Students within the CLAM program study the cultures that flourished in the Mediterranean world, Europe, and the Middle East between the eighth century BCE and the fifteenth century CE. CLAM courses encompass subjects ranging from classical literature to the poetry of Chaucer, the religion of the ancient Greeks and Romans to the faith of Islam, the origins of Judaism to the history of medieval Europe, and a broad range of other topics. The CLAM program offers its majors insight into the rich diversity of the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome, medieval Europe, and the Islamic world; appreciation of their shared political, religious, and intellectual traditions; and an introduction to their legacy to the modern world. This legacy includes our democratic idealism and republican institutions; the beliefs of Jews, Christians, and Muslims; the sciences of mathematics and astronomy, many enduring styles of art and architecture; and some of the greatest works of world literature. In fact, the very idea of a university first developed in the Middle Ages, and the academic gowns worn by graduates at commencement are a gift of this period.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

During the course of their work, students learn the methodologies and approaches of a variety of different disciplines such as history, philosophy, language study, writing or art. Completion of the CLAM major, therefore, provides students with a solid background in the liberal arts. The major prepares students for a variety of academic and professional pursuits, including graduate study, teaching, writing, law, religious ministry and museum work, to name a few.