Our culture is profoundly rooted in classical civilization. Our literature, political system, art, language, values and philosophy are all, in a sense, either developments from, improvements upon, or reactions to the legacy of the ancients. The Classics department at Loyola is devoted to the study of Greek and Roman civilizations in all their manifestations. Those who major in Classics are required to take a certain number of language courses in Greek and Latin for graduation. Majors and minors in Classical Civilization divide their work between language classes and civilization classes taught in English. But many of the students in Classics courses are not majors or minors; students from throughout the college take our courses. Some of these are minors: we have a large number of students who complete their language requirement in Latin or Greek and take the few other courses required to graduate with a minor in Classics while completing a major in another department. We offer a broad range of courses: - Language classes in Greek and Latin from the introductory to advanced level which focus on reading and discussing carefully the texts of the ancient world.
- One upper level Latin course per semester (occasionally two).
- Upper level Greek courses as required by our students.
- A number of courses in translation that are cross-listed in the departments and programs of History, English, Fine Arts, Gender Studies and Catholic Studies.
- In any given semester we offer two History 300-level courses (usually one on Roman and one on Greek history)
- Every semester we also offer one 200-level English "Great Books" course which focuses on the literature of the Greeks and Romans and is read in translation.
- In addition to the above, every semester we also teach one other cross-listed course, e.g. Introduction to Ancient Art (cross-listed in Fine Arts) or Persecution of the Christians in the Roman World (cross-listed in Catholic Studies and History).
***The savvy student can use these cross-listed courses to complete a number of core requirements in other departments while completing a minor or major in Classics. Classics is interdisciplinary
Classics as an academic discipline really consists of several subspecialties, including history, literature, art, archaeology, philosophy, linguistics, and language. It is thus the perfect complement to a great variety of other studies, and students in the Classics often major or minor in other departments. For example: - Pre-medical students sometimes major or minor in Classics to add distinction to their applications for medical school.
- A Classics major or minor is also an excellent preparation for law school.
Classics at Loyola focuses on the individual student
The Classics faculty is especially attuned to students. All upper division Latin and all Greek courses are small and intimate and thus uniquely interactive. The department's friendly atmosphere, with its Classics Club and informal get-togethers, reflects this classroom intimacy. - Students tend to get to know their Classics faculty better than any other of their professors.
- This personal contact can be a great bonus when it comes time to apply to jobs or graduate or professional schools.
Classics can help you in other areas
The study of the Classics imparts the ability to read accurately and perceptively; to use and respond to language and ideas; to understand how we express ourselves, convince others, and even think. These are the skills of leaders in most walks of life. Classics is fun
Classics majors read some of the most wonderful, moving, subversive and joyful works in literature; they encounter the challenging and exciting ideas which gave birth to democracy and philosophy; they keep company with intriguing, often infamous personalities such as Socrates, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Achilles, Nero and Antigone, and scrutinize events which changed the world. Come join us! |
