CLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGY MAJOR

For me archaeology is not a source of illustrations for written texts, but an independent source of historical information, with no less value and importance, sometimes more importance, that the written sources. -Michael Rostovtzeff

 

 

NOTA BENE

The Major in Classical Archaeology

seeks to put students in contact with the material cultures of Greece and Rome and peoples closely associated with them. Tools will be provided to reconstruct the ancient life-ways of these peoples as well as skill development in the interpretation of ancient social, political, and economic systems.

The major assists students for graduate study in anthropological archaeology, classical archaeology, cultural resource management, and historical preservation. It also provides any student with a strong intellectual interest in archaeology with a structured introduction to this field.

Classical Archaeology Major: Knowledge and Skills learned 

  • Mastery of a complex data set, i.e. knowledge of the material culture of the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Etruscans
  • skill in reconstructing ancient life-ways and interpretation of ancient social, political, and economic systems  
  • the ability to think critically and creatively 
  • the rhetorical and critical skill to examine and weigh words carefully 
  • the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing 

The following courses are required: CL275 Introduction to Archaeology; CL/FAH210 Ancient Art and Architecture; CL277/FAH206 The Archaeology of Greece or CL278/FAH207 The Archaeology of Rome; HI311 History of Greece; HI312 History of Rome; CL280 Archaeological Fieldwork (8 hrs); Two Advanced classes in either Latin or Greek; Mathematics 130 or 150; CL400 Independent Research.

In addition one course from: CL222 Classical Mythology: The Gods; CL223 Classical Mythology: The Heroes; CL231 Survey of Greek Literature; 232 Survey of Latin Literature; CL260 Ancient Law; CL261 Ancient Athletics; 262 War and Culture in the Ancient World; CL250 when an archaeological topic as well as one course from: CH220 Forensic Chemistry (or in some cases CH310 Analytical Chemistry II) OR BI325 Evolutionary Biology or an appropriate science course.

FAS110 Drawing I and FAS210 Drawing II as well as a course in Statistics are strongly encouraged.

The student must also pass a written comprehensive examination in the methods and techniques of archaeology as well as the material culture of Greece and Rome.

 

sample schedule

       
Freshman Year

Conversatio I
Greek or Latin
English 105 or Science core
CL275 (or archaeology course)

  

Conversatio II
Greek or Latin Freshman
English 105 or Science course
Elective
Sophomore Year

Philosophy or Theology
Greek or Latin
CL/FA210
Elective

 

Philosophy or Theology
Greek or Latin
Math 130 or 150
CL/FA276 or CL277
  Summer CL280 Archaeological Fieldwork
Junior Year

Philosophy or Theology
Greek or Latin
History 311
Elective

 

Philosophy or Theology
Greek or Latin
History 312
Science Elective
  Summer CL280 Archaeological Fieldwork
Senior Year

Archaeology Course
Greek or Latin
Elective
CL400

 

Archaeology Course
Greek or Latin
Elective
Elective

 

About Our Program
Classical Archaeology looks at the areas of the Mediterranean and Europe where Greeks and Romans were. While it focus on the civilizations of the Greeks and Romans it also pays attention to those civilizations that were there before and after the classical world. It is the study of the material culture that has been left behind by those civilizations. As such it involves work both digging in the field as well as analyzing in the lab.

The department runs several excavations in and around Orvieto, Italy. Students are given the opportunity to experience first hand, in the field, archaeological science. The sites that we are excavating range form the 1000 BCE to 1400 CE and yield material culture from the Villanovans, Etruscans, Romans, Byzantines, as well as Germanic and Medieval material. Our majors get the opportunity to serve as vice caposaggii (assistant trench supervisors).

In addition to work in the field the department encourages and arranges for our students to intern in various local museums.

Many of our graduates have gone on to pursue M.A.s and Ph.D.s at graduate schools in archaeology as well as in museum studies and Cultural Resource Management (CRM).