BA/BS in Classical and Ancient Studies

The Bates College major in Classical and Medieval Studies is interdisciplinary that studies cultural history while teaching students to read and question texts in ancient languages. It is organized around issues of power, oppression and how culture, identity and the past are constructed. Majors combine language study with culture courses, on subjects ranging from religion and politics to literature, and conclude with a senior capstone. Examples include courses on violence and gender in ancient Greece and on medieval Africa south of the Sahara. Students learn to examine ancient societies through lenses such as race, gender and class, and are encouraged to use archives and museums, study abroad, and apply their learning in the local community. Faculty encourage students to approach the ancient world with empathy as well as analytical care.