The Department of Classics offers courses in ancient Mediterranean languages and literatures, including Greek, Latin, and Akkadian, as well as history, archaeology, science and medicine, and other aspects of the cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, the Near East, and Egypt. Our courses also explore how these ancient civilizations continue to influence contemporary language, art, politics, and religion.

The study of classical antiquity can serve as a strong base for a liberal arts education, and can be a rewarding supplement to any field, regardless of the student’s eventual career goals. A major or minor in classics can especially enrich programs in law, medicine, philosophy, religion, and history.

The study of antiquity challenges us with different values, ideas, and perspectives. We are committed to free and open debate in a context of tolerance and respect. Along with our professional organizations, the Society for Classical Studies (see also here), the Archaeological Institute of America, and the Classical Association of the Middle West and South, we condemn the misappropriation and misrepresentation of the history, peoples, images, and symbols of ancient Greece and Rome for ideologies of hatred and exclusion, particularly nationalism, racism, and white supremacy.

News

Students and faculty taking and teaching all levels of Latin from elementary through advanced gathered at Barrio’s at the end of the spring semester for our annual Latin Convivium or dinner.

Photos from Recent Greece Trip

Please enjoy these photos from our recent trip to Greece!

Evelyn Adkins Publishes Book on Discourse and Power in the Latin Novel

This May, Evelyn Adkins, Assistant Professor in Classics, published the book Discourse, Knowledge, and Power in Apuleius’ Metamorphoses with the University of Michigan Press.

Paul Iversen Featured in an Episode of UnXplained with William Shatner on History Channel

Paul Iversen, Associate Professor and Chair of Classics, appeared in episode 20 (entitled "Wonders of the Ancient World") of the History Channel's season 3 of the UnXplained hosted by William Shatner of Star Trek fame. There he discussed the remarkable ancient computer known as the Antikythera Mechanism.