C
A
In the
lassroom
Classical studies minor comes to KSU
T
he mystery and allure of the Greek and Roman civilizations have long intrigued scholars and students. Now students at Kennesaw State University immerse themselves in classical culture by taking a minor in classical studies, which is being offered for the first time this semester.
Photos courtesy of Kristen Seaman
By Megan Roberts
Kristen Seaman, assistant professor of art history and the program’s coordinator, describes the new addition as an interdisciplinary program in the language, culture and society of Greece and Rome that will help students to increase their understanding of ancient culture and to improve their skills in critical thinking and writing. The new minor extends the university’s ongoing work in the classical field. KSU is already affiliated with the American School of Classical Studies at Athens as a cooperating institution, and faculty and students have traveled and conducted research around the world, including archaeological fieldwork at the Villa delle Vignacce in Rome. The minor incorporates courses from the College of the Arts such as art history, dance, music and theatre with classes from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences such as anthropology, English, history, Latin and philosophy. The wide variety of courses allows students from many different programs of study to benefit from the minor. For art students, the advantage is clear. “Many successful artists and performers incorporate classical content in such works as paintings and storytelling performances,” Seaman explains. Tara Spears, a theatre and performance studies major, anticipates the sense of community that connecting multiple departments will inspire. English major Tanya Brown thinks “it will benefit students that have a varied interest in the arts but had to confine themselves to just one area.” 2
6
Fall 2011
(Top) KSU students Dana Simonis and Laura Lund excavating on Crete. (Middle) Model of the Pompeiian House of Faun by KSU student Joseph Barbier (Bottom) Kristen Seaman at the Acropolis in Greece