Classics

Classics, the study of the languages, literature and civilization of the ancient Greeks and Romans, has traditionally been an important component of a liberal arts education. Students reap great benefits from the study of any foreign culture, including the ability to assume different perspectives on a variety of issues. In the case of Greek and Roman studies, which involve peoples, literature and events thousands of years old, students are also uncovering the foundations of much of our modern culture. Homer’s poem about war, the Athenian history of democracy, Cicero’s political speeches, Catullus’ complaints of unrequited love, the Roman history of empire – all provide insights into our lives and times. Training in the ancient languages sharpens analytical skills and improves students’ understanding of the structure of their native language, not to mention that learning to read Greek and Latin opens doors to a world of fascinating literature. Contemporary topics such as sport studies and gender studies can be addressed through an ancient Greek or Roman lens.

To complement classroom studies, the University co-sponsors lectures delivered by speakers from the Archeological Institute of America, whose current venue is the Burpee Museum of National History, located at 737 North Main Street in Rockford, Illinois.

Classics courses combine well with majors in English, art, modern foreign languages, history, political science, philosophy, theatre and other areas. For classics students who would like to study abroad, Regent’s College in London offers opportunities to visit famous archaeological sites of the ancient world and some of the world’s greatest museums of antiquities. Other opportunities are available for short-term study in Rome and Athens.

The Classics program offers the Bachelor of Arts degree with majors available in Latin or Classics and minors in Latin, Greek or Classical Civilization.

Career Opportunities

Classics majors generally emerge from college with the ability to communicate well in writing and speech – skills prized by potential employers, and by graduate and professional programs. A classics background is helpful preparation for programs in medicine, pharmacy, law, divinity, archaeology and modern languages. For students who do not intend to pursue degrees beyond the B.A., the classics major may lead to positions in high school teaching, with openings also available in museum, archival, publishing or library work. Whatever the classics student finally does professionally, he or she will take along a sensitivity to culture and tradition that will connect to all that is real and important, which is to say people and human concerns, in work, institutions, public life, and at home.