Classical Literature (Minor)
Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences Type: Minor
The Classical Literature (Minor) program offers students an opportunity to explore the rich literary traditions of ancient civilizations, focusing on classical texts from Greek, Roman, and other ancient cultures. This minor complements various major programs, especially those in the humanities, history, philosophy, and cultural studies, providing insights into the foundational works that have shaped modern literature, philosophy, and art.
Key Learning Outcomes
Critical Reading and Analysis: Develop the ability to read and critically analyze classical texts in their original context, understanding their themes, structures, and cultural significance.
Historical and Cultural Context: Gain knowledge of the historical, political, and cultural settings in which classical works were written, recognizing their impact on subsequent literary and philosophical movements.
Thematic Exploration: Explore timeless themes such as heroism, tragedy, ethics, and the divine, examining how these ideas evolved and influenced later literature and society.
Cross-Cultural Understanding: Understand the influence of Greek and Roman literature on other cultures, particularly through the lens of mythology, epic poetry, and philosophy.
Interpretative Skills: Develop strong skills in interpreting ancient texts, with an emphasis on close reading, textual analysis, and the ability to connect classical literature to contemporary issues.
Core Curriculum
The Classical Literature (Minor) combines courses that cover key texts, authors, and themes from the classical world, including epic poetry, drama, philosophy, and myth.
Foundational Courses
Introduction to Classical Literature
An introduction to key works of Greek and Roman literature, covering major authors and texts, such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, and works by Sophocles, Virgil, and Ovid.
Greek Mythology
Study of the myths of ancient Greece, including gods, heroes, and legendary creatures, and their cultural significance in the classical world.
Roman Literature
An exploration of major Roman authors such as Virgil, Ovid, and Cicero, with a focus on epic poetry, rhetoric, and the Roman contributions to literary traditions.
Intermediate Courses
The Epic Tradition
A detailed study of epic poetry, from The Iliad and The Aeneid to later works, examining narrative structure, themes, and cultural values.
Classical Drama
Study of ancient Greek and Roman drama, focusing on tragedies by authors such as Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides, and comedies by Aristophanes.
Philosophy in Classical Literature
Exploration of philosophical ideas found in classical literature, including the works of Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics, with an emphasis on how these ideas were woven into the literary tradition.
Advanced Courses
Ancient Greek Tragedy
A deep dive into the tragedies of Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides, analyzing themes of fate, justice, and human suffering.
The Classical Epic: A Comparative Study
Comparative study of major classical epics, examining similarities and differences in narrative techniques, cultural values, and literary influence.
Classical Rhetoric and Oratory
Study of the rhetoric used in classical texts, with a focus on speeches by Cicero, Aristotle’s Rhetoric, and their influence on modern communication.
Greek and Roman Philosophy in Literature
Analyzing how classical philosophers integrated their ideas into literary works, such as the dialogues of Plato and the writings of Stoic and Epicurean philosophers.
Capstone Project or Paper (Optional)
An opportunity for students to engage deeply with a specific topic or author from classical literature, writing a research paper or undertaking a project that synthesizes their learning.
Skills Acquired
Textual Analysis: Ability to analyze and interpret ancient texts, understanding literary devices, historical context, and philosophical themes.
Cultural and Historical Understanding: Insight into the cultural, social, and political environments of the ancient world, and how these influence literature.
Research and Writing: Strong research skills, with the ability to work with primary texts and secondary sources, and communicate findings in well-structured essays and presentations.
Critical Thinking: Ability to critically engage with classical ideas and draw connections between ancient texts and modern societal issues.
Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, developed through class discussions, essays, and presentations on classical works.
Career Opportunities
While the Classical Literature (Minor) is not a career-specific program, it provides a valuable foundation for a range of professions that require critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural knowledge. Some potential career paths include:
Academia/Researcher
Pursuing graduate studies or teaching in the fields of literature, history, or philosophy.
Editor or Publisher
Working in the publishing industry, particularly with classical texts, educational materials, or literary journals.
Cultural Heritage Specialist
Engaging with museums, cultural organizations, or archival institutions, preserving and interpreting classical literature.
Translator
Specializing in translating ancient Greek or Latin texts into modern languages for academic or literary audiences.
Public Policy or Government
Leveraging the analytical and rhetorical skills developed in classical studies to work in government, diplomacy, or policy-making.
Journalist/Writer
Writing for publications, focusing on classical history, literature, or culture, or working in media where a deep understanding of cultural foundations is beneficial.
Law or Public Speaking
Drawing on skills in rhetoric and persuasion developed through the study of classical rhetoric and oratory.
Why Choose This Program?
Deep Cultural Insight: This minor provides a rich understanding of the classical foundations of Western literature, philosophy, and political thought.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Students gain insight into various disciplines, including literature, history, philosophy, and the arts, making it a valuable complement to many major programs.
Timeless Relevance: The themes and ideas explored in classical literature—such as heroism, fate, and justice—remain relevant and thought-provoking in modern contexts.
Strong Analytical Skills: The minor hones critical thinking and research skills that are transferable to many fields, preparing students for a variety of professional roles.
Engaging Content: The texts studied in the minor are foundational to many aspects of Western culture, offering intellectually stimulating and engaging content for students with a passion for literature and history.
Conclusion
The Classical Literature (Minor) provides students with an in-depth understanding of the foundational works that shaped Western literary and philosophical traditions. By studying key texts from ancient Greece and Rome, students gain valuable insights into universal themes and critical thinking skills that are applicable across a wide range of fields. Whether pursuing a career in academia, publishing, or public service, this minor equips students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a variety of professional contexts.
