Departments, Programs and Centers
Departments
World Languages and Cultures
- Director: Lecturer Martina Dalinghaus.
- Assistant Professor: Elizabeth Wolfram Thill
- Professor Emeritus: Robert F. Sutton Jr.
- Academic Advising: Cavanaugh Hall 545, (317) 278-3654 or (317) 274-0062
- Website: liberalarts.iupui.edu/wlac/undergraduate/classical_studies
Classical studies is an interdisciplinary field, examining the vanished civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome and their languages. Although the study of the Greek and Latin languages no longer holds a central place in a university curriculum, the art, literature, and intellectual traditions of the classical world remain basic to Western civilization. Today’s student may encounter the classical world through the many fine translations available, the physical evidence of art and archaeology, and the study of the Greek and Latin languages themselves. Courses are offered in four areas: classical archaeology, classical civilization, and each of the classical languages, ancient Greek and Latin.
Classical Archaeology
These courses focus on the art and archaeology of Greece and Italy, as well as the nearby lands affected by their civilization from earliest times through the end of the Roman world. Advanced work in the field leads to careers in archaeological research, museums, and teaching. These interdisciplinary courses may be of special interest to students in anthropology, history, and the history of art. Courses in classical archaeology require no knowledge of the Greek and Latin languages.
Classical Civilization
These general courses in the literature, history, culture, and intellectual traditions of ancient Greece and Rome require no knowledge of Greek or Latin. Such courses provide valuable background to students in a number of fields and may be especially attractive to those planning to teach English, history, or related areas. In addition to the courses listed below, other relevant courses include History C386 and C388 and Philosophy P307.
The Classical Languages
The study of ancient Greek or Latin, like that of any foreign language, provides the most direct means for understanding and appreciating the thought of another culture. The traditional emphasis on formal grammar and vocabulary in teaching the classical languages has long proven valuable for students wishing to improve their English language skills.
Ancient Greek
Study of ancient Greek allows students direct access to masterpieces of Greek literature, historical sources, and the New Testament, while opening up a limited number of careers in teaching, mostly at the university level. For ancient Greek literature in translation, see the listings under "Classical Civilization."
IUPUI students may take courses in Ancient Greek at Butler University and in New Testament (Koine) Greek at the University of Indianapolis through the Consortium of Urban Education (CUE). There is a narrow window for registration each semester.
Latin
Studying Latin allows students direct access to masterpieces of Latin literature and ancient historical sources, as well as ecclesiastical and other materials of the postclassical age. Knowledge of Latin is useful for students of English, modern languages, and history, and can lead to careers in teaching at various levels. A shortage of Latin teachers at the secondary level may make this an attractive second area for students in education. For Latin literature in translation, see the listings under "Classical Civilization."
IUPUI students may take advanced courses in Latin at Butler University through the Consortium of Urban Education (CUE). There is a narrow window for registration each semester.
Study Abroad
Students have the opportunity to study in Greece through an arrangement between Indiana University Overseas Study and College Year at Athens (CYA). Students may receive IU credit for study in Greece at CYA for a semester, an entire academic year, or the summer. Program faculty regularly offer a short summer course in Athens; students may stay on to take an anthropology service learning course on modern Greece taught on the island of Paros. For information, contact the IUPUI Office of Overseas Study or consult its Web site at http://abroad.iupui.edu/, ES 2129B, IUPUI, (317) 274-2081. Scholarships and grants are available to help students participate in these programs.
Individualized Major in Classical Studies
Students may design a major in Classical Studies through the School of Liberal Arts Individualized Major Program. Such a major, if properly designed, should allow good students to gain admission to graduate programs in classical studies or classical archaeology and to pursue careers in the field. Students interested in planning an individualized major in classical studies should consult the Director of the Program in Classical Studies and the Director of the Individualized Major Program as early as possible in their academic careers.
Minors in Classical Studies, Ancient Greek, and Latin
A minor in classical studies, ancient Greek, or Latin can be an attractive complement to many majors, particularly history, English, and other foreign languages.
The minor in classical studies consists of at least 15 credit hours in classical archaeology, classical civilization, ancient Greek, Latin, or related courses approved by the Program Director (a minimum of 6 credit hours must be completed on the IUPUI campus). Students may wish to design concentrations in areas of particular interest (e.g., classical art and archaeology or Greek or Roman civilization). At least 6 credit hours must be taken at the 300 level or higher; no more than 3 credit hours of ancient Greek or Latin at the 100 level may be counted. Up to 6 credit hours may be taken in related fields, including History C386, History C388, and Philosophy P307.
Minors in ancient Greek or Latin should include at least 12 credit hours in the language at the 200 level or higher, and 3 credit hours in a related culture or history course. Students interested in graduate study in classical studies are encouraged to learn to read French and German prior to beginning graduate work.