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[photo]: Robert Sutton, Professor of Classical Studies, World Languages & Cultures, Director, Individualized Major Program

Robert Sutton

Professor of Classical Studies, World Languages & Cultures
Director, Individualized Major Program

Professor Robert Sutton knew in high school that he was going to study the past, and winning the 10th grade history prize helped seal his fate. As a college student, Dr. Sutton studied Classical and Near Eastern archaeology at Haverford College and graduated with his A.B. in 1969. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Now a professor of classical studies in the Department of World Languages and Cultures and founder of the School's Program in Classical Studies, Sutton's interests encompass classical languages, history, and archaeology. A pioneer in researching the social construction of classical Greek culture over 2,000 years ago, he specializes in the roles of Greek women, issues of gender and sexuality, and the nature of marriage.

His research into the social constructions of the ancient Greeks, specifically study of the visual imagery they left on their pottery, has produced a more nuanced view of marriage and gender roles within ancient Greek society. Ancient Greek texts aimed at men present marriage as a hardheaded practical arrangement and show little regard for love, with financial and other practical considerations taking the lead over emotional ones; but the scenes painted on pottery used and displayed at the wedding, which seem to have targeted women, present a very different story, emphasizing love and emotion. Clearly both were important.

In addition to studying the imagery of ancient art, Dr. Sutton also has participated in archaeological fieldwork in several different parts of Greece and Italy, though he concedes the beautiful Cycladic Islands between Greece and Turkey remain his favorite. A globetrotter of sorts, Sutton's studies have also taken him to Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, England, Egypt, India, Mexico and Turkey-all in the pursuit of knowledge.

Back home in Indiana, Dr. Sutton contributed to his university and school through the creation, with now-retired Associate Dean Miriam Langsam, of the Individualized-Major Program (IMP). This program allows students the freedom to design majors tailored to their interests by joining regular courses in new, creative, and often interdisciplinary combinations not possible within existing major programs. Discussing the program, Dr. Sutton says, "I try to be as flexible as possible because my goal is to get students degrees that they need, and I will do everything I reasonably can to meet their individual academic goals."

Dr. Sutton has indeed realized his childhood ambition of studying the past. Through the IMP and his many other activities, however, he is also doing his part to influence the future at IUPUI and beyond.

--Sam Krauter, BA English 2008
Liberal Arts News Bureau