Classical Studies encompasses a broad domain of specialist and interdisciplinary research focusing on ancient cultures, in particular Ancient Greece and Rome. The relationship with the Near (or Middle) East and the period of Late Antiquity and Byzantine language, literature and culture is also involved, as well as the reception of antiquity in later times. There is specialist research that may involve language, literature, material culture, philosophy or history, as well as interdisciplinary research from various disciplines. Classical Studies has diverse theoretical approaches and research traditions. The research school OIKOS functions as a network and is responsible for PhD and Research Master programmes, the coordination of research in het field of classical antiquity, and communication in the domain.
Target groups
Classical antiquity studies is internationally oriented, as evidenced not only by but also by intensive international collaborations. Of great importance is also communication and cooperation with teachers in secondary education, for example in examinations and curriculum development.
Classical Studies is international in orientation, as evidenced by both its publications in several European languages and its close international alliances. The results of the research also focus on audiences outside the academy, as evidenced by, among other things, the production of translations of ancient texts, cooperation with secondary and primary schools and museums. These relationships are shaped by books, lesson packs, articles in journals and essays in edited volumes, websites, exhibitions, theatre and participation in public debates. Communication and cooperation with instructors in secondary education are enormously important, for example with regard to examinations and curriculum development.
Products and communication
- Academic publications often take the shape of books and essays in edited volumes (often open access), as well as articles in Dutch and international journals. Some products are hybrid in nature and target both academic readers and broad groups of interested general and non-academic readers. Other important products include text editions, commentary, grammars, lexicons (some taking the form of databases) and exhibition catalogues. Manuals and ‘companion volumes’ are other important forms of communication.
- English is the most common language for international publications. Research also includes Dutch-language publications, for example the hybrid journal Lampas. Other common languages are German, French, Spanish and Italian.
- Review processes are important in national and international publications, primarily by means of peer reviews undertaken either internally by the editors or by external referees. That is the case for articles in journals, essays in edited volumes and books.
Processes and strategies
- Communication with non-academic peers, for example teachers, and above all with a broad group of interested persons, is very important. Researchers communicate by producing hybrid - or aimed at these target groups - journals and books, participating in public debates, developing exhibitions, writing articles in popular periodicals (e.g. weeklies) and literary media, and blogging. Other important communication channels are post-graduate courses and lesson materials for secondary education.
- The most common type of publication is the ‘single-authored publication’, although co-authorships are increasing. In the latter case, authors are generally listed in alphabetical order. Single-author publications are the rule when it comes to books (monographs), which have a lengthier production time.
Domain-specific aspects of quality and relevance
The most common valorisation-relevant media are books and journals, exhibitions, public debates, blogs, lesson material (both online and offline), articles in popular periodicals (e.g. weeklies) and literary media, and databases (e.g. dictionaries).
Relevance of quantitative indicators for use and marks of recognition
Bibliometric indicators such as citation analyses are not useful, even if based on Google Scholar. That is because many of the publication channels are not indexed and because reference practices are too diverse. In terms of quality, there is a great consensus in the field about the most reputable journals and about publishing houses that are highly regarded and offer guarantees of high quality.