Classical Studies
Overview
Courses in elementary Latin are offered in the Dpt. of Languages and Linguistics, and may be used to fulfill the non-native language General Education Program (GEP) requirement.
Why Study Latin?
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Studying Latin broadens a student’s English vocabulary. Nearly two out of every three English words come from Latin, especially technical terms used in the sciences and mathematics. Thus, Latin classes are arenas or forums for meeting and deciphering challenging English vocabulary and root words. The study of the rhetorical devices and complex grammatical structures found in Latin sentences improves not only one’s writing skills in English, but also encourages critical thinking. Being articulate in speech and precise in writing are attractive skills to employers, and studying Latin helps develop these facilities. Moreover, these skills are not only useful for those seeking jobs after college, but also for those pursuing graduate study in law, medicine, engineering and other fields by helping raise scores on standardized tests (GRE, LSAT, MCAT). In fact, studying Latin will look impressive to prospective employers and graduate school admissions committees, who are well aware of its challenges and benefits.
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The study of classics is interdisciplinary by nature. Many students find it especially rewarding to study classics with another discipline. Classics is relevant in many subject areas including:
- Language: Latin is the basis for the romance languages — French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian. Studying Latin enhances and facilitates the study of these languages.
- Literature: Classical literature was the inspiration for many great works of English literature, such as those of Shakespeare, Keats, Byron and Shelley, and Italian literature, such as those of Dante.
- History: In the study of Greek and Roman history, one finds the basis for many a modern government and system of laws. Also, history students will find interesting parallels between the political events of today and those of the ancient world.
- Art: Greek and Roman art and architecture have been influential for medieval and Renaissance art and architecture and the neo-classicism of the past few centuries. An obvious example is the impressive Philadelphia Museum of Art, which resembles Greco-Roman temple architecture.
- Science: Those studying science may be interested in reading about the inventions and discoveries of the Greek physicist Archimedes, the medical works of Hippocrates and Galen or the Roman writer Lucretius’ description of the universe.
- Mathematics: Those studying mathematics may be interested in the works of Pythagoras and Euclid.
- Philosophy: Philosophy students engage with the works of the Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle and the many Roman philosophical works of writers such as Cicero and Seneca.
- Religion: The study of Greek and Roman religion is interesting not only on its own merit, with its diverse cults and religious practices and the fascinating Greco-Roman pantheon of deities and their mythologies, but also as a context for the birth of Christianity.
Finally, it has long been a tradition of the Jesuits to study the Classics, and, as seen above, a tradition worth continuing.
Curriculum Focus
The classical studies program at Saint Joseph's University aims to be a model for visionary, interdisciplinary thinking, offering courses that serve the needs of multiple academic departments as well as the GEP requirement, including Latin and Hebrew, biblical texts and ancient history.
Courses in ancient languages, literature and civilizations also complement classes in other disciplines such as the humanities, social and natural sciences and business, offering a unique program of study for students.
Our Faculty
Faculty members who teach the classical studies program have teaching and research interests and specializations that span the field of classical antiquity, including Greek, Roman and Etruscan language, literature, history, religion, mythology, philosophy, medicine, art and archaeology, gender and sexuality and reception of the classics in modern culture.
Hands-On Seminars
Among the highlights of our civilization courses are hands-on seminars at the Penn Museum's Greek, Roman and Etruscan galleries, where students may see and handle Etruscan bones and artifacts, Greek vases and Roman glassware. We also visit the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to view the Greek and Roman collections.
Study Abroad
Students are strongly encouraged to apply for a semester of study abroad. The Center for International Programs (CIP) offers accredited study abroad or study tour programs in Greece and Italy. The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome (ICCS), which is administered by Duke University, also offers an intensive study of Roman art, archaeology and history and Greek and Latin literature.
Research Opportunities
Our students have a strong affinity for research. Since 2001, several have presented scholarly papers at the Philadelphia Classical Society and the Classical Association of the Atlantic States meetings. Others have completed departmental honors research projects and have received Summer Scholars grants to conduct research.
Student Outcomes
Our graduates have enrolled in the Ph.D. and M.A. programs in classics and ancient history at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, New York University, the University of Maryland and Rutgers University. Some majors and minors have also pursued successful careers in teaching Latin and English at the secondary level, law, publishing, museum work and music.
Resources
The Post Learning Commons/Drexel Library offers plenty of electronic resources for students studying classics and ancient studies. Students can also find useful information from the following online resources:
- Perseus Digital Library: An evolving digital library of resources for the study of the ancient world.
- VRoma: Online resources for teaching Latin and ancient Roman culture.
- Maria Pantelia's Guide: A survey of electronic resources for Classicists.
- The Vergil Project: A collaborative enterprise dedicated to collecting, creating, and disseminating resources for teaching and researching Vergil.
- TOCS-IN: The tables of contents of a selection of classics, near eastern studies and religion journals.