots of our own society. At the same time, there are deep differences between the ancient world and our own. Learning about the lives and experiences of others broadens your intellectual horizons. This is especially true as scholars have sought to fill in the gaps of social history by focusing on those members of society who were traditionally marginalized, including women, children and slaves.
Finally, it has become increasingly relevant for us to understand the ways in which ancient Greece and Rome are still relevant in today’s global society.
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Beyond the relics: wrestling with ethical issues
There are many ways of engaging with the ancient past beyond the traditional classroom. Through research with our faculty and off-campus study programs, you can travel the world to learn more about the societies we study.
Off-campus study
You will have opportunities to gain research experience and study subjects like Greek, Latin, archaeology, politics and art. Our students apply their studies in a variety of locations around the globe.
Hike across England
In this research experience, you can hike all 84 miles of Hadrian’s Wall path in northern England while using digital storytelling techniques to investigate the politics of “place” and border walls.
Our faculty
Our faculty’s research interests range from ancient magic and religion to archaeology and museum collections.