Classical Studies

Program overview

Major/minor: Classical Studies

We offer a full range of courses in ancient Greek and Latin, many in tutorial, as well as a variety of classics courses in English translation. Our curriculum also integrates courses from a range of disciplines including art, history, philosophy, religion and theatre to give our students a broader perspective and deeper understanding of the classical world.

Such a strong liberal arts background has led our alumni to successful careers in archaeology, business, information technology, law, library science, linguistics, medicine, ministry, museum and archival work, teaching, and writing.

Virtual learning

The classical studies program at Cornell is in the forefront of liberal arts college classics programs in integrating technology in the classroom. In particular, students can participate in the VRoma Project, A Virtual Community for Teaching and Learning Classics.

One Course At A time

In addition, Cornell's One Course At A Time schedule affords students many special learning opportunities, for example:

• Every other year we offer block-long off-campus courses in Greece or Italy
• Students in Introduction to Latin Literature regularly stage a Roman comedy for the entire campus community
• Classical Studies majors have studied Latin in Rome and participated in archaeological excavations around the world

Research

Students also have many opportunities to engage in meaningful undergraduate research projects, both within and beyond class. Recent projects include:

• A comparison of Roman baths and Jewish mikva'ot in Herod's Palestine
• Comparisons of Greek and Roman plays to Hollywood films
• Examinations of the way myths transform through time
• An exploration of how Catullus constructs friendship in his poetry

This year in Classical Studies

Classics Courses for 2014-15:
Roman History, Classical Mythology, Epic Tradition: Classical and Modern Odysseys

Greek & Latin Courses for 2014-15:
Beginning Latin I-II-III, Introduction to Roman Literature and Culture, The Greek Hero, The Age of Augustus

Current Courses: LAT 102 Beginning Latin II

Latin Reading Group: meets throughout the Fall on the first three Thursdays of the block at 11:30 a.m. in the Berlin Room of the Thomas Commons.  Anyone with LAT 102 or above is welcome to attend!