The core of the classics major is the study of the languages and literatures of ancient Greece and Rome and the societies that spoke Greek and Latin until the end of the ancient world (usually taken as the 5th century of the Common Era). The major uniquely offers exposure to a range of approaches: literary, philological, historical, archaeological, art historical, philosophical and anthropological. Further, the scope of the department has expanded to embrace the classical tradition in and even beyond Europe, with courses on literature and art and architecture up to the 20th century.