The Role of Classics in US History

In most high schools, a student’s US history curriculum is focused on dates, events, policies, and people. This summer course at the Calder Classics Institute is designed to engage students more with the intellectual history, the concepts and ideas that influenced Americans and consequently shaped US history.

Co-taught by Sarah Betensky and Maddie Mauro, two Calder Classics alumnae, the curriculum for this course is inspired by the research Sarah conducted in her independent study senior project this year which focused on the influential role of Classics in US history. Sarah will continue working on this topic when she enters Brown in the fall.  Maddie, who will be starting at Stanford Medical School this year, is working on the interdisciplinary academic aspects of this class, having just graduated as a pre-med student from Harvard where she took many courses in the Classics Department.

Over the course of the week, Sarah and Maddie will guide students in thinking about the ways in which Americans engaged with and used the Classics from America’s founding in 1776 to now. By analyzing US oratory and letters, artwork, and architecture, students will gain an understanding of how US education, government, ideals, women’s roles, and society at large were impacted and shaped by Greco-Roman antiquity. 

Calder Classics is excited to offer this course based on the investigation of Classics, but requiring NO PRIOR ACADEMIC STUDY OF THE ANCIENT GREEK OR LATIN LANGUAGE.  By observing and discussing the interaction and implementation of ideas from ancient times this course makes the Classics come alive for accomplished students seeking an interdisciplinary program.

STUDENTS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO ENTER THIS PROGRAM AS A STEPPING STONE TO DESIGNING THEIR OWN INDEPENDENT STUDY PROJECTS OR ENGAGING IN MORE COMPLEX INTERDISCIPLINARY IDEAS.

Course Plan

Day 1: Founders of the US and the Classics

Day 2: The Spread of Classics in US Society

Day 3: American Women and the Classics

Day 4: Classical to Amerian Oratory

Day 5: Exploring What Makes Rhetoric Good

Day 6: Decline of the Classics by the End of the 20th Century

Day 7: Relevance of Greco-Roman Antiquity Today

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Staff

Application Deadline

Students are accepted on a rolling admissions basis while space is available. Please submit your application by the deadline of June 30 to receive priority consideration for this program. Applications received before this date will be considered as they are received and acceptances will be granted based on careful consideration by our staff. Applications received after this date will be carefully considered as they are received as long as spots are still available.

Your application will be processed and you will receive a reply regarding your acceptance status within one to two weeks of your submission date provided that we have received your teacher reference.

Dates & Fees

July 16-23,  2023

The Role of Classics in US History, Essex, MA

Students arrive in Essex, MA by noon on Saturday, July 16. This small sea-side town north of Boston is an ideal location for academic and recreational activities. Students will have opportunities to play squash and tennis, visit the beach, kayak and go boating while dining on fresh seafood and produce from local farms.

The $3000 tuition includes accommodations, transportation to local activities, museum entries, instruction, and course materials. Breakfast and dinner and most lunches are included. Depending on our daily schedules, students are on their own for some lunch breaks.  Students are responsible for the cost of their activities outside of the group.

Testimonials

“I thought it was really cool to learn about classics in U.S. history in the first couple days, then have a challenge about the concepts that we learned. It was even better that I won and got to be called Marcus Tulius Cicero for the rest of the night and get an awesome hat.”

“I was intrigued by every topic that we covered and I can't find one that I found boring or uninteresting.”

“I attended the in-person Calder Classics course "Roman Voices" in Essex, Massachusetts, and it was the highlight of my summer. The texts were carefully curated both for optimal translation practice and for thoughtful discussion on the themes of the class. There was a great collaborative dynamic among the students and teacher of my group. The history lectures, too, were thorough and fun. I often found myself talking with my fellow students after class about what we had read that day, who our favorite author was so far, etc. After two summers with Calder Classics, my love of the classics has come into full bloom. I can't wait to see what will happen next summer!”

“Calder Classics's course in Essex, MA was the highlight of my summer! I absolutely cannot thank the Calders, Sarah Grover, and Cris Corrado enough for an amazing week of fun with friends reading Latin! Cindy was such a fun teacher and provided a great introduction to Tacitus and Horace. She not only provided a plethora of background and historical context to the texts, but she also supported me and my peers through translating difficult sections from the Annales. Furthermore, she made translating as a group fun and engaging and I found that we were always laughing and making jokes. Aside from the Latin, we spent the week going on nature walks, going out to lunches, and hanging out (I made friends so quickly!!). I've never wanted to leave anywhere less! I made lifelong friends in Essex, and I feel so lucky to have a whole new group of best friends!! I loved my experience at Calder Classics and will definitely be participating in more programs in the future.”

“My experience at Calder Classics this summer was incredibly informative and enjoyable! Before I took the Roman Voices course in Essex, I had mostly been translating Latin without immersing myself in its broader historical context. However, this program taught me that literature cannot tell us everything about antiquity; I learned that I needed to analyze the monuments, artwork, coins, and even the tombstones of the Ancient Romans to gain a more complete understanding of them. I loved this program because it was the perfect combination of reading Latin passages by a wide range of authors (such as Horace, Martial, Catullus, and Tacitus), while also learning about Ancient Roman history. With the help of the passionate teachers and classicists who spoke to us, translating Latin became easier for me, and I have adopted many new perspectives about Ancient Rome that I will take with me into the school year.”

“It was infinitely rewarding to be at a program fully dedicated to classical studies, surrounded by passionate teachers and peers. I'll definitely be carrying the memories and lessons from this trip with me for a long time!" Erin C., student

“This was definitely the highlight of my summer and I would recommend this to anyone looking for a unique and enriching experience! Lyris X., student

I would highly recommend any Calder Classic trip for motivated students who wish to have an immersive and unique educational experience!” Maude G., student

Photos From Essex 2022

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Application