About the APA
The American Philological Association (APA), founded in 1869 by "professors, friends, and patrons of linguistic science," is the principal learned society in North America for the study of ancient Greek and Roman languages, literatures, and civilizations. While the majority of its members are university and college Classics teachers, members also include scholars in other disciplines, primary and secondary school teachers, and interested lay people. For over a century this community has relied on the Association to produce several series of scholarly books and texts; the journal, Transactions of the American Philological Association; and an annual meeting each January in conjunction with the Archaeological Institute of America. In addition, the Association fosters programs to
- Reassert the importance of primary and secondary school teaching and provide more support for improved pedagogy at all levels of teaching.
- Improve working conditions and scholarly opportunities for university and college teachers.
- Increase communication with audiences beyond its membership.
- Meet the scholarly the needs of the profession.
- Coordinate and systematize data collection in order to provide an accessible and reliable information base to support Association goals.
The APA provides a wide range of services to its members through its six major divisions. The Education Division coordinates activities concerned with the teaching of classical studies. The Program Division holds an Annual Meeting which affords opportunities for the presentation of papers by members, as well as informal communication with others in the field. Through its Publications Division, the APA publishes the Transactions as well as monographs and textbooks. Its Research Division coordinates projects related to current research in classical studies. Its Professional Matters Division monitors adherence to the APA's Statement on Professional Ethics. The Outreach Division prepares materials of interest to an audience beyond the APA's core membership in order to promote a wider public understanding and appreciation of Classics. Its best known project, the well-received publication Amphora, presents high-quality scholarship in a form accessible to a very broad audience. The APA also operates a Placement Service for itself and the Archaeological Institute of America. New members are always welcome!
A dedicated group of elected officers and directors as well as the volunteers who staff over 30 committees (some elected, some appointed) oversee programs that reflect the needs of the entire field and that have been improved through careful peer review. In recent decades the Association has made changes in its governance and its programs to ensure that the field is open to scholars of all backgrounds and disciplinary approaches. Click here for detailed information on the APA's governance and financial status.
These are exciting times for Classics and the APA. The Association has received an extraordinary Challenge Grant of $650,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities to kick off a Campaign for Classics in the 21st Century. This first-ever capital campaign for Classics will generate the resources necessary to develop the next generation of educational and research resources and to involve a wider public in the work of classics scholars.
For further information:
Adam D. Blistein, Executive Director
American Philological Association
220 S. 40th Street, Suite 201E
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3512
Telephone: 215-898-4975
FAX: 215-573-7874
E-mail: apaclassics@sas.upenn.edu
Web site: www.apaclassics.org
