Why Study Classics?
The culture, history and literature of Ancient Greece and Rome
have long captivated the imagination of people throughout history
and across the globe, from the Renaissance to the Founding Fathers
of America to modern writers from the Caribbean. We continue to
live in a world of classical roots, whether it be the Athenian
roots of democracy or the Roman origins of our Republic, the Greek
love for the beauty of athletics, or an enthusiasm for theater that
moved from Greece to Rome to Shakespeare and beyond. The Greeks and
the Romans helped articulate the liberal arts that are at the heart
of a Butler education. As we engage with the thinking and the art
of the ancients, we aim to develop an understanding, enjoyment and
critical appreciation of some abiding principles of our world. We
enter into dialogue with minds of the past in order to understand
ourselves better now. Studying the Greeks and Romans, we become
part of our larger family over time. We enrich our minds and our
imaginations, and we sharpen our skills for work and life
today.
Why Study Classics at Butler?
- Intimate and vibrant learning community:
Students in the Classical Studies program at Butler have the
opportunity to work closely with a small, but dedicated faculty.
Smaller classes give students a greater opportunity to engage
directly with faculty and with each other. As part of a smaller
major, students develop a stronger sense of a community of
thinkers, engaging in a subject they are passionate about.
- Building on past knowledge: Our program
recognizes the quality of work many students have done before
arriving on our campus. Students placing into second or third year
of Latin and completing at least six hours of study in Latin are
eligible for 3-9 advanced placement credit hours which may count
towards the major or the minor.
- Real engagement with the ancient world:
Students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the environments
that inspired the ancient Greeks and Romans. Our program offers the
opportunity to study the culture and literature of the Romans while
travelling to important sites in Rome and Italy. Our program is
also supportive of students who wish to study abroad in programs in
Greece and Italy specifically focused around Classical
Studies.
- Practical experience: Our students are
encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to work with faculty
on research of their own, whether in the form of a Butler Summer
Institute project or a senior thesis. Students who have done
quality research have presented their work at undergraduate
conferences and regional Classics conferences.
- Making your education your own: Thanks to
generous support from the Georgia Watkins Fund, our program
provides funds to help students participate in archaeological digs,
select summer study programs, or conferences in Classics. Grants
are awarded on a competitive basis.
- Embracing the liberal arts: Since the field of
Classical Studies embraces a wide variety of approaches to the
study of the Ancient Greeks and Romans, our program encourages
students who wish to relate their interest in Classics with work in
other disciplines. Our students often take courses in English,
history, philosophy, religion, political science and the modern
languages.