New classical studies program eases language prerequisite, gives flexibility

The classics department reorganized its new program this year to allow students to become concentrators with no previous Latin or Greek experience.

Classical studies, a program in the classics department and available to the Class of 2003, marks an unprecedented departure from the stringent language requirements that usually limit admission of prospective classics majors.

The new program also allows students to assume a more active role in directing their course of study.

"The most important feature of this new program is its flexibility," departmental representative Andrew Feldherr '85 said.

"A student will come to us with a specific area of interest, such as Roman history or Latin literature, and we then work together to tailor a program with that particular interest in mind," he said.

Normally, those seeking entrance into the classics department must complete the equivalent of Greek or Latin as the University's 108-level. Classical studies, however, requires the student attain the same proficiency before he or she graduates.

Feldherr is quick to caution, however, that the new program is as rigorous as the traditional classics major. Students must combine their ongoing language study with a minimum of six courses in ancient culture and civilization.

"It certainly isn't language light," he added. "Rather, what we are dealing with is more shift in emphasis, with language serving as an academic tool rather than a fundamental necessity."

Associate Dean of the College Hank Dobin, who oversees the creation of new academic programs at the University, said he worked closely with Feldherr to design a proposal that would both suit the needs of the department and appeal to the committee of faculty and students assembled to review it.

"There is a great deal of interest in the ancient world, but many students consider the language requirement to be too much of a hurdle," he said.

Academic initiatives of this nature are relatively rare and the approval process is detailed and lengthy, Dobin said. Other departmental representatives are invited to review the new program along with a panel of students selected from the USG academics committee.

"Since we see program proposals like this maybe every two to three years, the review process is fairly strenuous," Dobin said.

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"Feedback from other faculty members is certainly key, but we always keep the needs of the student in mind," he added.

Since the introduction of classical studies in fall 2001, a number of students said they have chosen to join the classics department because they were drawn to the flexibility of the program.

Andrew Porter '03 said he found the interdisciplinary nature of the program particularly conducive to his interest in the military and political history of ancient Greece.

Having already completed the standard language requirement prior to declaring his major, however, Porter said the appeal of the classical studies was the emphasis on an individually tailored academic agenda.

"I chose classical studies because I wanted to focus more on ancient history and culture as opposed to strictly literature and philology," he said.

Both Feldherr and Dobin said they are optimistic that the new program will continue to encourage students like Porter to base their studies in the classics department.

"We really want to get the word out there, so that, hopefully, more and more people will come to realize what amazing opportunities this field has to offer," Feldherr said.

"Classical studies," he added, "is just one of the ways in which we can start that important process."