This study programme provides deep insights into the cultures of classical antiquity and their reception. It takes an interdisciplinary approach, with the fields of history (ancient history/archaeology) and literature (Latin literature) taking centre stage. The bachelor’s programme in Classics and the Ancient Near East is unique in that it combines the study of various types of historical sources (literary texts, material remains) with the study of how they were received by succeeding generations. By classical antiquity, we also understand the ancient Near East. This broad approach makes it possible to not only learn about the continued influence of classical antiquity on the “Renaissances” that occurred between the the Middle Ages and the present day, but also the reception processes during classical antiquity, i.e. the encounters between the Greek and oriental worlds, the dialogue between Rome and Hellas, as well as the development of Christianity.
Announcements
10.11.2017 Classics Day - Being foreign
The event on the topic of “being foreign” serves the continued education of classical languages teachers. It is organised by the Faculty of Humanities and the Academy for Advanced Studies at the University of Konstanz (AWW) in collaboration with the Regierungspräsidium (regional authority) in Freiburg.
This year’s Classics Day examines the “other” and “being foreign” in ancient contexts. At all times, individual and collective processes of identity creation depend on the drawing of boundaries. Experiences of foreignness and otherness are therefore not only crucial to self-assurance mechanisms in individuals and groups of people at home in our contemporary world, but also in the ancient world. The tensions related to these processes - all of which are epoch-spanning experiences - can manifest in various less constructive forms of demarcation, even eruptions of hostility. However, the “other” does not only cause fear, it also evokes curiosity. Although our experiences do not seem to have changed much over time, we do need to ask ourselves whether, in times of mass mobility never seen on this scale before - with its breadth of cultural contacts and a virtually comprehensively mapped globe that prompts us to relegate the “alien” to outer space - we need to draw (at least outwardly) other boundaries. In the end, antiquity, too, is a foreign country, nearer to us in many ways than we imagine, but “other” nonetheless.
Departmental student advisory service
If you have general questions about the study programme, the examination regulations, your student account, internships, form 5 for requesting BaföG (German Federal Training Assistance Act), etc., please contact Dr Daniel Hütter. For advice related to your subject and for questions regarding the recognition of credits earned abroad or at other universities, please contact Dr Joachim Fugmann.