Welcome to Classics

Why study Classics?

The question scarcely needs answering in an age that is so conscious of cultural heritage and background. The brilliantly creative eras of Greek and Roman culture from c. 800 BC – AD 400, and the periods of growth and decline which flank them, laid the foundation of Western society as we experience it, warts and all. We study the creations in drama, poetry and philosophy of writers like Homer, Aeschylus, Virgil and Plato; we examine the achievements in the world of politics, warfare and government of leaders like Alexander, Julius Caesar and the Roman emperors. The list is almost endless of those who shaped our thinking about key issues that still concern us today.

Teaching within Classics takes two major directions: on the one hand instruction is given in the study of the ancient world through the medium of original languages, Latin and Greek, while, on the other hand, a wide range of Classical Studies courses is provided where the history, literature, and art of the ancient world are examined through translations of the original texts and through the use of ancient artefacts and visual images.

“Opinion: Majoring in the Classics gives Students an Edge” USA TODAY, College May 12, 2012