Department of Classical Studies

Classical Studies focuses on understanding the world of the ancient Mediterranean—including Greece, Rome, and surrounding cultures—by studying its languages, history, art, and archaeology. We offer major and minor tracks in Classical Studies, Latin, or Greek, and encourage all students to sample broadly among our offerings even while concentrating in a particular field. In addition to courses taught in the ancient languages, we teach literature in translation; history, art, and archaeology surveys and seminars; and courses on topics as varied as mythology and religion, Roman law, ancient leadership, and gender in the ancient world. Our program focuses on developing skills in critical thinking, reading, and writing, and all majors complete independent research projects. Our students find that exploring the past invites new perspectives on the modern world while opening doors to the future, and recent graduates have pursued advanced studies at the M.A. and Ph.D. level, medical school, law school, the Peace Corps, and careers ranging from teaching, to publishing, to business.