The field of classics embraces Greek and Roman culture from the prehistoric to the medieval periods. The study of the Greek and Latin languages is essential to the discipline.

The undergraduate's primary aim in studying classics at the university is to learn Greek or Latin (or both) well enough to read the ancient authors in their original languages.

Through the study of classical literature in the original and in English translation, and through the study of other areas encompassed by the classics, such as ancient history, philosophy, art history, mythology, and rhetoric, a student gains an understanding of the culture and ideals of the classical world and their influence on the languages and institutions of Western civilization.

Students who intend to major in classics begin the study of one or both of the classical languages as early as possible in their undergraduate careers. Those who expect to do graduate work should take French or German while they are undergraduates.

Careers: A bachelor's degree in classics prepares students for entry into graduate programs in classics, linguistics, comparative literature, ancient history, and archaeology, eventually leading to careers in college teaching, fieldwork, or the editorial professions.

Many prestigious professional schools look upon broad and thorough schooling in the humanities with greater favor than upon narrow preprofessional undergraduate training. Accordingly, students graduating from classics departments throughout the country have had notable success in schools of law, medicine, and business.