Introduction to Areas of Study (HC)

Two brothers, painted panel, Fayum, Egypt. 2nd c. C.E., Cairo, Egyptian Museum. See Anne E Haeckel, "Brothers or Lovers? A New Reading of the "Tondo of the Two Brothers"  Bulletin of the American Society of Papyrologists for more information.  (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

The companion and handbook genre is a publication type that has flourished in the last decade.  The goal is for leading scholars to provide a thorough description of the subject matter of a field while also giving the most current interpretations of key questions.  Each essay in a companion reflects an important subject facet and identifies the books and articles which are crucial for a greater understanding.   Companions for Classics include:                                                                                                                                                         

Literature reviews are a particularly useful resource when doing research.  They address the issues involved in a specific question and the debates among scholars.  They map out the intellectual terrain succinctly and give you the major landmarks in terms of key authors and significant titles for greater understanding.  It is one of the best places to find discussion of issues that are unresolved or in contention.

Subject librarians make research guides for individual classes and for topics.  Browse for information on different subjects.  See this introduction to research guides video for more information.  Research guides for courses in Classics include:

          CSTS 209  Classical Mythology

          GREK 102  Introduction to Greek Poetry: Homer

          WRPR 191  Constructions of Race and Ethnicity in the Classical World