Classics
The languages, literature, and civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome.
Classics studies the languages (Latin and/or Ancient Greek), literature, history, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, foundational texts and civilizations that shaped much of Western thought, law, and language. Programs often let students focus on language and philology or on classical civilization more broadly.
Language study is central for most tracks, translating and analyzing original texts, alongside courses on ancient history, mythology, art, and philosophy that place those texts in context.
Typical courses you might take
- ✓Latin or Ancient Greek (multiple levels)
- ✓Classical Mythology
- ✓Ancient History (Greek & Roman)
- ✓Classical Literature in Translation
- ✓Greek/Roman Art & Archaeology
- ✓Ancient Philosophy
- ✓Textual Analysis Seminar
- ✓Senior Thesis
Sample four-year plan
Illustrative, not a registration planOne possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.
- ✓Latin or Ancient Greek (multiple levels)
- +General education requirement
- ✓Classical Mythology
- +General education requirement
- ✓Ancient History (Greek & Roman)
- +General education requirement
- ✓Classical Literature in Translation
- +Free elective
- ✓Greek/Roman Art & Archaeology
- +Free elective
- ✓Ancient Philosophy
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Textual Analysis Seminar
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Senior Thesis
- +Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)
Skills you'll build
This major might be a good fit if you...
- ★Fascinated by ancient civilizations and their lasting influence
- ★Enjoys the discipline of learning a challenging language
- ★Strong reader who likes close textual work
- ★Considering law, academia, or fields valuing rigorous close reading
Common minors & double-major pairings
History · Philosophy · Art History
Frequently asked questions
What is a Classics major?
The languages, literature, and civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome.
What courses do Classics majors take?
Typical coursework includes classes like Latin or Ancient Greek (multiple levels), Classical Mythology, Ancient History (Greek & Roman), among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.
What skills do you build in a Classics program?
Classics coursework typically builds skills like Ancient language translation and analysis, Close reading of foundational texts, Historical and archaeological reasoning, Research and analytical writing.
Is Classics a good major for me?
It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Fascinated by ancient civilizations and their lasting influence" or "Enjoys the discipline of learning a challenging language" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.
What other majors pair well with Classics?
Common minor or double-major pairings include History, Philosophy, Art History.
How is Classics different from History?
They're related but distinct. Classics: The languages, literature, and civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. History: Understanding the past through evidence and argument. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.
How long does it take to earn a Classics degree?
Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.
Printed from majoratlas.com/majors/classics