Whose Classics? Diversity, Representation, and the Ancient World Today

A standing critique of Classics as a discipline has been its supposed celebration of “dead white men” and the “origins of Western Civilization.”  But today’s study of Classics recognizes the fundamental importance of diversity within the ancient Greco-Roman world, a time when millions from different ethnic, racial, social, religious, and geographic backgrounds jointly strove, suffered, and succeeded.  Furthermore, Classical cultures have an important role to play in today’s discussions of diversity, as differences between ancient and modern conceptions of sexual orientation, race, and religion broaden our perspectives of crucial elements of identity while leveraging the cultural weight attached to the Classical past.

This hour-long event–oriented toward students, staff, faculty as well as the broader community–features four “snapshot talks” by Classics faculty and graduate students which offer glimpses of the diversity of the ancient Mediterranean world and the courses in the Classics Department.  A reception immediately following the talks aims to promote dialogue and seek new ways to involve the Classics Department in discussions and support of diversity on the Chapel Hill campus and beyond.

Snapshot Talks Include:
Professor James Rives on Religious Diversity and Tolerance in the Roman World
Professors Sharon James & Hérica Valladares on Worshipping the Goddess Isis in Greece and Rome
Professor Jim O’Hara & Ph.D. Candidate Tedd Wimperis on the Ethnicity of the Enemy in Epic
Professor Al Duncan on African Appropriations in Greek Drama

Generously supported by the University of North Carolina College of Arts & Sciences through the Diversity Liaison’s Office

Please direct questions or comments to al.duncan@unc.edu.