Graduate students are part of a long tradition of international studies at the college. As part of International Education Week at Bryn Mawr College, a number of students from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research agreed to answer questions highlighting aspects of their research.
Christie Villarreal; Greek, Latin & Classical Studies
Where have you traveled internationally for your research?
I have spent the last three summers working at the archaeological dig at Cosa in Italy with Professor Scott.
Can you describe the research you carried out while overseas?
I worked on the excavations of a Roman imperial period bathhouse, both in the trenches and in the processing lab. I also visited museums in Tuscany as well as in and around Rome, looking specifically at weaponry and inscriptions. What progress towards your degree did this travel facilitate (MA thesis, field school, publication, dissertation, etc.)? My MA thesis and some of my term papers have dealt with Roman political and military history, and so the museum visits were helpful. Working at Cosa has also helped me study Roman expansion and colonization, a topic dealt with on my preliminary exams. Additionally, I have been invited to be part of the publication team for Cosa.
What is your favorite part about working abroad?
I love being able to see the places and objects in person; it gives a more interactive point of view which helps to better understand the textual descriptions of the Romans. As a historian, examining both textual and archaeological resources is especially important when the only texts available were written for a specific political objective. What is one of your goals for your remaining time at Bryn Mawr? (Academic, Personal, or BMC related?) My dissertation will use both archaeological and textual resources, an interdisciplinary approach that I am grateful is encouraged here at Bryn Mawr.