The department expects that graduating Classical Studies Majors (and, to a lesser extent, also Classical Studies Minors) show evidence of the following five learning outcomes.
Student Learning Outcomes for the Classical Studies Major
- Demonstrate a critically informed understanding of the various cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world, including primarily Greek, Roman, and/or Near Eastern civilizations
- Knowledge of the history and culture of ancient Greece, Rome, and/or the Near East.
- The ability to explain the cultural, historical, and literary context of an ancient text or artifact
- The competence to evaluate the validity of a scholarly thesis about the ancient world based on one’s knowledge of the primary texts, the history, and the material culture of the ancient Mediterranean
- Demonstrate intermediate to advanced reading ability in one of the two ancient languages we teach (Latin and Ancient Greek) and beginning intermediate skills in another ancient language
- Knowledge of the morphology and syntax of two ancient languages. (Latin and Greek).
- The ability to translate intermediate to advanced texts in two ancient languages.
- The ability to interpret ancient texts with regard to their content, style, and genre.
- Apply research skills and show familiarity with philological, historical, and archaeological approaches to the study of the ancient world
- The competence to frame and pursue a research question.
- Knowledge of different philological, historical, and archaeological approaches to the study of the ancient world.
- The ability to identify and evaluate relevant primary and secondary sources.
- Demonstrate evidence of critical thinking skills
- The ability to synthesize knowledge.
- The ability to think critically, weigh arguments, and reach conclusions that go beyond merely summarizing the current state of research.
- Demonstrate discipline-based and interdisciplinary writing and presentation skills
- The ability to write persuasively, following scholarly conventions.
- Effective presentation and oral communication skills.