Why study Classical Languages
Austin Peay has a dynamic and experienced faculty in Classical Languages and Classical Cultures, providing students with the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in the Latin and Ancient Greek languages as well as the cultures of the Roman and Ancient Greek world. These two cultures and the literature and material culture they left behind are foundational to the growth of Western Civilization as seen in Europe and North America, including in literature, theatre, politics, law, and even medicine. A firm grounding in the Classics allows a student a broad set of perspectives in which to view our own time and place. In addition, the skills learned in such study, such as written communication, careful reading and comprehension of texts, the analysis of systems of diverse information are highly valuable in today’s flexible and fast evolving workplace.
Students seeking a Concentration in Classical Languages or a Concentration in Classical Cultures will be preparing for work or educational experiences in a global, systematically complex, and intellectually flexible world. A Concentration in Classical Languages or in Classical Cultures may help prepare students for a life and career in business, communication, education, technical writing, or government service around the world. It can also serve as a solid grounding for careers in Law, local government service, and Medicine.
APSU students of Classical Languages or Classical Cultures engage in curricular and co-curricular experiences that advance their learning and knowledge of the ancient Mediterranean world. Classics at APSU boasts two extra-curricular clubs, Eta Sigma Phi, the National Classics Honorary, and the Ancient Mediterranean Club, which meet to share interests in the ancient world as well as activities to spread appreciation of the ancient world. Classics at APSU also houses Philomathes: an online journal for undergraduate research in Classics, which students may have opportunities to both help edit and publish in. Lastly, Classical Languages students at APSU have the opportunity to study abroad in Greece, Sicily, and Italy.
Dr. Stephen Kershner holds a PhD in Classics from SUNY at Buffalo. He is a specialist in Latin Literature (specifically Latin Poetry), Hellenistic Philosophy, and the Classical Tradition. Dr. Timothy Winters holds a PhD in Classics from The Ohio State University. He is a specialist in Ancient Greek Literature, Epigraphy, and Archaeology.
What will I Learn
- Students will acquire a knowledge base that includes advanced Latin and Ancient Greek language, Roman and Greek literature, culture, and archaeology.
- The Concentration in Classical Languages is intended to prepare majors for life and work in a global and fast-evolving society via a subject of study that helps students understand how the diverse parts of a highly complex society can be understood and used as sources of solutions for modern problems.
- Students will gain proficiency in written communication, linguistic understanding, cultural analysis, and analysis of diverse systems of information, as well as a thorough know of the ancient world.