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Curriculum

Classics Courses for 2011-12:
Classical Mythology, Epic Tradition: Ancient and Modern Odysseys, Greek History, Egypt in the Imagination (in Chicago), Big Screen Rome (First Year Writing course) 

Greek & Latin Courses for 2011-12:
Beginning Latin I-II, Introduction to Latin Literature, Age of Augustus, and The Greek Hero

The Classical Studies curriculum emphasizes an integrated approach to the ancient Mediterranean and its influence on the world around us.  In nearly every course, students examine a particular text or topic from a variety of perspectives in order to develop a multi-faceted understanding of Greek and Roman culture.  In fact, Classical Studies is the first interdisciplinary major at Cornell College, established as the first course of study for students in 1853.  Classical Studies take advantage of the methods and insights of language and linguistics, literary studies, archaeology, art, anthropology, history, philosophy, and religion.

To understand other cultures such as the Greeks and Romans, it is crucial to understand them on their own terms, in their own words and in their own languages.  And so every Classical Studies major or minor develops proficiency in Latin and/or Greek through the 300-level.  The second component of a Classical Studies major or minor are courses that survey the rich literature of Greece and Rome by examining a particular topic or genre, such as love and sexuality in Greece and Rome or Greek and Roman Theater.  Finally, the third component of the major and minor are courses that explore topics through the lens of other disciplines, in courses such as Greek Archaeology, The City of Rome, Greek Art, Ancient Philosophy, the Gospels or Letters of Paul, or Women in Antiquity.

Off-campus Study

Every other year, the classical studies program sponsors an off-campus course in either Greece or Rome. For more information about these courses, please visit our off-campus study page.

Curriculum Details