CLASSICAL & MEDIEVAL STUDIES MINOR

Advisory Committee

Colin Anderson (2002), George and Arlene Foote Cahir in Ethics and Values, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Department Chair
B.A., St. John’s College;
M.A., Ph.D., Loyola University of Chicago

Paul Gaffney (2006), Associate Professor of English
B.A., Western Washington University;
M.A., Ph.D., University of Virginia

Matthew F. Notarian (2015), Visiting Assistant Professor of Classics
B.A., University of Delaware;
M.A., Ph.D., University at Buffalo

Janet Pope (1998), Chair, Professor of History
B.A., Rider College;
M.A., Ph.D., University of California at Santa Barbara

Introduction to the Classical and Medieval Studies Program

Classical and Medieval Studies is an interdisciplinary minor deeply rooted in the liberal arts tradition. Although based in cultural history, this minor uniquely combines art history, Latin, English, history, philosophy, and political science into a program predicated upon a comprehensive understanding of Classical civilization as the foundation of Western intellectual culture. Far from being singularly focused upon European culture, however, this minor examines the Classical tradition as a multicultural phenomenon that emanated from an ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse ancient world. Students can concentrate their studies in a flexible way so that they may acquire transferable skills that complement a wide range of majors with various career objectives. The most common tracks are either Classical Studies and Latin, Medieval Studies and Latin, or Classical and Medieval Studies (no Latin requirement).

Program Learning Goals

Students that pursue a Latin concentration will acquire a skill set that is deeply beneficial to either Classical or Medieval studies, since Latin remained the lingua franca of Europe from antiquity to the early modern era. Competency in Latin will allow students to read Classical and Medieval literature and other primary sources in the original language, which deepens their understanding immeasurably. Furthermore, the study of Latin has proven benefits that extend well beyond this minor. An understanding of Latin has been shown to improve students’ comprehension of English vocabulary, grammar, and structure, which in turns makes them better writers. Since about 60% of English vocabulary is derived from Latin, students increase their understanding of English words, particularly technical, scientific, legal, and other complex terms. This is especially useful to those aspiring to enter graduate school or the fields of law, science, or medicine.

Alternatively, students can choose to focus upon non-language courses within the areas of Classical and Medieval Studies so that they may broaden their comprehension of Western thought and its cultural institutions. The legacy of the Classical world remained at the heart of Medieval culture and society, and a deep knowledge of the ancient world is needed to place the Medieval tradition in context. Students who pursue this minor will also acquire a foundation of knowledge and familiarity with a set of methodological tools that span several disciplines, instead of an approach rooted in only one field, such as History. A combination of Classical and Medieval Studies also broadens the geographic and cultural scope of a student’s education who might otherwise solely focus upon Europe. Classics is a multicultural discipline since it focuses upon not only the Mediterranean basin but also surrounding regions of Africa and the Middle East.

Like the Latin concentration, the Classical and Medieval Studies track also offers numerous transferable skills that will make minors attractive to employers in a variety of careers. Students will improve their ability to write, conduct independent research, and critically evaluate a wide range of evidence. By learning how to use a diverse range of material as evidence for problem-solving, not only texts but also art and artifacts, Classical and Medieval Studies students will be ready to tackle new challenges with mental agility.

Requirements for the Minor

Students must complete at least 18 credit hours of study (5-6 courses) in at least two of three areas of concentration: (1) Classical Studies, (2) Latin, and (3) Medieval Studies. Students who pursue the Latin concentration must complete LATN 10100 and LATN 10200 at minimum. You must also cover at least 2 disciplines in both the Classical Studies and Medieval Studies concentrations.

Study Abroad courses are encouraged but not required. Possible destinations include several classical and/or medieval locations that are regularly offered as Hiram programs: Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Greece. Semester-long study with Hiram’s exchange partners, John Cabot University in Rome, or Bogazici University and Istanbul Aydin University in Istanbul, Turkey, both located in former capitals of the Roman Empire and cities of central importance to the Medieval world, would also be deeply beneficial for students in this minor.

Most students will concentrate their studies in one of three tracks: Classical Studies and Latin; Medieval Studies and Latin; or Classical Studies and Medieval Studies.

Classical Studies:
Students with this concentration must cover at least 2 disciplines.
ART 13000: Ancient Art (3 hr)
CLAS 28000: Ancient Rome: Rise and Fall of the Republic (4 hr)
CLAS 28000: The Ancient Olympic Games (3 hr)
CLAS 28000: Reacting to the Past: Athens in 403 BC (3 hr)
CLAS 24700: The Ancient World in Film (3 hr)
CLAS 28000: The Archaeology of Ancient Rome (4 hr)
CLAS 28000: Ancient Health and Medicine (4 hr)
ENGL 37300: The Epics of Homer (3 hr)
INTD 28000: Greek Culture of the Ancient World: Archaeology and Art History (3 hr)
INTD 3XXXX: Ethics and Tragedy (4 hr)
PHIL 21000: Ancient Philosophy (4 hr)
POLS 35100: Political Philosophy for a Dangerous World (4 hr)
POLS 37300: Classical Political Philosophy (4 hr)
Other courses as appropriate with approval

Latin:
Students with this concentration must complete LATN 10100 and 10200 at minimum.
LATN 10100: Beginning Latin I (4 hr)
LATN 10200: Beginning Latin II (4 hr)
LATN 20100: Intermediate Latin I (4 hr)
LATN 20200: Intermediate Latin II (4 hr)
LATN 20800: Independent Study (1-4 hr)
Other courses as appropriate with approval

Medieval Studies:
Students with this concentration must cover at least 2 disciplines.
ART 22200: Medieval Art (4 hr)
ART 32300: Italian Renaissance Art (4 hr)
ENGL/THEA 26100 Shakespeare (3 hr)
ENGL 35300: Medieval Literature (4 hr)
ENGL 35400: Renaissance Literature (4 hr)
HIST 12100: Knights, Peasants and Friars: Europe 500-1450 (4 hr)
HIST 22100: Concubines, Mothers and Saints (4 hr)
HIST 22200: Kings and Vikings (3 hr)
HIST 22300: Medieval Towns and Trade (3 hr)
HIST 23300: History of England to 1485 (4 hr)
HIST 27400: Bishops, Witches and Heretics (3 hr)
PHIL 21100: Medieval Philosophy (3 hr)
Other courses as appropriate with approval

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Below are the Classics descriptions. Other course descriptions can be found under their department.

CLAS 24700: THE ANCIENT WORLD IN FILM 3 hour(s)

The purpose of this course is to compare cinematic adaptations of the classical texts with the original versions. After reading the translated works of selected Greek and Latin authors, students will view the film versions, paying close attention to where the directors have been faithful to the original, where there are divergences, and how successful the adaptations are. Movies to be analyzed will include those dealing with myth, epic, tragedy, comedy, and historical themes.

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