Ancient Studies, B.A.

Program Overview

The Ancient Studies program at UMBC immerses students in the civilizations and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and language courses, students gain a comprehensive understanding of ancient history, archaeology, literature, and philosophy, developing critical thinking, research, and language skills. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in teaching, museum work, archaeology, cultural heritage management, and other fields that value analytical and research abilities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview: The Ancient Studies program at UMBC delves into the civilizations and cultures of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. It equips students with a comprehensive understanding of ancient history, archaeology, literature, and philosophy, alongside the critical skills needed for analysis and interpretation.

Objectives:

• To foster a profound understanding of the ancient Greek and Roman world, including their history, archaeology, literature, philosophy, and material culture.
• To equip students with the analytical and research skills necessary to critically engage with ancient sources and scholarship.
• To develop a strong foundation in the Greek or Latin language, enabling students to access primary sources and engage with the nuances of ancient texts.
• To prepare students for a variety of careers that demand critical thinking, research skills, and a deep understanding of history and culture.

Description:

The program features a combination of lectures, seminars, and language courses. Students gain a broad understanding of the ancient world through mandatory courses covering Greek and Roman societies, archaeology, and ancient history. They further tailor their studies by selecting courses in specific areas of interest, such as ancient literature, philosophy, religion, or art history. Language courses provide students with the foundation to read and analyze ancient texts in their original languages, offering a deeper engagement with the source material.

Outline:

Course Requirements:

• Ancient Society (3 credits) - one course from ANCS 201 (The Ancient Greeks) or ANCS 202 (The Roman World)
• Archaeology (3 credits) - one course from ARCH 200 (Greek Archaeology and Art) or ARCH 201 (Roman Archaeology and Art)
• Ancient History (3 credits) - one course from ANCS 453 (Ancient Greece), ANCS 455 (The Roman Republic), or ANCS 456 (The Roman Empire)
• Ancient Studies (9 credits) - nine credits at the 300 level or above in ancient studies, Latin, Greek, archaeology, ancient history, or other approved subjects.
• Additional Courses (9 credits) - nine credits in any of the areas mentioned above or in related subjects like anthropology, history, or philosophy, subject to departmental approval.
• Classical Language (12-15 credits) - completion of one classical language (Latin or Greek) to the intermediate level or higher:
• Option I: one three-credit, 300- or 400-level course in Latin or Greek, totaling 15 credits in the chosen language.
• Option II: one classical language to the intermediate level plus any two General Education Language or Culture courses, including Culture courses taught by ancient studies faculty, totaling 12 credits in the language and 6 credits from additional courses.

Module Descriptions:

• Ancient Society:
• This module introduces students to the major features of Greek and Roman societies, including their political structures, social organization, and religious beliefs.
• Archaeology:
• This module explores the archaeological evidence for ancient Greek and Roman life, examining material culture, architecture, and urban planning.
• Ancient History:
• This module delves into the political, social, and cultural history of ancient Greece or Rome, depending on the chosen course.
• Ancient Studies
• This module offers a wide range of courses that delve into specific aspects of ancient Greek and Roman culture, such as literature, philosophy, religion, art history, or archaeology.
• Examples of specific courses could include:
• ANCS 310: Greek Literature in Translation
• ANCS 320: Roman Literature in Translation
• ANCS 330: Greek Myth and Religion
• ANCS 340: Roman Myth and Religion
• ANCS 350: Ancient Greek Art and Archaeology
• ANCS 360: Ancient Roman Art and Archaeology
• ANCS 420: Topics in Greek History
• ANCS 430: Topics in Roman History
• ARCH 301: Fieldwork in Archaeology
• Additional Courses:
• Classical Language:
• This module provides students with the skills to read and understand ancient Greek or Latin texts.
• Students can choose between focusing on one language at a deeper level or exploring two languages at a more introductory level.

Assessment: The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Coursework: Regular assignments, including essays, research papers, and presentations, assess students' understanding of course material and their ability to apply critical thinking skills.
• Examinations: Exams (midterms and finals) test students' knowledge and comprehension of the material covered in each course.
• Language Proficiency: Students' ability to read and translate ancient Greek or Latin texts is tested through language exams and assignments.
• Capstone Project: Some students may choose to complete a capstone project, which involves a significant research undertaking and allows them to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research and engage with scholarly discourse.
• Course Participation: Active participation in class discussions and seminars is also considered during the evaluation process.

Teaching: The Ancient Studies program at UMBC boasts a dedicated faculty of passionate and experienced scholars who bring their expertise and enthusiasm to the classroom. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles:

• Seminars: Interactive seminars encourage critical discussion, analysis, and debate, allowing students to engage with their peers and faculty members.
• Language Courses: Small-group language courses offer personalized instruction and dedicated attention to developing language proficiency.
• Fieldwork: Some courses may incorporate fieldwork opportunities, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

Careers: The Ancient Studies program equips graduates with valuable skills and knowledge that translate to a wide range of career paths:

• Teaching: Graduates can pursue careers in teaching history, classics, or related subjects at the secondary or post-secondary level.
• Museum and Archival Work: They can find employment in museums, libraries, or archives, curating collections, conducting research, and contributing to public education and outreach programs.
• Archaeological Research: Graduates with strong archaeological backgrounds can pursue careers in archaeological fieldwork, excavation, or analysis.
• Cultural Heritage Management: They can contribute to the preservation and management of cultural heritage sites and historical resources.
• Publishing and Journalism: The program's emphasis on research and writing skills prepares graduates for careers in academic publishing or historical journalism.
• Government: Graduates' analytical and research skills are valuable in government agencies, policy research, or international relations.
• Law: The program's focus on critical thinking and persuasive writing can benefit students pursuing careers in law or legal research.
• Business and Communications: The program's transferable skills in communication, research, and analysis are valuable in various business and communications fields.

Other:

• The program encourages students to participate in study abroad programs to gain firsthand experience with ancient cultures and archaeological sites.
• Students can also get involved in research projects with faculty members, enhancing their research skills and gaining valuable experience in the field.
• The program offers opportunities for internships at museums, archaeological sites, or other relevant institutions, providing practical experience in the chosen field.