Archaeology of the Ancient Mediterranean is the study of the material culture — the artifacts, sites, monuments, and landscapes — of the ancient Mediterranean world. While we focus principally on the civilizations of Greece and Rome, other areas of the Mediterranean, notably Egypt and the Near East, also form an important part of the major. The study of Archaeology of the Ancient Mediterranean extends broadly through time as well as space, ranging from the Minoan and Mycenaean cultures of the second millennium BC to the collapse of the Roman empire — which occurred in AD 476 or in AD 1453, depending on who you ask.
At Michigan, you can study everything from the Parthenon in Athens to the Colosseum in Rome, from the forts of Roman Britain to the art of Egypt of the pharaohs, from the palaces of prehistoric Crete to the Ice Man, from cities in Afghanistan to red-figure pottery — as well as things between and beyond.
These diverse course offerings encourage the interdisciplinary study of art, history, languages and archaeology. Many classes are held in the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, and objects from its collections are widely used in teaching. Student opportunities exist for volunteering in the museum, and undergraduates are also encouraged to think about gaining fieldwork experience in the summer months. Finally, many archaeologists visit and lecture on the Michigan campus each year and undergraduates are always welcome (and encouraged) to attend.
In addition to the learning goals for all majors, the Classical Archaeology major asks students to:
- examine the diverse material and visual record of the ancient Mediterranean world
- learn practical, theoretical, and scientific methods in archaeology
- acquire hands-on experience through class projects, collaboration with the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, and/or participation in archaeological fieldwork
Effective Fall 2024:
Major
Minimum credits for major: 27
Requires a minimum of 8 courses (at least 3 credits each) including:
1. Two of the following introductory courses:
- ARCHAM 221: Introduction to Greek Archaeology
- ARCHAM 222: Introduction to Roman Archaeology
- ARCHAM 228: Visual Ancient Rome
2. One broad introductory course in either Greek or Roman history or civilization (200-level or above), such as CLCIV 202, 302; HISTORY 200, 201.
3. Three upper-level courses (numbered 325 & above) in the Archaeology of the Ancient Mediterranean (ARCHAM).
4. Third term proficiency in Ancient Greek or Latin (usually met by successful completion of GREEK 301 or the equivalent, or LATIN 231 or the equivalent). Prerequisites for third-term proficiency do not count for credits toward the major. Students who plan to fulfull this requirement in other ways should speak to the department advisor.
5. At least one additional relevant course at the 400-level (ARCHAM 499 may be substituted only with prior approval of the advisor).
Minor
This minor is intended to provide students with the opportunity to explore the archaeology and art of the ancient Mediterranean world. Students will acquire a broad archaeological, historical and cultural overview, before turning to more specific courses dealing with the artistic production and material conditions of Greek and Roman society.
Prerequisites to the Archaeology of the Ancient Mediterranean minor
One course from the following Foundational Courses:
- ARCHAM or CLARCH 103
- ARCHAM or CLARCH 104
- ARCHAM 105
- ARCHAM or CLARCH 221
- ARCHAM or CLARCH 222
- ARCHAM/HISTART 228
Requirements for the Archaeology of the Ancient Mediterranean minor
At least 16 credits of courses chosen from the following three categories:
- One additional course from the list of Foundational Courses listed in the prerequisite.
- At least one broad introductory course in Greek or Roman civilization or Greek and Roman history (CLCIV 101, 202, 302; HISTORY 200, 201)
- At least three upper level (upper 300 or 400 level) courses in ARCHAM.
Honors Major in Archaeology of the Ancient Mediterranean
The department offers Honors in each of the six majors. Interested students who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.4 should contact their department advisor to discuss an Honors thesis no later than the winter term of their junior year.
It is the student's responsibility to find a suitable faculty advisor to oversee the thesis project. This project and its components are to be decided collectively by the student and the advisor at the end of the junior year. We encourage students to think creatively about the approach to their research and thesis project. Thesis advisors must sign off on a student's thesis project proposal.
At the end of the thesis project, the candidate must offer an oral defense of this work to a committee comprised of the thesis advisor and another faculty member, and present their research findings at the Classical Studies Honors Symposium.
In addition to the Honors plan requirements stated above, Honors candidates must satisfy the following:
- 3.4 minimum cumulative GPA; 3.5 minimum major GPA
- Completion of an Honors thesis and oral defense in coordination with a Classics faculty member
- Completion of eight credits in the second classical language (Greek if the major language is Latin; Latin if the major language is Greek).
- CLCIV 480 section titled "Research Seminar" (Fall term)
Students may also elect ARCHAM 495 for 1-2 credits in the Fall and 1-3 credits in the Winter, but are not required to do so.
For further information see the Senior Honors Thesis section.
