Western Civilization is a confluence of three great traditions: Greek, Roman, and Judeo-Christian. Each has a rich and distinct history made visible in such expressions as art, architecture, literature, law, music, philosophy, theology, and theatre. Collectively, these varied expressions coalesce to produce a civilization that has made a lasting impact on the world today. Scholars speak of the texts from this tradition as engaging readers in a “great conversation.” Descartes, the father of modern philosophy puts it this way: “I was aware that the reading of all good books is indeed like a conversation with the noblest men of past centuries who were the authors of them, nay a carefully studied conversation, in which they reveal to us none but the best of their thoughts.”
University of Mobile’s major in Classics is an attempt to carry on this conversation. By reading, analyzing, and interpreting the great works, and embracing the languages in which these works were written, students will engage in the investigation of seminal ideas, enlarge their fields of concern, and come to understand who they are in relation to God, others, and the world. Because of its attention to thought and word and deed, classical education has been held up as a model for Western civilization, and its utility is not less now than it has ever been.
Students who major in Classics will find satisfaction in addressing the big questions in life. Moreover, such training may serve as excellent preparation for professional careers in law, medicine, public service, the clergy or teaching.
Return to: