In literature, history, and archaeology classes I acquired a trusty tool kit for solving a variety of problems, and I learned how to utilize different kinds of evidence. Conversations with peers and professors helped me to discover what kinds of questions I wanted to ask and the best way to ask them.
What You’ll Study in the Bachelor’s Degree in Greek, Latin, and Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Familiarize yourself with the diverse cultures of the ancient Mediterranean with a major in Greek, Latin, and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (GLAM) at Reed. Concentrate in either Greek and Latin language and literature or in history and archeology. Develop a wide range of knowledge and skills, and benefit from working one-on-one with faculty who employ historical, literary, art historical, archaeological, and linguistic approaches. Take advantage of programming and fellowship opportunities, both at Reed and overseas.
Roadmap to the BA in Greek, Latin, and Ancient Mediterranean Studies at Reed
Read ancient authors, engage with texts, and explore documents in the original language. Decide whether to dive deeper into the study of Greek and Latin language and literature or history and material culture. Study abroad in Athens or Rome to experience cultural immersion while learning in cities rich with ancient history. Culminate your studies with a yearlong senior thesis that synthesizes your knowledge, skills, and interests.
Year One
Begin Your Academic Journey
Jump into introductory Greek or Latin language classes to develop a foundation for your studies. Take Humanities 110, Reed’s signature course for first-year students, and learn about humanity’s history and cultural evolution, from ancient civilizations to modern-day societies.
Consult your adviser on your course of GLAM studies to determine your focus and pathway through the many options available.
Year Two
Develop Expertise
Choose your concentration in either language and literature or history and archeology, and begin to explore specialized topics. Continue to expand your vocabulary and understanding of grammar and syntax in Greek or Latin language courses. Consider study abroad programs at the former sites of these ancient civilizations.
Year Three
Dig Deeper into Ancient Civilizations
Apply the critical research skills developed in your first two years to dig for answers to modern inquiries in ancient cultures and texts. Take the junior qualifying exam to test your knowledge and determine your preparedness for selecting a research topic and pursuing your senior-year thesis.
Consider participating in the archaeological excavation on Cyprus that typically runs each summer. This project provides students with hands-on experience in archaeological field methods. Or, spend a semester abroad in historic cities like Athens and Rome.
Year Four
Showcase Your Knowledge
Take advanced level courses in reading ancient authors and exploring documents in the original language.
Draw on the research and analytical skills honed throughout your first three years of study to complete your senior thesis. In this yearlong project, delve into a specific corner of the wider world of the ancient Greek and Roman Mediterranean to develop an original contribution to the field.
Why Study Greek, Latin, and Ancient Mediterranean Studies at Reed College?
A Multidisciplinary Approach
Reed offers a uniquely interdisciplinary setting in which to study Greek, Latin, and Ancient Mediterranean languages and cultures. Small classes, dedicated professors, and passionate students lay the groundwork for drawing unexpected connections between your area of study and other fields of interest.
The interdisciplinary approach is baked into Reed’s ethos. But those who wish to pursue a specific interdisciplinary degree within GLAM should consider the religion and ancient Mediterranean studies major, which supplements your GLAM studies with three additional religion courses.
Dedication to Diversity and Inclusion
In 2021, the Classics department changed its name to what is now Greek, Latin, and Ancient Mediterranean Studies. This shift reflects a broad and inclusive curricular focus as well as our vision for the department’s future. The department is actively working both to ensure that the curriculum and course materials interrogate and challenge the canon and that the department fosters an inclusive and equitable environment that is supportive of all students.
My Favorite Courses
Elliott Rosenthal ’21
Emma McNeel ’21
Reading the Odyssey with Prof. Ellen Millender, the Aeneid with Prof. Sonia Sabnis, and the Christian mystic Dionysius the Areopagite with Prof. Mike Foat ’86 showed me the intimacy and knowledge you can create with a text through close study and dedication, as well as the total strangeness of the ancient world.
Careers for Greek, Latin, and Mediterranean Studies Majors
GLAM majors at Reed are able to analyze texts and synthesize complex information, utilize research tools, critique and evaluate sources, and discuss and defend their work orally. They go on to a range of careers, including the following:
- Latin teacher, Trinity Academy
- Manager of development operations, Kaufman Music Center
- Chief creative officer, Deck Nine Games
- Associate general counsel, Instagram
- Director of research development, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Achievements
GLAM majors have been awarded competitive Reed-based and national awards, including these:
- Fulbright Scholar Award, which offers support for research, teaching, and learning abroad.
- Reed College President’s Summer Fellowship Award, which allows students to complete an 8–10 week summer project that combines intellectual pursuit, imagination, adventure, personal transformation, and service to the greater good.
- McGill Lawrence Internship Award, which offers Reed students the opportunity to complement their academic studies with a summer internship in the public or non-profit sectors.
Our Greek, Latin, and Ancient Mediterranean Studies Faculty
Our professors reflect the depth and breadth of the GLAM department, with specialties ranging from Archaic and Classical Sparta to identity and ethnicity in the ancient world. They are esteemed scholars and independent thinkers who not only teach but inspire and collaborate with their students.
