Classical Studies

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Classics is an area study that approaches the ancient Mediterranean world from a broad variety of perspectives, including history, art, archaeology, religion, philosophy, literature and language. Thus, majors in classical studies have the opportunity to explore a wide range of humanistic disciplines. Work with the ancient languages encourages logical and creative thought, provides a sophisticated grasp of the possibilities of language and gives the student the opportunity to study in detail some of the greatest works of the human spirit. A major in Classics is a good foundation for a wide variety of careers. Classics majors have gone on to successful careers in such fields as law, medicine, business, journalism, government, teaching, theatre and the arts. Some of our majors have double majored in fields such as Political Science, Philosophy and Chemistry. The major in classical studies may be completed in any one of the following areas of concentration: Greek, Latin or classical civilization. Minors are offered in classical civilization, Greek, Latin and classical archaeology. Students are encouraged to participate in Winter Term trips to Italy and Greece (or elsewhere in the Mediterranean) and in semester abroad programs such as the College Year in Athens and the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome or Sicily. In many cases, courses taken in these programs count toward a Classical Studies major or minor. Students interested in Classical Archaeology are also encouraged to participate in summer fieldwork in the Mediterranean. Students who are interested in teaching Latin in high school should take as much Latin as possible and consult with the Classical Studies and Education departments about certification. Students planning to attend graduate school in classics should either double major in Greek and Latin or major in one language and minor in the other. Students planning to attend graduate school in classical archaeology should try to major in one language and minor in classical archaeology.