Ancient History at the University of Southern Indiana and Beyond

The Department of History currently offers a full range of courses in the study of the ancient world including junior-level survey courses in Ancient Greece (341), the Hellenistic World (342), the Roman Republic (343), and the Roman Empire (344). Upper-level courses in Archaic Greece, the Athenian Empire of the 5^th Century BC, Hellenistic Athens and Roman Imperialism have been offered recently.

Hopefully in the future additional courses will be added to those listed above. Possible offerings might include courses on Ancient Historiography, Graeco-Roman Egypt, Archaeology of the Mediterranean World and the Ancient Near East.

While the study of ancient history does not require a knowledge of Latin and ancient Greek, it is helpful. The ability to read critically ancient documents in their original language opens up many new doors to the ancient historian. Since Fall 2001, through the Department of Foreign Languages, the University has offered introductory and elementary courses in Latin that hopefully will develop into a full range of courses on the Latin language. For more information about Latin, please visit the Latin Program web page.

We are also happy to announce that beginning in Spring 2003, students will have the opportunity to earn a minor in Classical Studies. The minor is an interdisciplinary one, in which students must take courses on the history of ancient Greece and Rome, the Latin language, as well as other offerings in ancient philosophy, ancient art and mythology. Formal degree check sheets are now available.

Study of the ancient world is a unique field within the discipline of history. Ancient historians do not have the luxury of an overabundance of written documents that historians in other fields do. As a result of this, an ancient historian must be familiar with sources from many other disciplines including archaeology, art history, philosophy, and poetry.

Opportunities for Study beyond the University

In January 2001 the University of Southern Indiana became a contributing member of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. Students and faculty of the University wishing to travel and work in Greece now have the opportunity to do so. The American School annually offers two six-week summer sessions for study in Greece. The program itself is ideal for advanced undergraduates wishing to pursue graduate study in ancient history or those who wish to see first hand the sites and monuments they have studied within the classrooms of USI. An expert in the field of Greek history, archaeology, art, or philology leads each session. Students participating in the program travel to sites throughout Greece and within Athens where they present reports (normally two) on any number of topics relating to the ancient Greek world. Students who would like more information about the American School or who are interested in applying for a Summer Session should contact Prof. Michael Dixon.

This page is still under development and will be updated frequently. Please direct any suggestions or comments about its content to Prof. Michael Dixon.