The field of Classics and Mediterranean Studies
The field of Classics and Mediterranean Studies encompasses the cultures of Ancient Greece, Rome, and the Arab world - their languages, literatures, histories, philosophies, religions, arts, and archaeology. Studies in this field are inherently interdisciplinary and can touch upon many other subjects, ranging from drama to astronomy, from mythology to geography, from sciences to gender studies, from philology to literary criticism, from political theory to sociology and anthropology - a complete liberal arts education in a single department.

The intellectual treasures of the Classical civilizations are called Classics because of their unmatched beauty and intelligence, their continuing relevance to the present world, and their ongoing influence on modern thinking. Classical cultures are the very origin of the Western world, and attest to the cultural debt that the West has towards the the ancient East and towards Arabic civilization. It is by studying Classics that we understand the development of Western literatures, history, philosophies, religions, societies, politics, sciences, arts, laws, and languages. With a training in Classics we come to see the world of today from a wider, richer, deeper, and more independent perspective - one which enables us to value fully and to critique accurately the culture we grew up in, and to be more aware of the way we think and live. We step out of the box, reaching a better understanding - and becoming freer from - the cultural conventions that condition us. We also gain familiar with different (but quickly accessible) cultures that identified sharply and debated smartly the same key issues that we too are now grappling with. We also discover a time when East and West learnt from each other constructively and productively. We acquire a diachronic, long-term outlook, and we enjoy some of most stimulating and exquisite intellectual and artistic material ever produced.

Our Department provides a full range of courses in translation, from introductory surveys of ancient cultures and mythology to advanced studies in classical societies and literary genres. We also offer courses on the art and the archeology of Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt, as well as on Modern Greek culture and literature. Language courses, from introductory to advanced levels, are also available - in Latin, Arabic, Ancient Greek, and Modern Greek.

The UIC Department of Classics and Mediterranean Studies is located in downtown Chicago next to the Loop, in UIC's east campus. It can be reached easily by car (off Harrison and Halsted Street) and public transport (opposite the UIC Halsted "L" stop).