Argument: Dialogues with the multiple traditions of the classical world - although not necessarily consonant, and often oppositional - are a key component of contemporary humanities and social sciences. Such dialogues take place in many different fields, but by nature often extend beyond the boundaries of any single disciplinary framework. This strongly suggests, from both an intellectual and a practical perspective, the need for a “shared common space” which would function as an institutional platform for the study and teaching of ancient thought and culture. This platform would also function as a meeting place for faculty and students who are actively concerned with aspects of antiquity and its traditions. We should note that Programs of this type are already being developed in leading peer institutions (Columbia, Princeton, NYU, Stanford, Berkeley, Johns Hopkins, Michigan, etc.).
The Study of Antiquity and Its Heritage at Northwestern:
There are currently at Northwestern several dozen faculty members in several
departments who are directly involved in the study and teaching of the literary,
philosophical, and cultural traditions of the classical world. Already several
NU faculty members have developed strong informal ties, and are regularly
collaborating on lecture series, teaching and research projects. The success
in recent years of the faculty Classical Traditions Colloquium at the Kaplan
Center for the Humanities offers further evidence of the broader viability
of this Initiative. We hope to promote the development of new undergraduate
and graduate learning opportunities, support faculty development,
and improve the national and international visibility of the Humanities
at Northwestern.
One important advantage of CTI is that it does not require rearranging departmental affiliations, departmental boundaries, the re-structuring of degree programs at undergraduate or graduate levels to any substantial degree.
Graduate Studies: The Classical Traditions Initiative will provide an umbrella structure for graduates students with relevant research interests, but without interfering with the current department-based organization of graduate study. We are at present offering team-taught graduate seminars, workshops, colloquia, roundtable discussions and lectures by visitors, planning coordinated recruitment efforts (where prospective graduates in one department are introduced to related faculty and peers in other relevant departments), developing a website, and reading groups. We expect to submit a proposal for a Graduate Certificate Program and to involve newly recruited faculty in Art History, Classics and Philosophy in shaping its curriculum.
Undergraduate Studies: The Classical Traditions Initiative will provide an umbrella structure for undergraduate students interested in aspects of the ancient world and its traditions. In the initial stages the function of CTI in undergraduate education is to collect the various relevant course offerings as they are currently being taught by NU faculty, to display them in a single context, and to offer advisory services (for example, concerning course selection and study abroad opportunities). We plan to develop some informal opportunities for close student-faculty interaction such as meals and firesides at the Residential Colleges and trips to Chicago area events and exhibits. In the future the Initiative hopes to develop into a more formal course of studies, in conjunction with a Classical Civilization Minor/Major and/or other degree programs.
Visitors, Lectures, Colloquia, Reading Groups: The Initiative arranges various events that combine high-profile public lectures by eminent scholars and artists, and research workshops. The Initiative also plans to offer a faculty/advanced-graduate reading group.
Links With Other Chicago Area Institutions: In the future CTI hopes to enhance links with interested faculty and relevant programs at other Chicago area institutions (U. of Chicago, Loyola, U. of Illinois, etc.) as well as other instates of higher education across the country and abroad. CTI hope to extend existing related consortia (e.g. the Ancient Philosophy Consortium, the Ancient History Consortium, projected Ancient Literary Studies Consortium, etc.).
Administration:
A Steering Committee coordinates activities the Initiative’s activities, in consultation with affiliated members, students, and other interested parties. CTI is attached to the Kaplan Center for the Humanities.
For more information, please contact Professor Ahuvia Kahane at Northwestern University.