Classics and Religious Studies
Department Chair,Sidnie Crawford
237 Andrews Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0337 | (402) 472-2460 | scrawford1@unl.edu
Undergraduate Adviser, Thomas Rinkevich
235 Andrews Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0337 | (402) 472-4482 | trinkevich1@unl.edu
Graduate Adviser, John D. Turner
239 Andrews Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0337 | (402) 472-7008 | jturner2@unl.edu
The Greek and Latin programs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are as old as the University itself. Among the five professors in residence when the university opened its doors in the fall of 1871 were a professor of Greek and a professor of Latin. Over the years the Department of Classics and Religious Studies has turned out a steady stream of Greek and Latin majors. Many of these have gone on to become professional classicists, either Latin teachers in high schools or professors of classics at universities. Others, after receiving their degrees in Greek or Latin, have pursued further study in professional fields, such as medicine, law or the ministry. All of these have found their education in classics a valuable asset. The study of classics leads students to develop a clarity of vision and an objective approach in dealing with the world around them.
Careers
In practice, the study of classics and a degree in Classics, Greek or Latin are preparatory for advanced study in classics or a professional field. Those students who do not choose to pursue further study in classics normally go on to prepare for careers in medicine, law, the ministry or computer science. Students who do not continue their studies toward an advanced or professional degree find jobs in government or business, for which they are competitive.
The Program
The primary area of emphasis of the Classics and Religious Studies Department is Greek and Latin language and literature. The department also offers courses in religious studies and in science in antiquity. In addition to Greek and Latin, the Egyptian, Coptic, and Hebrew languages are taught in the department. Curricula leading to majors are offered in Classics, Greek and Latin. Minors are offered in Greek, Latin, Classics and Religious Studies. Language requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences can be satisfied by Greek, Hebrew and Latin.
Resources
The collection of classics books and periodicals is one of the strongest collections in the university libraries. In addition, the department has all the currently available machine-readable texts of Greek and Latin. With these tools, faculty and students--both undergraduate and graduate--can quickly and effectively do research on Greek and Latin grammar or vocabulary and Greek and Roman intellectual history.
The department has 11 faculty members, and incorporates the expertise of three other classicists housed in other departments, in addition to that of a number of faculty members in several departments, whose training intersects with classical and religious studies. This faculty underscores the interdisciplinary and integrative mode of the Department of Classics and Religious Studies.
Activities
Students planning to become high school Latin teachers should join the American Classical League. The League advertises and distributes classroom materials suitable for high school Latin classes and operates a teacher placement service for high school Latin teachers. Students planning to pursue doctoral-level studies in classics should join the American Philological Association. The Association is the senior professional organization for classicists in North America. At its annual meetings in January it provides opportunities for scholarly communication through panels and paper sessions and operates a placement service for persons seeking university-level appointments.
As a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student you will have access to hundreds of activities and groups related to specific academic, social, cultural or political interests. Involvement in any of these organizations builds leadership, communication and organizational skills and helps you to make new friends with those who have similar interests.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
High School seniors who are applying for admission should contact the Office of Admissions regarding application for freshman scholarships and all deadlines. For federal aid, student and parent(s) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available from your high school guidance counselor.
Current UNL students should contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to make sure they have applied for all appropriate scholarships and financial aid. In addition, the College of Arts and Sciences administers scholarships. For information about these college scholarships, deadlines, and the college’s Undergraduate Scholarship Application Form, see the Arts and Sciences Web site at http://ascweb.unl.edu/students/scholarships.html.
Scholarships for students in classics and religious studies are supported by income from the Grace I. Bridge and Emma C. Steckelberg scholarship funds.
Graduate Programs
The Department of Classics offers the MA degree with concentration in either Greek or Latin. An undergraduate major in Greek or Latin is normally required.
