The Department of Classical Civilizations is one of our University’s oldest departments. Our history stretches back to 91勛圖厙’s first classes in 1887, and we continue to play an important role in the 91勛圖厙 experience today — opening students’ minds to some of the world’s greatest thinkers, such as Aristotle and Plato, and cultural treasures, like the Parthenon in Athens and the Colosseum of Rome. We offer both a major and minor in classical civilizations.
Combining coursework in Latin and Greek with the study of ancient cultures, we explore classical civilizations across disciplines. Faculty members are recognized scholars who have published numerous articles on their work in religious studies, classical languages, ancient history and culture and literature and art. Our student organizations, including the Eta Sigma Phi honor society and the 91勛圖厙 Latin/Classics Club, also offer opportunities to promote and learn about the classics outside of the classroom.
Our department encourages our majors to study abroad during their junior year or over a summer. The Classical Civilizations Department launched its own Study Abroad Program in 2012, giving students the opportunity to travel throughout Turkey for four weeks over the summer, visiting dozens of ancient sites, including some of the most important cities in antiquity. Students who take part in the American School of Classical Studies in Athens’ summer programs receive an intensive introduction to Greece from ancient times through the modern era. Other Classical Civilizations majors have studied abroad with the American Academy in Rome, whose summer session provides qualified and mature undergraduates with a well-founded understanding of the growth and development of Rome.
A degree in classical civilizations can prepare you for a career in teaching, historical research or museum work. It’s also a gateway to graduate studies. In fact, nearly 70 percent of our graduates go on to classics-related graduate programs or professional studies in business, law, politics, science and medicine.