Mission Statement:
The Departments of Classics and Religion offer an interdisciplinary major in Ancient Studies, which concentrates on the cultures of the Ancient Mediterranean world from the second millennium BCE up to the rise of Islam: their religions, languages, literatures, philosophies, art and history. There are three tracks to this major: the Hebrew track, the Greco-Roman track, and the New Testament track.
Students are required to study at least one ancient language (Hebrew, Greek, Latin) and to be able to apply that language in a required two-semester independent research project. In preparation for this independent research project, each track requires students to take 6 courses relevant to the ancient world, choosing courses from those offered in the departments of Classics, Religion, Art and Philosophy. See list of approved electives below.
Hebrew Track
(for students who enter with a knowledge of Hebrew):
- 2 Hebrew Bible courses with enhanced components in the study of the language (Religion 109 and 209)
- 6 additional approved elective courses including:
- at least 2 courses in the Classics Department at or above the 200 level
- at least 2 courses at the 300 level
- 2 semester senior Independent Project.
|
Greco-Roman Track
- 2 courses in either Latin or Greek at or beyond the 200 level
- 6 additional approved elective courses including:
- at least 2 appropriate courses in the Religion Department
- at least 2 courses at the 300 level
- 2 semester senior Independent Project.
|
New Testament Track
- 2 NT courses with enhanced components in the study of the language (Religion 110, 210)
- 6 additional approved elective courses including:
- at least 1 course in Classics at or above the 200 level
- at least 1 course in Hebrew Bible (Religion 109 or 209)
- at least 1 other appropriate course in the Religion Department
- at least 2 courses at the 300 level
- 2 semester senior Independent Project.
|
Approved elective courses
- Art 273 Greek Art and Architecture, Art 274 Roman Art and Architecture
- Any course in the Classics Department at or above the 200 level
- Philosophy 203 Ancient Philosophy
- Approved courses in the Religion Department are those that feature any of the cultures of the Ancient Mediterranean, including Religion 109, 110, 204, 209, 210, 310, 316, 322
|
Students are strongly encouraged to take a junior semester or year abroad, or to participate in a summer archaeological program. Substitutions for the above requirements may be allowed for those who undertake them by permission of the advisor.
