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Augustana students now have the option of studying some of the oldest civilizations in the school's newest major.
As of October, the classical studies major has been added to the Augustana catalog.
A major in classical studies, which requires 30 credits to graduate, encompasses almost every aspect of ancient Greece and ancient Rome. Majors are required to take Latin and Greek language courses, along with courses that address the topics of literature, history, religion, culture, politics and philosophy of the civilizations. Classical studies majors are also strongly encouraged to study abroad.
Professor Rocki Wentzel, who will be teaching many of the classics courses and has her own doctorate in classics, feels that the addition of the new major is long overdue.
"I think that any premiere liberal arts program should have a classics program because it has such a long tradition of study and it's the background of so many fields," Wentzel said.
Professor David O'Hara, who will also be teaching some of the classics courses, thinks a major in classics is valuable for almost any future career.
"At first glance, it looks like another narrowly specialized discipline, and some people might wonder how that could be worth their time," O'Hara said. "But really it is one of the broadest, most interesting and most important fields of study. Studying classics exposes you to some of the most important ideas in all of history: myth and literature; the origins of political theory, of Western legal theory and of democracy; the study of war and of peace; and the roots of modern historiography, philosophy, philology, psychology, mathematics, physics, biology and the social sciences."
So far, the classics department has about six majors, but Wentzel expects the number will rise once word about the new major gets out.
Senior Kayla Rockwell decided to major in classical studies for two reasons: because an understanding of the classics helps in many of her other classes, and also simply because she is interested in the subject.
"Since I am also majoring in business, I will most likely end up working with people who speak different languages," Rockwell said. "Many languages have their base in either Latin or Greek, so I will be able to pick them up easier. Also, for example, I am taking a law class right now, and many of the terms are in Latin, so it's easier for me to remember what they mean."
Sophomore Kat Anderberg began as a history major, but decided to add the classical studies major because she has always enjoyed learning about Greek and Roman mythology and history.
"So much of Western culture and tradition comes from the ancient Greeks and Romans," Anderberg said. "I think that because those civilizations are so important to our culture, it is important to be familiar with them."
Wentzel feels that a major in classical studies is a good place to start for students who want to study humanities but aren't exactly sure where to go from there.
"Some people are interested in classical studies because they want to work in a museum, or because they want to study ancient philosophy, religion, medieval studies, anthropology or English literature," Wentzel said. "It's the foundation of so much of Western culture that you really can do anything with a classical studies major."
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