LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Classics

By:

Posted: 11/2/04

To the Editor:
After somewhat belatedly hearing about Dean Adam's Jaffe's suggestions and proposal (news article, Oct. 19), I feel compelled to add my voice of support to the classical studies department.

I came to Brandeis specifically because of the department of classical studies. Although I chose to major in the classical archaeology and ancient history track rather than one of the department's language and literature tracks, I sampled everything the department had to offer, including both Greek and Latin language courses.

To suggest that there is no worth in offering courses in Greek language and literature is inconceivable and upsetting. As others have pointed out, Greek, as well as Latin, form the backbone of nearly all the modern languages offered at Brandeis and elsewhere. Prof. Ana Olga Koloski-Ostrow herself affirmed that those in mathematical or scientific fields often employ Greek in their work and come to her for her specific classics expertise.

Furthermore, Jaffe's suggestion that Greek authors, such as Homer or Aristophanes, could be taught solely in translation is outrageous. No student of literature ever thinks that a translation is a proper substitute for the original language. Having read texts such as the Iliad and Beowulf in the original, I can certainly attest to the fact that students, if not presented with the opportunity to learn and appreciate ancient Greek, will lose out on more than just a class; they will lose the opportunity to love and be challenged by an ancient text unadulterated by the mistakes or whims of a translator.

I am also incensed by the idea that classical studies should be reduced in stature to simply an interdepartmental program with the professors scattered to whatever departments Jaffe thinks would be most expedient. Classical studies is a vibrant field, and should be viewed as an integral whole, not as a patchwork of courses culled from professors placed in different departments. There is no good way to break up a classical studies department without losing the profound contributions of the field. It is no less a single entity than English, chemistry or psychology, and it is completely outrageous that Jaffe is suggesting that it is.

The value of a liberal arts education begins with classical studies. It is-and always has been-the foundation of education. To dismantle this department would fly in the face of Brandeis' commitment to a strong liberal arts education.

I take pride in the fact that I acquired my undergraduate degree from Brandeis University, a school with a good reputation and clear mission. And yet, even more so, I take pride in that I majored in classical studies, a department that, despite its small size, exemplifies what Brandeis is all about.

-Ilana Krug '96

New Brunswick, N.J.

To the Editor:

All of the uproar during the last few weeks regarding the classics department and the rumors surrounding the issue have done at least one good thing-they've made me realize that the humanities are failing at Brandeis.

As depressing as it is, Brandeis seems to be losing its identity as a liberal arts school. Most of the students are pre-professionals. That's great, but where are the intellectuals? What happened to the philosophers and the writers? Nothing against sciences, but without a strong humanities presence the University will become more of a technical institute. Our professors are great, but when they have no students there's not much that they can do. There are so many small departments in the humanities, all of which are facing dwindling enrollment as more of the students flock to economics, biology, international and global studies and other majors. While it's wonderful that those departments are attracting students, we're losing the diversity that Brandeis tries so hard to maintain.

Students at Brandeis have never been hesitant about letting their opinions be heard. The problem is that we're all far too apathetic. It takes something as concrete as the "threat" of taking away classics to get us truly interested. Brandeis is a school where you can be as involved in administrative decisions as you want to be. What's the point of that if no one cares?

I came to Brandeis because from the minute I sat down at the fall open house two years ago, I knew I would love it here. I still do, but I don't have any illusions that it's perfect. I came here because Brandeis has great science departments and an incredible humanities faculty. I wasn't expecting no one to care. I came here because I wanted a liberal arts college with a good science department, not because I wanted to come to a technical institute with a few humanities majors. If the lack of interest in the humanities continues, Brandeis will be in danger of going from one of the top universities in the country to an elite trade school. This school is in the position to be so much more than that. I for one am going to take advantage of every opportunity that I have to make my voice heard, to do whatever it takes to create interest in the humanities here.

I just wish I weren't the only one.

-Kathryn Walker '07