What is Classics and why should you study it? Classics is an interdisciplinary course of study involving languages, history, literature, philosophy, archaeology and art. It is an entire liberal arts education rolled into a single major! The study of Greek and Roman Classics gives students a rigorous education in the nature of language, in the skills of close reading and textual analysis, and in historical reasoning. If you are interested in mythology, in ancient history, in where the major institutions of Western culture began and why some disappeared for a long time, then you are interested in Classics. Our government was inspired by the Greeks yet was modeled on the Roman Republic, which also provided the basis for our laws. Our scientific language is Greek, but our grammar does not make much sense without Latin. Studying Classics in university means discovering how different from us the Greeks and Romans really were. Join us and discover why.
The Department of Greek and Roman Classics offers courses in Ancient Greek and Latin, as well as a wide range of courses on the literature, culture and history of these ancient Mediterranean civilizations; these courses use texts in translation so that any interested student can participate.
The Classics faculty is particularly strong and accomplished for such a relatively small department. Most members have held prestigious international research fellowships or won teaching awards, and some even have achieved both.
Temple Classics offers majors in Classical Languages and Literaturesand Classical Civilizations, as well as minors in Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies. Special Programs allow undergraduates to major in Classics and earn secondary-school teaching certification or to major in Classics and earn a Masters in Education in five years. [Detailed Requirements]
The major in Classical Languages and Literatures stresses the study of Greco-Roman antiquity through the languages the two cultures spoke, supplemented by courses in which texts are read in translation. The major in Classical Civilizations reverses those priorities and requires a single year of Greek or Latin (though more is allowed and encouraged); this major track places a greater emphasis on history and material culture, and thus requires study in art history and archaeology.
Majors and Minors are strongly urged to take our two foundational courses GRC 2101, “The Greeks,” and 2102 “The Romans,” as early as possible.
Study Abroad: Greek and Roman Classics students are permitted and encouraged to study abroad, particularly at Temple University Rome. The location and course offerings of this campus make it extremely attractive to anyone interested in the ancient world. Students interested in studying at this campus are encouraged to consult with departmental faculty early in their career at Temple. For more information see the Study Abroad website.