Mission Statement
The Classics Department strives to maintain and expand on the tradition of the integral incorporation of the study of Classics into the Jesuit curriculum in light of the foundational and continuing role that Greek and Roman thought play in a liberal education. Our courses explore the origins of Western literature, history, art, philosophy, religion, and government and their enduring relevance to our lives. Classics provides an integrated, humanistic education with course offerings that emphasize the self-critical posture of ancient Greek and Roman texts as models for analyzing and questioning social assumptions as a starting point for positive change. Examining ancient cultures for new enlightenment on eternal questions, the department strives to create a lively community of professors and students who engage with and contribute to scholarly advances in the various sub-disciplines of Classics.
Goals & Objectives for Student Learning
Goal 1: To provide major and minor programs, as well as core classes, that cultivate reflective thought among students in the best tradition of a liberal education
Objectives:
a) Students should develop cross-disciplinary skills that enable them to collect and master various types of important data, to distinguish fact from opinion, and to make a cogent and compelling argument supported by the appropriate use of evidence.
b) Students should develop critical and self-critical thinking that enables them to identify and assess the personal and cultural assumptions that underlie social institutions.
c) Students should develop the disposition to use their informed reflection as a basis for engaging in responsible citizenship in the best humanistic tradition.
d) Students taking language courses should be able to use Greek and/or Latin as a model for understanding language structure in general, and for developing a deeper understanding of the nexus between language and culture.
Goal 2: To foster campus-wide exposure to and study of the classical worlds and Western culture
Objectives:
a) Students should know the classical sources that form the core of Western culture.
b) Students should be able to articulate and reflect maturely upon the characteristic aspects and values of Western culture.
c) The department should take a leadership position in creating an intellectual community on campus that explores the ancient Mediterranean cultures and their continuing relevance to contemporary issues.
Goal #3: To promote an active community of scholars within the program and beyond
Objectives:
The department should promote:
a) faculty publication and reflective teaching
b) student engagement with the best scholarship in our field
c) original student research
d) a curriculum that ensures that those students who wish to pursue graduate study in Classics are well prepared.
Goal #4: To be contributing citizens within the university and the wider community
Objectives:
a) The program should contribute to the betterment of the department, college, and university by aligning our courses with Core Curriculum requirements and other programs and departments.
b) The program should contribute to the betterment of the university and wider community by developing and participating in college, university, and community programs to which our courses and professional competencies are especially suited.