Ancient Greek & Roman Studies at Gettysburg College offers a holistic and interdisciplinary exploration of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, and connects the ancient world to modern life. Students have the opportunity to study ancient Greek and Latin languages, literature, archaeology, history, art history, and philosophy, acquiring a rich knowledge of Greco-Roman antiquity and a deep foundation in humanistic inquiry. In our courses, students put the past in dialogue with the present, taking on topics and questions of contemporary significance that are crucial for leading meaningful lives in a complex world. We teach critical thinking as well as analytical and communications skills that prepare students to be engaged citizens and to succeed in a range of careers. We also encourage experiential learning through course performances of ancient works, study abroad in Greece or Italy, and participation in archaeological digs on campus and abroad with our faculty.
| Available as | Degree | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Majors, Minors | Bachelor of Arts | 4 years |
Why choose Ancient Greek & Roman Studies?
This is the place for you if you have a strong interest in the ancient Greeks or Romans and their modern legacy AND want to develop skills in thinking, reading, writing, and public speaking that are essential in today’s world and highly valued by employers. Our students came up with this list of 10 marketable skills they acquired through our major.
Ancient Greek & Roman Studies gives you the chance to engage with fascinating texts, objects, and ideas first on their own terms and in their original contexts, and then as important influences on modern culture and thought. Through studying, analyzing, and interpreting these ancient materials, you are challenged to think deeply about moral and ethical questions that are relevant today and develop practical skills and habits of mind that will serve you in any profession.
Curriculum
Gettysburg College’s Ancient Greek & Roman Studies offers courses on topics ranging from ancient Mediterranean archaeology to Greek epic and tragedy to Roman civilization, as well as ancient Greek and Latin language courses. The curriculum is designed to foster broad and deep understanding of the Greco-Roman world and its contemporary significance while cultivating advanced ability in critical thinking, analysis, and verbal and written expression. Small class sizes and close relationships with faculty further enrich learning, preparing students for careers in diverse fields, including law, secondary education, higher education, public relations, museum and park service work, business, government, and much more.
Major
The Ancient Greek & Roman Studies major at Gettysburg College allows students to explore ancient civilizations through interdisciplinary courses in literature, culture, archaeology, history, art history, and philosophy, alongside traditional Latin and Greek studies. Students can choose to study Latin or Greek, incorporating language-focused courses, or opt for cultural studies without language requirements. The major requires nine core courses, an additional course from a different discipline, and a capstone seminar to round out the program.
Minor
The The Ancient Greek & Roman Studies minor at Gettysburg College requires six courses chosen from among our Classical Studies, Latin, and Greek offerings. Students interested in specializing further can opt for a Greek or Latin minor.
Greek Minor: Six courses of ancient Greek study at any level, or five Greek courses and one Classical Studies course in translation at any level.
Latin Minor: Six courses of Latin study at any level, or five Latin courses and one Classical Studies course in translation at any level.
Why major in Ancient Greek & Roman Studies at Gettysburg College?
Our program is flexible, intimate, and inclusive. Rather than completing a fixed sequence of courses, our students choose from a range of offerings that approach Greco-Roman antiquity from different perspectives; this may include study of Latin or Greek, which affords students first-hand access to ancient cultures while also improving their facility in English and fulfilling the college’s second language requirement. Our major is compatible with pursuing a second major and/or minors in other departments, and we welcome the many students who do so, encouraging the integration of their areas of interest in course assignments and our senior capstone project.
The relatively small size of our program means that faculty come to know each of our students personally and are responsive to their individual needs and interests. Through advising, mentoring, independent studies, and guidance in applying for study abroad, internships, jobs, and graduate school, we make sure that our majors and minors are nurtured at Gettysburg and beyond. We firmly believe that students of all backgrounds belong in Ancient Greek & Roman Studies, and we set up everyone for success. Our students also build close and meaningful relationships with one another in courses, during department social events, field trips, and invited lectures, and through extra-curriculars such as Classics Club and the Eta Sigma Phi Classical Honorary Society.
Our faculty members are not only award-winning teachers but also accomplished scholars with active research agendas. They bring their expertise in areas such as Roman archaeology and ancient Greek literature into the classroom. They also offer special opportunities for students, such as excavating a Celtic and Roman town in southern France or adapting and performing an ancient tragedy on campus.
Take the next step in your academic career. Request more information below or apply today to begin your exploration of Ancient Greek & Roman Studies at Gettysburg College!