Program Website: Classical and Medieval Studies – Hiram College
Introduction to the Classical and Medieval Studies Program
Classical and medieval studies is an interdisciplinary minor deeply rooted in the liberal arts tradition. Although based in cultural history, this minor uniquely combines art history, English, history, philosophy, and political science into a program predicated upon a comprehensive understanding of Classical civilization as the foundation of Western intellectual culture. Far from being singularly focused upon European culture, however, this minor examines the Classical tradition as a multicultural phenomenon that emanated from an ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse ancient world. Students can concentrate their studies in a flexible way so that they may acquire transferable skills that complement a wide range of majors with various career objectives. Students also frequently have opportunities to participate in summer archaeological fieldwork in Italy, which offers hands-on training in both traditional and technological skills, as well as the chance to pursue independent research projects.
Program Learning Goals
Students can choose to focus upon non-language courses within the areas of Classical and medieval studies so that they may broaden their comprehension of Western thought and its cultural institutions. The legacy of the Classical world remained at the heart of medieval culture and society, and a deep knowledge of the ancient world is needed to place the medieval tradition in context. Students who pursue this minor will also acquire a foundation of knowledge and familiarity with a set of methodological tools that span several disciplines, instead of an approach rooted in only one field, such as history. A combination of Classical and medieval studies also broadens the geographic and cultural scope of a student’s education who might otherwise solely focus upon Europe. Classics is a multicultural discipline since it focuses upon not only the Mediterranean basin but also surrounding regions of Africa and the Middle East.
Classical and medieval studies offer numerous transferable skills that will make the minor attractive to employers in a variety of careers. Students will improve their ability to write, conduct independent research, and critically evaluate a wide range of evidence. By learning how to use a diverse range of material as evidence for problem-solving, not only texts but also art and artifacts, Classical and medieval studies students will be ready to tackle new challenges with mental agility.
Faculty
Colin Anderson, (2002) Professor of Philosophy; George and Arlene Foote Chair in Ethics and Values; Classical & Medieval Studies Advisory Committee
B.A., St. John's College;
M.A., Ph.D., Loyola University of Chicago
andersonca@hiram.edu
Willard P. Greenwood (2001), Professor of English; John S. Kenyon Professor of English; Editor, Hiram Poetry Review; Classical & Medieval Studies Advisory Committee
B.A., University of Maine;
M.A., Georgia State University;
Ph.D., Purdue University
greenwoodwp@hiram.edu
Matthew F Notarian, (2015) Associate Professor of Classics; Classical & Medieval Studies Advisory Committee; Director of Study Abroad
B.A., University of Delaware;
M.A., Ph.D., University of Buffalo
notarianmf@hiram.edu
Janet M Pope, (1998) Director of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Culture; Professor of History; Classical & Medieval Studies Advisory Committee; Coordinator of Gender Studies Minor
B.A., Rider College;
M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara
popejm@hiram.edu
James A Thompson, (2008) Professor of Political Science; Director of the Garfield Center for Public Leadership; Classical & Medieval Studies Committee
B.A., St. Mary's College;
M.A., Ph.D., University of Notre Dame
thompsonja@hiram.edu