Forum Romanum view from the Capitoline Hill in Italy, Rome

Classical Studies

The subject of classical studies is the study of ancient Greece and Rome. This includes architecture, art, history, literature, mythology, philosophy, religion, and science.

Overview

The classical studies major is 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.

Curriculum

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 and 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 English, 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, philosophy, and religion programs.

Major Requirements - Language Track

Major Requirements - Civilization Track

Minor Requirements

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

In addition to Centre’s programs in London, Mexico, and Strasbourg, the College is part of a consortium which operates the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Study in Rome. There, Americans study Italian, Latin, and classical subjects and visit sites in and around the city. Additionally, Centre students have traveled to Athens, Florence, Olympia, Pompeii, Rome, and Venice—both the ancient sites and modern cities.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

Classics students have gained valuable experience through interning at law firms, the University of Kentucky as a classics researcher, as well as various sites abroad.

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

If you’re planning a career in law or medicine, you’ll have a head start if you know the language—most legal vocabulary comes directly from Latin. Classical studies also provides a solid background for graduate work in art history, computer languages, English, history, government, philosophy, politics, religion, teaching, and medicine.