Keeping in Touch with Rome

While I have already been abroad, this term two of my close friends Adam and Meredith are abroad on the Carleton architectural studies program. While I miss them dearly I have been able to keep up with them not only through WhatsApp and FaceTime, but also because I am in a Roman archaeology and art class right now!

What is OCS at Carleton?

Here at Carleton we like to call “studying abroad” something else that we usually just refer to as “OCS”. This actually stands for off campus studies but that takes longer to say and we kind of like to shorten most terms here into acronyms and other shorter terms (such as the libe instead of the library).

Why am I taking this course?

In case you didn’t know, I am geology major and Classics minor, and Roman Archaeology and Art is naturally a Classics course! I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it or not, but for the Classics minor we are required to take archaeological analysis course, and this one is just that. I have to say I am really enjoying it (which I can’t say is a surprise because I have enjoyed all Classics courses I have taken at Carleton), but it was definitely not what I was expecting.

I will say that Classics classes can sometimes be pretty small, my Latin language classes had less than 15 people in them, and my minor capstone class had 6! That being said, intro courses often are less niche and so many students from different departments step into the Classical world, meaning we usually have 30 or more students in the class. This current course, taught by Professor Victoria Austen, focuses on the art and architecture that was prevalent over the course of the Roman Empire, and what it tells us about it’s people and where it’s influence came from.

What is it like in Rome?

While I can’t speak much on the what Rome is actually like (having never actually been there) I asked my friends to give a little insight into what it is like over there.

Adam is enjoying learning right in the very location where ancient people built the city of Rome:

“There’s something different about studying on site. We learned about these historic places in class—and then an hour later we’re standing right there. I know that the master artists, architects, and builders were at one point standing in the same place I am now, and that’s an incredible feeling.”

Meredith is taking in the culture and architecture all at once:

Rome, from my limited travel experience, is the most incredible city in the world. Every building is gorgeous, the food is always a thousand times better than you’re expecting, and the people are funny and kind (for the most part). My mom jokingly asked me if I’m planning on moving here, and honestly? If I had the means, I might! I love it. -Meredith

Why study Classics?

I often have people ask me “what is Classics” especially when they aren’t familiar with the discipline itself, and to be honest sometimes I have a hard time defining it myself because I feel like it covers so much. Essentially it is the study of ancient Greek and Latin history, philosophy, language, literature, and culture. Why I happened to be interested in this? Honestly not sure, but I think it could have something to do with being a Percy Jackson kid (an avid reader of the popular series by Rick Riordan) and the rest is history. In all seriousness, I like the depth of thinking and discussion we get into within the Classics department, and it’s fascinating how 2000 years ago humans still had the same problems as we do today–applying that lens to current society is quite fun. For example, I took a class on magic last term and let me tell you, I have never thought about magic in such a way nor will I ever see think of that concept in the same way again.

Compare and contrast

The best part about taking this class is comparing the photos that I see in my textbook to what my friends are sending me (and though I am a tad jealous that I am not in Rome myself) I can’t help but enjoy living vicariously through them. It has been so fun to swap facts and discuss the art and architecture we are studying, regardless of different sources.

Hannah is a junior majoring in Geology and minoring in Classics. As a Minnesotan she considers herself somewhat of an expert on MN winters. At Carleton, she fills her schedule with writing for the Admissions blog, working as a CCCE Communications Fellow, doing geology research and TAing geology classes, and increasing voter engagement on campus. When Hannah isn’t in class, she can be found tossing a frisbee with Syzygy, crocheting, reading, walking and skiing in the Arb, thrifting, and hanging out with her besties. Meet the other bloggers!