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Undergraduate Literature Studies: Classics Programs

Posted On : Apr-03-2013 | seen (590) times | Article Word Count : 541 |

Classics programs can be an excellent area of specialization within the study of literature. A good classics program examines the foundational texts of Western thought and literature.
Classics programs can be an excellent area of specialization within the study of literature. A good classics program examines the foundational texts of Western thought and literature. Students who choose a classics bachelors degree program will come away with a deep understanding of the underlying principles and ideas of Western culture as well as acquiring excellent skills along the way in writing and analysis.

Gaining Context

One of the great strengths of an English bachelors degree program is that students come away with a sense of context for many of the ideas that permeate Western civilization. Our literature, philosophy, and even subjects such as mathematics and medicine are in many cases built upon a foundation of ancient writing, particularly from Greek and Roman scholars. Studying classics leads to a richer understanding of contemporary disciplines and topics from politics to architecture and more.

Language Skills

Some classics programs require students to study Latin or Ancient Greek while others will encourage students to have a passing familiarity with one of these languages. The study of Latin can be a rich vocabulary builder as can Greek because so many of our words are rooted in these languages. It's also possible students may have the opportunity to study languages such as French or Italian since these are traditional languages for classical criticism.

Language Analysis Skills

The study of languages and an analysis of classics requires a great deal of precision. In the case of classics, significantly different interpretations can arise from differing translations, and some of these interpretations can come down to just a few lines or even words. This level of close reading results in students who are well-trained at examining arguments or opinions on a very sophisticated level.

Historical Analysis

A classics bachelors degree program doesn't just teach skills in language analysis. It also teaches historical analysis. In other words, students in an English bachelors degree program will look at the historic events surrounding the composition of a piece of work, how those events affected the work, and how it should be read today. Skills in historical analysis of classics can also be surprisingly useful in analyzing and understanding contemporary events. Human nature has not changed across thousands of years and neither have disagreements between nations or among politicians.

Texts Studied

Although a few classics programs include other parts of the Mediterranean, most programs focus on ancient Greek and Rome. This means that students will be reading works by writers including Aristotle, Plato, Herodotus, Homer and more, and these works will range from literature to history to philosophy and beyond.

Writing Skills

Most classes in the humanities teach students strong writing skills, and classics programs are no exception. In writing, all of the language, analysis and interpretation skills that students develop throughout the course of study come together to produce coherent writings on ancient texts and ideas. Students may also relate those texts and ideas to contemporary concerns. In writing about the works in the classics canon, students will see a line of thought stretching across thousands of years to the present day.

Students who choose the classics are embarking upon a rigorous but exciting field of study.

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