Classical Studies at Centre

The Classical Studies Program

Classical studies at Centre examines the ancient Mediterranean world, with special focus on ancient Greece and Rome, two of the most influential centers of Western civilization. This includes literature, science, philosophy, history, art, architecture, religion, and mythology. The classical studies major is thus quite broad, encompassing language, history, and culture in its fullest sense.

Clearly, classical studies students will develop and analyze basic knowledge about the ancient world, especially to gain an appreciation of its breadth and diversity. Students will learn to think across traditional disciplinary boundaries, developing such linguistic skills as reading ancient texts in the original and such critical skills as researching, analyzing, and synthesizing diverse data from fields relevant to classical studies. Students will build on their training in classical studies to make connections to other academic disciplines.

Students may take courses in Latin and Greek, as well as courses (in translation) in the history, mythology, philosophy, art, and religion of these great cultures.

A knowledge of the classics gives you a deeper understanding of Western civilization. By studying the classics, you’ll better understand the thought and culture of our modern world, both as it derives from and as it differs from the ancient world. Our concepts of citizenship, warfare, religion, the status of women, and even humor can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. And, if you enjoy a good story, Greek and Roman mythology provide some great ones.

If you begin Latin at Centre, you’ll be reading Roman literature well before the end of the first year. After first year Latin, your classes typically consist of small seminars with an emphasis on discussion. If you choose to study ancient Greek, you’ll be reading the New Testament in your first year, Homer’s Iliad or Odyssey in your second year.

In addition to the study of ancient languages and literature, both in the original language and in translation, majors take at least one ancient history course. Other courses concentrate on ancient cultures and mythology. The classical studies major also draws on courses offered by the art, drama, government, and religion programs.