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“ The combination of ancient languages with ancient history and archaeology within the CAMS degree at Penn State was very helpful to me in my studies. This combination not only reminds us that ancient languages need a context so that we can better understand the texts we study; it also reminds us that a region’s history cannot be completely studied without knowing well the languages spoken there. We have become accustomed to reading everything in English and that circumstance does not force us to analyze primary sources written in the original languages.
A CAMS degree at Penn State, no matter what option you decide upon, forces you to expand your mode of thinking and this helps you in whatever field you decide to go into. I had a Latin professor who told me that, in terms of developing analytical abilities, Latin was just like math and I have sat alongside Liberal Arts, science, economics, and pre-med majors in my CAMS classes. The CAMS courses at Penn State encourage development of your abilities to analyze sources and make a clear and articulate argument: these skills have become increasingly important as the world becomes smaller and organizations from all nations compete for the same prize.
In addition to acquiring all of these useful “real world” skills, the faculty members of the CAMS department make this degree truly enjoyable. They are willing to sit and talk with you, to listen to your questions and ideas, and to set up independent studies. There is a spirit of learning within the CAMS department, one that is easy to take part in and use to propel yourself though all your classes. It is this spirit of inquiry and learning that is, I think, one of the best things that CAMS students take with them, asking ‘how do I know this?’ and ‘why is this so?’ ”
THE OBJECTIVES OF COMPLETING THE CAMS MAJOR
The CAMS Major has three options: Classical and Ancient Mediterranean Studies; Ancient Languages; Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology. (For the requirements for each option, click below on "CAMS at a Glance".) Students who complete any of the three major options in CAMS will have:
1) Acquired the ability to read, interpret, and analyze a broad range of literary, historical, artistic, and social texts relating to the ancient Mediterranean world.
2) Acquired a general knowledge of the historical and cultural development of at least one major ancient Mediterranean civilization or cultural sphere (Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Hebrew/Israelite, Greek, Roman), and a familiarity with some of the main cultural traits of at least one other major ancient Mediterranean civilization.
3) Acquired an informed familiarity with the landmarks of literary tradition associated with at least one major ancient Mediterranean civilization, and at least an introductory familiarity with the language of that culture.
4) Acquired an in-depth familiarity with the geography and major archaeological monuments of at least one major ancient Mediterranean Civilization. To that end, students are strongly encouraged to participate in one or more of the Education Programs in which CAMS faculty are involved.
A document outlining the requirements for the CAMS major and CAMS minors, including requirements for all three major options, can be viewed by clicking the link below.
