Hellenic Society Paideia

Transcription

1 A Proposal to establish the Classical Studies Institute At Florida Atlantic University In collaboration with Hellenic Society Paideia Submitted By Manjunath Pendakur, Ph.D. Professor &. Dean Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters Faculty Committee: April 20, 2009 Prof. Carol Gould, Department of Philosophy Prof. Kenneth Keaton, Department of Music Prof. Brian McConnell, Department of Visual Arts and Art History Prof. Michael Horswell, Chair, Department of Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature Prof. John Leeds, Department of English Prof. Manjunath Pendakur, Dean, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

2 2 Introduction Florida Atlantic University (FAU) remains committed to building a distinctive, nationally recognized Classical Studies academic and community outreach program that promotes the principles and ideals of Hellenism, while recognizing the current and historic contributions of Hellenic thought, literature, the arts and culture in today's world. This proposal consists of two concurrent opportunities: to construct a building to house a "Center for Hellenic Studies Paideia"; and establish a Classical Studies Institute endowment at FAU to preserve and promote the Classical heritage, its history, language, culture and art in perpetuity. Both initiatives will be located within the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. The College's departments of History, Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature, Visual Art and Art History, Philosophy, Theatre and Dance, and Music provide a strong foundation to build a rich program in Classical Studies to explore the many cultures of the ancient Mediterranean, particularly Graeco-Roman, and their continued relevance to the world around us. Hellenic Studies Paideia Building A proposed 8,000 square foot building for Hellenic Studies Paideia on the Boca Raton campus will give an identity to the Classical Studies Program at FAU. A prime parcel of land at the main entrance of the university is allocated to this initiative and remains dedicated space on FAU's master plan. The building (phase I) will be constructed in close proximity to the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters providing classroom space for courses taught in the Classical Studies Program, office space for those who teach in the program, conference space, library and exhibition space. Following the construction of the building, an open-air theater (phase II) located adjacent to the building is envisioned. Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters at Florida Atlantic University is poised to create these exciting intellectual and cultural opportunities. The faculty have successfully built a certificate program in Classical Studies in

3 , ' 3 this College and there is a great deal of enthusiasm and commitment to build the program to establish a major, conduct research and organize intellectual and cultural activities that would serve the students and the community at large in South Florida. I. Classical Studies at Florida Atlantic University We currently offer a Certificate (an interdisciplinary minor) in Classical Studies, in addition to accepting classical languages (ancient Greek and Latin) and Modern Greek for the foreign language graduation requirement. In addition to languages, we offer a range of lecture courses and occasional special topics approved for the certificate. No faculty are assigned exclusively to Classical Studies, but associated faculty in the departments of English; Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature; History; Philosophy; Political Science; Visual Art and Art History; and the School of Communication offer courses on a regular basis. Through the generosity of Paideia, we have hosted many internationally recognized scholars and artists for public programs, to the benefit of our students, our faculty, and the community. Paideia has also provided funding for an instructor in classical languages for several years. II. Potential for future development The proposal for housing Classical Studies in a new building has existed for some years, and such a facility would be ideal for further development. However, a building is of little use without an academic program to fill it. With additional support for faculty positions, administrative assistance and equipment, library acquisitions, and visiting scholars/artists/exhibits, the potential to expand Classical Studies is significant. With a substantial endowment, we could: Establish a full major in Classical Studies Extend language instruction beyond the first year to the intermediate and advanced levels Make more regular course offerings in classical literature and mythology in translation Add new courses to the curriculum in such areas as classical drama, history and cultural studies, archaeology, philosophy, classical political thought, and etymology

4 < 4 Encourage intercollege research and creative activity by working with the faculty of colleges such as Science and Business. Host (1) leading, visiting scholars of antiquity for a term or portion of a term, and (2) exhibits on ancient art and archaeology. Among other duties, these scholars would be expected to offer public lectures and/or other programs. This initiative will place Florida Atlantic University's Classical Studies among the finest such programs in the field (see Appendix) III. Fund allocation for the Classical Studies academic program The State of Florida will match any donation to the State Universities, and any donation of over $2 million will be matched dollar for dollar. We are seeking a $5 million endowment from Paideia to support and expand the Classical Studies academic program. The funding for the envisioned building must be raised separately, due to state regulations. This endowment, with state matching funds, will generate a total of $9.5million (based on existing funding formulae), which we propose to allocate as follows: $2.5 M for a senior faculty position in either history or languages and literature $3 M for two assistant professor positions in either history or languages and literature, with other specializations possible $1 M for a lecturer and adjunct instructors as needed $1 M for administrative support and expenses $2 M for o Visiting scholar(s), on a one year appointment o Temporary art/architecture exhibits o Faculty development grants for curricular development

5 .. ' 5 Appendix: Classical Studies Programs in the United States The spreadsheet attached to this appendix presents a series of Classics programs at colleges and universities from around the country, as well as those that are found at FAU peer institutions. The selection follows three general academic typologies: larger research institutions with graduate programs, liberal arts colleges with a tradition of Classics, and state universities, like FAU, that serve a regional population base, as well as students from other parts of the country and the world. While the term 'Classics' is used often to refer to academic programs that are based on the study of ancient Greek and Latin language and literature, 'Classical Studies' is used to distinguish programs that focus more on courses in literature and history that are based on texts in translation. The term 'Classical Archaeology' is used in reference to the study of the material remains of Greek, Roman, and related cultures. In considering the tabulation of Classics programs, it is important to note: a) the number of faculty whose efforts are dedicated to the field full-time (only tenured and tenure-line faculty members have been counted, inasmuch as this reflects a solid commitment of the institution to the field), b) the source of information (either from actual course listings or from 'faculty epithets' -- e.g. 'Professor of Greek Drama'), and c) the disciplines that are represented. Institutions to look at in particular for comparison with FAU (aside from the peer institutions) are: Florida State University, which has the most extensive program in the State of Florida. Kenyon College, which has an extensive program within a liberal arts context. Grand Valley State University, which created an expanded Classics program several years ago (this might be a model for how FAU could create such a program). The University of Massachusetts Boston, which has an established Classics program in a context somewhat similar to that of Florida Atlantic University.