Classics

You can major or minor in Classics at F&M. You’ll study Greek, Latin, ancient history and classical art and archaeology to develop a vivid understanding of the history, art, language, literature, philosophy, religion, social structures, economy, government and everyday life of the ancient Mediterranean. 

A major in Classics allows you to follow your interest in studying the past. If your interests lean toward linguistic and literary studies, you can explore Greek and Latin languages and literature. For those excited by archaeology and social history, you can take courses that center material culture and thematic topics like sex and gender or race and ethnicity, among other topics. Students share foundational study in introductory courses with opportunities to build toward upper-level seminars in which you can investigate more specialized topics in your area of interest. 

By the time you graduate, you will: 

• Have developed an intricate understanding of the events, individuals, literature and monuments of the ancient world
• Be able to read Greek and Latin texts with a proficient knowledge of grammar, syntax, language and meaning
• Be able to identify and assess Greek and Roman monuments and artifacts 
• Comfortably use standard resources to research questions about the ancient world, including secondary sources, digital humanities resources, commentaries and dictionaries
• Understand the unique blend of diverse approaches to studying the ancient world
  

Wondering what a Classics course is like? Take a look at our course catalog to see the depth and breadth of what’s available to you.

Our classics professors are committed teachers and active scholars with broad interests who publish in the most prestigious national and international journals. While they bring their vast knowledge and expertise to the classroom, they’re also committed to tailoring your education to your interests and goals, and helping you to discover independent study and study-abroad opportunities to broaden your understanding of the discipline. 

Research Opportunities & Off-Campus Study

As you dive into the intricacies of the ancient world, you may find yourself wanting to further explore a particular route, be it a text, artifact, historical event, or something else entirely. If this is the case, you won’t have to wait until graduate school to launch your investigation. Every student at F&M has extraordinary opportunities to engage in independent or faculty-led research. Previous Classics majors participated in archaeological field schools or engaged in research projects with faculty on Latin manuscripts. Our students also frequently study abroad in locations such as Athens, Rome, and Bath and London, England.

What happens after you graduate with a degree in Classics? With the breadth of study that a multifaceted major like Classics provides, our graduates are immediately prepared to pursue advanced degrees or begin their chosen careers upon graduation.

Graduate School

Many Classics majors go on to study in graduate programs in Classics, Classical Archaeology, Art History and other related topics in the U.S. and abroad. Graduates have also pursued advanced degrees in medicine, law, English literature, and more.

Career Paths

Classics graduates are prepared for a wide array of careers. They find their initial jobs in education, law, medicine, business, banking, insurance, and government. Recent F&M Classics alumni hold positions such as: 

• Assistant Conservator
• Assistant General Counsel
• Assistant Professor of Classics
• Attorney
• Business Development Manager
• Communications Officer 
• Content Writer
• Director of Marketing
• English Teacher
• Fine Arts Assistant Appraiser
• Latin Teacher
• Legal Research Manager
• Librarian
• Medical Director
• Museum Education Specialist
• Museum Educator & Archaeologist
• Paralegal
• Physician
• Professor of Art History
• Reporter