Classical Studies
Madeleine Henry, Chair

Classical Studies is one of the oldest humanities disciplines and at the same time one of the newest. Because it focuses on the cultures and languages of the ancient Mediterranean, Classical Studies provides a background and perspective on many of the historical forces that continue to shape that region and the world. Classical Studies examines both the ancient Mediterranean world and the heritage/influence of ideas and concepts this world generated--to this day we are influenced by that world's ideas about government, war, politics, religion, science, urban planning, athletics, the roles of men and women, and art.

A Classical Studies education provides cultural literacy with humanistic breadth and depth. Students may pursue an undergraduate Minor or Interdisciplinary Studies Major. Our program prepares students for a variety of business and professional schools (Law and Medicine are the two most commonly pursued by Classical Studies majors nation-wide), and all courses teach critical and analytical thinking skills that are transferable to most disciplines, including the sciences and engineering. This year more than 800 students will take courses in Classics - that is, in Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies - taught by full-time classicists and faculty from six different departments across LAS College who teach cross-listed classes. The majority of our advanced courses are cross-listed.

Classical Studies develops the ability to engage in critical and informed thinking and writing, exposes students to a wide range of values and experiences in different social and historical contexts, and helps students learn to interpret texts and artifacts and to understand the issues that underlie those interpretations.