The
Department of Classics encourages the study of the civilizations of Greece and
Rome. The study of Classics and Classical Civilization is an interdisciplinary
endeavor based on courses in languages, literature, history, archaeology,
philosophy, political science, religion, and art. The pursuit of classics and
classical civilization allows the acquisition of a liberal education by
examining humanistic values of the ancient world and their impact on the pre-modern
and the modern ages. Our majors find the study of the classics beneficial in
developing methodological and analytical thinking and most advantageous in
pursuing careers in higher education, law, management, medicine, government,
art, teaching at the high school and college levels, and in many other fields.Not surprisingly, studying the great authors
and orators of antiquity greatly enhances the written and oral communication
skills of our students.
At
Colby, the Department of Classics is thriving on a resurgence of interest in
classical languages and culture. Currently, nearly 40 students have declared
majors in classics and classical civilization, and nearly 20 more have declared
minors.These numbers make us one the
most successful Classics Departments in the country. The department offers
majors and minors in Classics and Classical Civilization, as well as majors in
Classics-English, Classical Civilization-English, and Classical Civilization-Anthropology.
The Classics major concentrates on language and literature in Greek, Latin, or
both. The Classical Civilization major encompasses all facets of classical
culture but students are not required to study the languages.
Our courses include beginning languages, careful reading
and analysis of major Greek and Latin texts, general courses on tragedy and
myth (read in English) and courses on ancient history and culture. Students
can choose to gain an overview of long periods of classical history, or study
shorter periods in great detail. Often, course subjects are closely related
to the research projects of the professors, so the class benefits from the
most up-to-date insights, even before publication! In class, we apply various
modern, even pioneering, theoretical approaches drawn from the disciplines of
anthropology, sociology, and literary criticism. Between the department's
offerings on language, literature, history, and culture, and the courses
offered by other departments on, for example, ancient philosophy, classical
art and architecture, Greek and Roman political thought, and ancient warfare,
students choose from an extensive array of courses. They can emphasize
different aspects of the curriculum to suit their individual tastes.
Through Colby's study abroad program, there is also the
opportunity to study in Greece or Italy in programs especially designed for
American students, as well as the possibility of experiencing field
archaeology through arrangement with other institutions. Many students in
both Classics and Classical Civilization have taken advantage of the
opportunity to study in Greece and Italy through programs especially designed
for American students. In Athens, the cradle of Western democracy, and the
birthplace of Greek Tragedy and Plato's Academy, Colby students can further
their studies while familiarizing themselves with the Acropolis and Agora. In
Rome, they can continue to pursue the ideals of a classical education and
walk the streets that millenia ago saw the likes of Augustus Caesar and Virgil
pass by.
