Departmental Talk

The Department of Classics and

The Department of Linguistics and Languages

Present:

Prof. Nicholas Allen, University of Oxford

“Homer-Mahābhārata comparison: heroes and functions”

Thursday 14 October 4:30 DSB 505

Mac Classics Student places in National Competition

Congratulations to Louise Savocchia (Classics M.A., 2012) who won third place in the Classical Association of Canada's Undergraduate Essay Competition (Senior level). Her prize-winning paper was written as an undergraduate Honours Classics student at McMaster for Classics 4BB3, Seminar in Ancient Art. The paper, "Pocket-sized Political Statements: The Development of the Coinage of the Deinomenids of Sicily," combined textual and iconographic evidence to discuss the political messages that were conveyed by the tyrants' coins.

Mac Classics Graduate Student in Rome and Pompeii

Meghan Fee (Classics M.A. 2011) writes on her experiences this summer:

I was one of twelve students in North America that was accepted to attend the Summer Program in Archaeology at the American Academy in Rome in the summer 2010. The purpose of the program is to give graduate students in all areas of Classical studies an overview of current developments in archeological method and theory, focusing on ancient Italy and the ancient Mediterranean world. The seven-week course taught the objectives and methods of archaeology through instruction and hands-on experience in active archaeological research. The program consisted of three weeks in residence at the American Academy in Rome for lectures and the opportunity to study the monuments and sources offered by Rome itself. The remaining four weeks were spent excavating in ancient Pompeii with the University of Cincinnati.

Links of interest:
http://www.aarome.org/
http://classics.uc.edu/pompeii/
http://www.apple.com/ipad/pompeii/

(photo: Pompeii with Mt. Vesuvius by M. Fee)

Mac Classics Student Excavates at Mycenae

Carly Hoey (Classics `11) recently participated in excavations at Mycenae. She writes:

I was fortunate enough to participate in an archaeological dig at ancient Mycenae in Greece this summer. We excavated the lower town, which is located in a valley below the famous citadel that includes the iconic Lion Gate. This was my first time in the field and it was interesting to see all of the methods that are taught in class actually in use. The experience allowed me to have a better understanding of the different practices used in archaeology such as: architectural surveying, GIS, floatation, sifting etc. After participating in this dig I now have a much better understanding of what goes into archaeology, and the potential careers that are available. It definitely made me realize that I do want to pursue a career in archaeology and classical history. If you have the opportunity to participate in a dig do not pass it up, you will have the time of your life! It was an amazing experience and all of the people I met were unbelievable and full of passion. I hope I get the chance to go back again next year.

Although I was in Greece to practice archaeology I had time afterwards to travel around the country for a few days. I was in Athens for two days and Dr. Spencer Pope was actually able to give me and a few friends a tour of the Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum. It is amazing to see in person the temples and sculptures that you learn about in class. I found that it makes you appreciate it much more because you are able to see the amount of work and effort that went into these astonishing works of art. After Athens I spent a few days in Santorini, which is one of the many islands of Greece. It was nice to finally get to relax and just enjoy the country, the food and the people. I know that everyone always raves about Santorini, but it honestly is a breath-taking island. Greece is a stunning country, full of extremely kind and welcoming people and I thoroughly enjoying every minute of my trip!

Carly Hoey

(Photo: excavations in process at Mycenae. Photo by C. Hoey)

Mac Classics Grad in Greece

Kyle McLeister (MA ’11) recently finished a six week study tour of Greece as a member of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens Summer Session (http://www.ascsa.edu.gr/index.php/programs/Summer). The summer session, which was comprised of 20 students and high school teachers from across North America, divided its time between three weeks in Athens and three weeks travelling throughout the rest of Greece, visiting sites of major archaeological and historical importance, as well as numerous museums in Crete, the Peloponnese, and northern Greece. The program not only allows students to gain first-hand experience with the monuments of ancient Greece, but it also gives them to opportunity to forge professional ties with students and scholars in the field.

(The Hephaisteion in the Athenian Agora. Photo: K. McKleister)

Mac Humanities Newsletter

The most recent issue of the McMaster Humanities Newsletter has a feature on the Dept. of Classics: http://www.humanities.mcmaster.ca/