As the oldest major at DePauw, classical studies has played an important role since the 1800s, when as a part of their general education all students were required to take courses like Latin, Greek and Roman Civilization — courses now assigned to the Classics Department.
With professor Carl Huffman set to retire at the end of next year and professor Jinyu Liu going on leave for two years, the department must undergo several changes.
To fill in for Liu who is leaving after receiving the New Directions Fellowship from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, DePauw recently hired James Wells after receiving over 77 applications for the position. The first in his family to attend college, Wells went on to earn his Ph.D. in classical studies at Indiana University and has taught at Hamilton College.
Both faculty and staff had high expectations for the new professor. Throughout the application process for the position, faculty and students examined the potential hires for several essential qualities expected in a classical studies professor.
In the Classics Department, interdisciplinary skills are crucial. Dean of Academic Life and classical studies professor Pedar Foss described classics as "an incredibly multidisciplinary discipline by its very nature," emphasizing how Classical Studies covers a broad range of civilizations over the course of over 4000 years.
"Most of the professors know everything about everything related to classics, and outside of it as well," said senior Nick Smith. A double major in classical civilizations and Greek, Smith also expressed a desire to expand the department and find "some manner by which to increase the number of students in upper-level courses."
Not only is an increase in student interest important, but some also cite the importance of hiring a professor who will inspire greater enthusiasm. Lindsay Llewellyn, the only senior Latin major, said the ideal classics professor should be "someone knowledgeable in their field, and someone that can translate their love of the subject to their students."
When hiring new professors, DePauw strongly considers student input in making the final decision. In addition to holding mock classes that students can attend, DePauw also arranges for several students to meet with potential professors over lunch.
"As faculty, we have our own ideas and expectations of what makes a good class," said Rebecca Schindler, chair of the Classical Studies Department. "But that's not always the same as what the students think makes a good class, so it's important to us to have feedback from the students."
Huffman said teaching ability in the classroom is the most important component taken into account when hiring a new teacher. However, the learning experience professors would provide outside of the classroom also plays a large role.
"[The professors] are very helpful," sophomore Kristen Fanning said. "I'm applying to a Classical Studies school for study abroad, and even teachers I've only tangently known…have offered to help me with my application."
With 25 students majoring and 10 minoring in classical studies, the department has a much smaller number than some majors, but it commands a strong amount of enthusiasm.
"We're hoping to see continued growth and continued strength," Foss said. "Our ability to communicate to students in understanding the origins of Western Civilization, while not the only important civilization to learn about, are essential for growing up as informed and thoughtful citizens in a Western country such as ours."
Despite undergoing many changes, the Classical Studies Department continues to offer courses that provide a valuable learning experience for many students at DePauw.
"You learn a lot more than just how to conjugate Greek verbs," Smith said. "you learn about English, philosophy, religion, rhetoric, all areas."