Classical Archaeology
"For me archaeology is not a source of illustrations for written texts, but an independent source of historical information, with no less value and importance, sometimes more importance, that the written sources."
- Michael Rostovtzeff
Major in Classical Archaeology
Seeks to put students in contact with the material cultures of Greece and Rome and peoples closely associated with them. Tools will be provided to reconstruct the ancient life-ways of these peoples as well as skill development in the interpretation of ancient social, political, and economic systems.
The major assists students for graduate study in anthropological archaeology, classical archaeology, cultural resource management, and historical preservation. It also provides any student with a strong intellectual interest in archaeology with a structured introduction to this field.
The following courses are required: CL275 Introduction to Archaeology; CL/FAH210 Ancient Art and Architecture; CL277/FAH206 The Archaeology of Greece or CL278/FAH207 The Archaeology of Rome; HI311 History of Greece; HI312 History of Rome; CL280 Archaeological Fieldwork (8 hrs); Two Advanced classes in either Latin or Greek; Mathematics 130 or 150; CL400 Independent Research.
In addition one course from: CL222 Classical Mythology: The Gods; CL223 Classical Mythology: The Heroes; CL231 Survey of Greek Literature; 232 Survey of Latin Literature; CL260 Ancient Law; CL261 Ancient Athletics; 262 War and Culture in the Ancient World; CL250 when an archaeological topic as well as one course from: CH220 Forensic Chemistry (or in some cases CH310 Analytical Chemistry II) OR BI325 Evolutionary Biology or an appropriate science course.
FAS110 Drawing I and FAS210 Drawing II as well as a course in Statistics are strongly encouraged.
The student must also pass a written comprehensive examination in the methods and techniques of archaeology as well as the material culture of Greece and Rome.
Sample Schedule
| Year | First Semester | Second Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman Year | Conversatio I | Conversatio II |
| Sophomore Year | Philosophy or Theology | Philosophy or Theology |
| Summer CL280 Archaeological Fieldwork | ||
| Junior Year | Philosophy or Theology | Philosophy or Theology |
| Summer CL280 Archaeological Fieldwork | ||
| Senior Year | Archaeology Course Greek or Latin Elective CL400 | Archaeology Course Greek or Latin Elective Elective |
About our Program
Classical Archaeology looks at the areas of the Mediterranean and Europe where Greeks and Romans were. While it focus on the civilizations of the Greeks and Romans it also pays attention to those civilizations that were there before and after the classical world. It is the study of the material culture that has been left behind by those civilizations. As such it involves work both digging in the field as well as analyzing in the lab.
The department runs several excavations in and around Orvieto, Italy. Students are given the opportunity to experience first hand, in the field, archaeological science. The sites that we are excavating range form the 1000 BCE to 1400 CE and yield material culture from the Villanovans, Etruscans, Romans, Byzantines, as well as Germanic and Medieval material. Our majors get the opportunity to serve as vice caposaggii (assistant trench supervisors).
In addition to work in the field the department encourages and arranges for our students to intern in various local museums.
Many of our graduates have gone on to pursue M.A.s and Ph.D.s at graduate schools in archaeology as well as in museum studies and Cultural Resource Management (CRM).