Students and Alumni
Interviews with Classics Department Notables
Q: Why did you decide to take Classics courses this semester?
A: I had read the Odyssey in high school, and I wanted to learn more about Greek history and culture. So I took History of Ancient Greece in the fall, and this semester I am taking Roman History and CLS 276, a course about fiction in the ancient world. Next semester I'll be taking two Classics courses: Gender and Sexuality in Antiquity, and Roman Art and Archaeology.
Q: Tell me about your ancient fiction course this semester. What have you particularly liked about it?
A: I have really liked the readings in the course. It's interesting to see what the ancient writers choose to emphasize or exaggerate, and how they write. We read passages from Herodotus' Histories in the Greek history course, and I liked reading Herodotus again and looking at him from a different, more literary perspective. One of my favorite readings in the course was An Ephesian Tale, by Xenophon. Believe it or not, that story has some amazing similarities to the movie Pirates of the Caribbean!
Q: Have you noticed any connections between your Classics courses and the other courses you have taken this year?
A: Yes! My Foundations course this semester is "The Self in Life and Literature," and it was fascinating to apply Carl Rogers' theory of the self to a classical figure like Achilles from the Iliad.
Q: What are some of your interests outside Classics?
A: I really like swimming - I was on my high school swim team and was actually a captain last year. And I love to read. I think my parents used to worry that I was spending too much time with my nose stuck in a book. Now, of course, I don't have to feel guilty about reading so much.
Q: Do you think you might consider a Classics major or minor?
A: Oh, yes, definitely! I plan to declare a major in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. And I have raved about my Classics courses so much that some of my friends will be taking courses in the department next year.
Q: What do you like best about studying Classics?
A: The most interesting thing for me is seeing how many similarities there are between ancient times and our own - and yet how many differences there are. I know I am just beginning to appreciate the history and literature of ancient Greece and Rome!
