Some classics majors go on to become teachers or scholars, but Classics is not primarily a vocational major. The Department offers students an opportunity to receive a comprehensive education in the liberal arts. The Department seeks to create an atmosphere that fosters traditional scholarly approaches to the classical past at the same time as it welcomes and encourages innovative methods and perspectives. The Department values the interdisciplinary of the Classics and strives to achieve an integrated understanding of the ancient world that includes a full appreciation of history, literature, and material culture. Students are encouraged to view the Classics within the context of the traditional humanities as well as in terms of the contemporary criticism of received cultural canons. All courses in Classics emphasize critical thinking, careful analysis and effective speaking and writing skills.