Study ancient Mediterranean culture’s impact on the world
Classical studies is an interdisciplinary major at heart and takes advantage of the methods and insights of language and linguistics, literary studies, archaeology, art, anthropology, history, philosophy, economics, and religion.
The curriculum emphasizes an integrated approach to the ancient Mediterranean and its influence on the world. You'll examine a particular text or topic from a variety of perspectives in order to develop a multifaceted understanding of Greek and Roman culture.
Studying classics at Cornell can help prepare students for work in any field. We ask our students to analyze complex and disparate sets of data in order to understand how we have come to know about the ancient world and to question our assumptions about that world from multiple perspectives and viewpoints, something that has paid off for our alumni.
150 Years of Classical Studies
Classical studies course requirements
In this interdisciplinary major you will study language, literature, and civilization following a creative and flexible program that will touch all aspects of the ancient world—its art, history, religion, philosophy, literature, society, and culture. You will be expected to complete language courses in Greek or Latin, and reading courses in Greek and Roman literature. From there you can select choices from a wide variety of departments based on your particular interests.
Classical studies capstone
The culmination of your degree program is to complete a capstone seminar in either your junior or senior year at Cornell. You will devise a research project that demonstrates your ability to integrate knowledge of Greek and Latin language and literature with an understanding of Greek and Roman culture.
Classics broadens your lens
“Every job or academic interview I have ever had involved someone bringing up my classics major,” Jennifer Knox ’14 says. “That question always starts a broader conversation about interests and values that help to distinguish me and round me out as a person, which is invaluable when you are competing for opportunities with a huge group of people with otherwise similar experiences and credentials.”
Jennifer currently works as a Policy and Research Analyst at the Global Security Program.
Classical studies research opportunities
A strong tradition of collaborative student-faculty research is an important aspect of the classical studies major. Student research in classics takes many shapes, whether that be a traditional research paper, podcasts for Latin poetry, the performance of a Roman comedy, or something completely new.
We ask you to use the ancient world as a laboratory to engage research problems that were no less modern even in antiquity: economic decision making and risk management, political responses to crises, the role of comedy and satire in public discourse, and expressions and the use of power.
Travel to the site of your studies
Cornell faculty regularly teach classical studies courses in Rome and Greece, where students have the opportunity to see where classical texts were first imagined and written. When students can stand in the Theater of Dionysus in Athens, or explore the ruins of Pompeii, they can begin to connect with the cultures that produced the ancient texts.
Internships in classical studies
As a Cornell student, you will receive strong support for high-level fellowship and internship experiences. Cornell's One Course At A Time calendar extends these opportunities because you can dedicate yourself full-time in internships or fellowships for a block or longer. Classical studies students have recently held internships or fellowships at the following locations:
- Global Zero, Washington, D.C.
- Center for Hellenic Studies/Sunoikisis Archaeological Field School, Kenchreai, Greece
- Persepolis Fortification Project, Chicago
- Alliance Francaise, Milwaukee
- Office of the State Archaeologist, Iowa City, Iowa
- The African American Museum of Iowa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- World Trade Press, Petaluma, California
What are Cornell students doing in internships? Check out their blogs
Next steps after classical studies
Students who major in classical studies go on to a variety of graduate schools in history, law school, marketing, economics, social work, medical school, and more. The strong liberal arts background that classical studies provides has led Cornell alumni to successful careers in archaeology, business, information technology, law, library science, linguistics, medicine, ministry, museum and archival work, teaching, and writing.
The Berry Career Institute can help you identify how you’ll apply your understanding of how past culture can influence today’s world.