Classical Languages Major

The Classical Languages major offers a comprehensive academic program for students with a keen interest in both ancient Greece and ancient Rome. It provides a study of both Greek and Latin language, allowing the student to choose which to emphasize – at least four semesters of one language and one of the other. Engaging directly with the ancient texts in their original languages, you will explore achievements that have shaped intellectual history and challenged thinkers the world over for millennia, as well as how people simply made their lives and lived in their communities millennia ago.

Beyond language acquisition, this major includes a range of Classical Studies (CLA) courses that place your language studies in broader historical and cultural contexts. You will examine the interconnections between Greek and Roman civilizations, their shared influences, and their distinct contributions to fields such as art, politics, and literature. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to analyze and compare ancient societies with modern ones, gaining valuable perspectives on contemporary issues, as well as how modern screen entertainment, theater, and literature have continuously reimagined ancient Greece and Rome for contemporary audiences. The Classical Languages major is an intellectual journey that equips you with the mental agility and fundamental skills valuable across almost all categories of career and life path.