Discussion of the Classics Bolsters New Ideas

February 17, 2008
by E. Rose Scarff

Classics and ancient studies are alive and well in Baltimore. With four renowned and unique schools to choose from, students can pursue their interests, whether they plan to study classics or ancient studies at graduate level or are just looking for an interesting minor or second major.
The work is rigorous, but the rewards are great. Through study of the classics, students learn to read closely, think, respond to new ideas, express themselves and convince others. These skills are useful both in school and in the working world. Joseph Walsh, Ph.D., chair of the classics department at Loyola College of Maryland, is particularly proud that three recent double-major graduates of the classics department won the top honors prize in their other major – chemistry, philosophy and psychology.

Some of the most delightful, enlightening and revolutionary works in literature can be found in the classics. Whether read in the original Latin or Greek or in translation, students are introduced to ideas that gave birth to democracy and laid the foundations for Western Civilization. A recent graduate in ancient studies at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Joe Howley, who plans graduate study in classics, shares on the school’s Web site: “UMBC allowed me to pursue my interests in journalism as well as the ancient world, which is great, because they really aren’t that different. They’re both forms of storytelling and ways of learning about people.”

Since many classics majors are double majors, the study of the ancient world can enlighten and complement their other studies. “Classics study is interdisciplinary by its very nature,” says Sister Therese Marie Dougherty, classical studies coordinator at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. “You can’t study Latin without also studying history, biography, literature, art and architecture.”

The ancient studies (ANCS) department at UMBC has been interdisciplinary from its beginnings. “At most universities, students find classes in ancient languages and literature in the classics department, ancient art and architecture in the art department and ancient history in the history department,” says Jay Freyman, Ph.D., associate professor of ancient studies at UMBC, “but classes in all these subjects can be found in UMBC’s ancient studies department.”

Comprised of a faculty with diverse specialties, the department can offer a holistic approach to study of early Western Civilization. Together the professors combine practical field experience with creative teaching methods. Even technology has been integrated into ANCS. Web sites like the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae, which is a computerization of Greek texts through Byzantine times, are used to research ideas.

ANCS also sponsors a study/travel program to provide opportunities to participate in digs at ancient sites, either as part of a semester abroad or during the summer. Department funds are available for student travel scholarships.

Loyola College of Maryland features two paths for those interested in classics. A classical civilization major takes courses taught in translation through the departments of history, literature, art, etc. Classics majors do the same, but are also required to take upper level courses in Latin and Greek.

Most impressively, students in Loyola’s classics department have written and published their ownbook in conjunction with students at Apprentice House Student Book Publishing (AHSBP), in the communications department. A recent advanced Latin class did a translation of Perpetua’s Passion, an account of the martyrdom of Christians in Roman Carthage around 200 A.D., which contains a prison diary that is the oldest surviving writing by a Christian woman. AHSBP students designed the book, working diligently through each step in the production process. Loyola’s classics department has two similar projects currently underway with AHSBP.

The College of Notre Dame of Maryland’s classical studies department is small but very active. Although most of students enter fields other than the classics after graduation, Dougherty has created a bi-annual institute for teachers of Latin, funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, which covers program and travel costs for the participants. This summer’s five-week program features nationally known guest lecturers during the first week spent on Notre Dame’s campus. The next four weeks will be spent in Italy.

            The theme of this year’s institute is “Houses of Mortals and Gods: Latin Literature in Context.” Through literature and architecture, the private and public life of ancient Romans will be explored. “The program is demanding,” says Dougherty, “but worth every bit of the energy put into it.” Former institutes have been described as an amazing adventure that brings the Roman world to life for their Latin classes for years to come.

Johns Hopkins University is the only school in the area to offer a graduate degree in classics.

A Classics or Ancient Studies Major Can Present a Student with Unique and Interesting Learning Experiences at Home and Abroad

Although the undergraduate program is geared toward continued graduate study in the classics, most students are double majors. A large portion of these are pre-med students, as well as engineering students and hard science (chemistry, etc.) majors who go on to graduate study their fields.

“However,” says Alan Shapiro, Ph.D., chair of the classics department at Johns Hopkins University, “recently one engineering student found that he loved the classics so much he changed his major and is planning graduate study in the classics.” Another recent grad has done well in business and has created an endowment for the study of classics.
Hopkins sponsors a semester abroad in Rome and also a program for undergraduate independent study in Greece during the summer. With an advisor’s help, a student writes a proposal for the project and receives a grant for the study if accepted.

A classics or ancient studies major can present a student with unique and interesting learning experiences, at home and abroad. However, if you prefer to sit in the back of the class and say nothing, this major is not for you. Most classes are small and you are expected to participate. But the opportunity for individual attention from your professors is invaluable. It also comes in handy when it is time to apply for jobs or graduate school. Are you ready for the challenge?

Return to "News and Events" page

Back to Top