Program: Ancient Civilization Major - Clark University

Ancient Civilization Overview

The program in ancient civilization consists principally of courses in art history, classics, Jewish studies, and philosophy. This interdisciplinary program covers the entire spectrum of ancient Mediterranean culture including Greek, Hebrew, and Latin languages. By combining art history, Jewish studies, and philosophy with what has been traditionally identified as classics (Greek and Latin language and literature), the Clark program in ancient civilization presents established disciplines in a stimulating and original configuration.

For more information, please visit the Ancient Civilization Department’s website.

Major Requirements

The purpose of the major is to supply students with a sound knowledge of the ancient Greco-Roman and Judaeo-Christian roots of Western civilization. Majors are expected to acquire a working knowledge of at least one of the principal languages of the ancient Mediterranean (Classical Greek, Hebrew or Latin); this ensures direct access to the culture, literature, philosophy and history of the ancient world. Majors are also eligible to apply for admission to the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome, where they can spend a semester studying classical literature and archaeology.

To graduate as an ancient civilization major, a student must earn a grade of C-or better in at least 10 courses in ancient civilization. These courses must include:

At least two courses, from different departments, from among this group of foundation courses:

ARTH 110 Ancient Greek Art
CLAS 111 Roman Art and Architecture
CLAS 121 - Introduction to Greek Culture
PHIL 141 History of Ancient Philosophy

At least one semester course at or above the intermediate level (language 103) in Greek, Hebrew or Latin.

A one-semester senior seminar, to be taken preferably during the second semester of the senior year, including a major research paper, arranged in consultation with at least two members of the program faculty by the end of the junior year.

Five Electives from any of the course mentioned above that do not already fulfill an aobve requirement or

ARTH 106 - Introduction to Archaeology
ARTH 109 - Greek Myth and the Classical Ideal in Art
ARTH 114 - Ancient Cities and Sanctuaries
CLAS 122 - Ancient Greek Drama in Translation
CLAS 124 - Introduction to Classical Mythology
CLAS 125 - Women in the Ancient World
HIST 122 - Jewish History in the Ancient and Medieval World
or a one unit Directed study in CLAS, LAT, GRK, or HEBR: CLAS 299 HEBR 299 LAT 299

Ancient Civilization Capstone Requirement

The capstone in Ancient Civilization allows students to demonstrate their skills in the area of their specialization, from Art History to Classics. The capstone project usually culminates in a substantial research paper of at least 20 pages.

Students usually fulfill this requirement by the following measures:

An appropriate 200-level course in the student’s area of interest may be allowed, with permission of the adviser and instructor of the course.
Directed Study, only if offered by an instructor approved by the adviser.

Students generally take the capstone in the next-to-last semester (typically the first semester of the senior year). Students who excel in their capstone course may have the opportunity to continue their work as a 297 course, to be completed in the final semester of their college career. 297 courses are more in-depth than the capstone paper, typically at least 40 pages long.

Double majors may, in consultation with advisers in both majors, devise a capstone that satisfies both majors.

Ancient Civilization Program Faculty

Paul Burke, Ph.D.
Everett Fox, Ph.D.
Rhys Townsend, Ph.D.

Ancient Civilization Courses

Courses offered within the last 2 Academic Years