Classical Studies (Classical Civilizations) BA

The Examined Life: The Jesuit tradition demands that students develop critical thinking above all else. Like Socrates, it demands that we walk through life not unexamined—but that we analyze and reflect before and after acting. This tradition of unshakeable discernment is but one way in which Loyola’s Department of Classical Studies meets and exceeds the developmental needs of its students. A degree in classical studies lays the foundation for further study or professional work in any field. Law and medicine particularly benefit from the critical and analytical skills imparted by the program, but our students leave with the ability to excel in fields ranging from marketing and film to politics and government. How could the study of ancient anything prepare you for the modern world? Read on.

Overview of Courses

• Greek Mythology
• The stories of the Greeks (and later of the Romans) have been told and retold for centuries, forming the background for countless works of art, literature, and film and even informing ideas in psychology and religion. Discover the myths that continue to captivate and inspire writers, artists, philosophers, and scientists.
• Roman Art and Archaeology
• Examine and explore the most important works of Roman art and architecture, from homes to sacred spaces to civic buildings. Trace the ways Augustus “found Rome a city of brick and left it a city of marble” and how the art of Rome helped its leaders forge an empire whose monuments and art continue to inspire today’s artists and architects.
• Justice in Greek Literature
• The concept of “social justice” begins in classical Greece. Learn how the Greeks answered questions about the relationship between the individual and society. Discussions of ancient and modern sources prepare you for the experience of holding an Athenian-style mock trial at the end of the term.
• Roman Culture
• Immerse yourself in the social, economic, and cultural institutions of ancient Rome. Read classic works of Latin literature in translation and explore the archaeological evidence and the historical context for a civilization that spanned centuries and continents and gave rise to many of the core principles of modern society.