Classical Studies

The liberal arts and sciences have their roots in the cultural legacy of ancient Greece and Rome. Western literature, philosophy and history emerged in these “classical” cultures, as did systematic analysis of the natural world and wide-ranging speculation about its human inhabitants. Our sensibilities about art and architecture continue to be influenced by forms developed in the ancient world. In addition, problems faced by those cultures remain with us; recent work on the role of women and slaves, on urban planning and polis life, and on the development of political institutions has had much to say not only about the ancients but about us as well. There is still much to be gained through the study of the Greeks and Romans.

While the academic study of Greek and Roman antiquity is traditionally rooted in philology, a mastery of the Greek and Latin languages, our Classical Studies program is anchored by the Lake Forest College Program in Greece. This unique program, which has been conducted for thirty-five years, consists of an intensive, six week preparatory course on campus (Greek Civilization 201) and a three-course travel tour of museums and archaeological sites across the landscapes of ancient Greece. The study-abroad program takes place each year from mid-March to June during the spring semester. In Greece, the program covers the Bronze age, the Classical period and the Byzantine era. (For further information see ‘Study Abroad Programs’.)

Students taking part in the Lake Forest College Program in Greece gain four credits, which count as electives or may be applied to a number of major and minor programs at the College, including Art, History, Philosophy and Sociology and Anthropology. Students wishing to obtain the minor in Classical Studies supplement these four course credits with two additional credits selected from a series of elective courses (please see Program Requirements). The Classical Studies program encourages students to pursue their interests in ancient civilizations, art, philosophy, history, museum studies, comparative literature, political theory or religion, among many other possibilities, by combining participation in the Lake Forest College Greece program with relevant electives from appropriate departments and programs on campus.

For further information, questions or advising concerns, please contact the program chair, Professor Richard Fisher or any of the following members of the Greece Program committee: Associate Professor of Communication Linda Horwitz or Professor of Philosophy Lou Lombardi.

Program Contact:
847-735-5284

 

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