Classics
The goal of the Classics Department is to offer students an inclusive view of the ancient world and its relation to contemporary society through a focus on classical languages or classical studies.
About the Major
Concentrators pursue two of the following three areas in depth: Ancient Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies. Courses go beyond the traditional study of the languages and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome to provide a broader view of the ancient world and its relation to our own time. The skills students acquire are transferable to a wide variety of contexts.
Students Will Learn To:
- Produce translations of passages by major authors in the target language (Greek and Latin for classical language majors; Greek or Latin for classics majors), demonstrating proficiency in vocabulary, grammar, and syntax
- Analyze sources, whether textual or material, in their social and historical contexts
- Compose original scholarly arguments using appropriate research methods and types of evidence
- Critically engage with the discipline's history, including the role that racism and other forms of cultural oppression have played in this history
- Productively juxtapose the classical past with modernity.
A Sampling of Courses
Pompeii
Provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the field of classical studies, focused through the Roman site of Pompeii and the eruption of Vesuvius in 70 CE. Through Pompeii, its destruction, and its remarkable level of preservation, we will study the art, architecture, archaeology, literature, philosophy, religion, history, daily life, sexuality, food, and social structures of Rome, as well as the place of Rome in the modern imagination. Students will gain a comprehensive overview of the many approaches and sub-disciplines represented within classical studies.
Explore these select courses:
An introduction to the language and culture of ancient Rome. Thorough grounding in Latin grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Reading and discussion of elementary passages that cast light on the society and culture of ancient Rome and its empire. No knowledge of Latin required.
Meet Our Faculty
Greek and Roman comedy; Greek and Roman gender and sexuality; Greek archaeology
Roman imperial literature, the Greek and Roman novel, ancient medicine, and Greek papyrology
Latin epic poetry, didactic poetry, drama, and reception studies
Latin poetry, emotion studies, textual transmission, Ovid, Sappho, classical reception
Explore Hamilton Stories
Passion for Latin, Classics Lead Hane ’22 to Yale Divinity School
When Jacob Hane ’22 began studying Latin in middle school, he never imagined it would lead him to pursue graduate studies at a divinity school.
Koenig Presents at Philosophy, Classics Conferences
Assistant Professor of Classics Amy Koenig was recently invited to participate in a visiting scholars’ panel at the 26th Annual SUNY Oneonta Undergraduate Philosophy Conference.
Weiner Presents at Classical Association Meeting
Associate Professor of Classics Jesse Weiner recently presented a paper at the annual meeting of the Classical Association / Classical Association of Scotland.
Careers After Hamilton
Hamilton graduates who concentrated in classics are pursuing careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Latin Teacher, Wellesley Middle School
- Assistant Professor of Classics, University of Southern Maine
- Attorney
- Principal Dancer, Kansas City Ballet
- President, Breckinridge Capital Advisors
- Manager, Books & Manuscript Dept., Sotheby’s
- Marketing Director, Hewlett Packard Co.
- Veterinarian
Contact
Department Name
Classics Department
Clinton, NY 13323
