Study Classics
About the Subject
Classics is a field focused on the study of the languages, literature, history, philosophy, and culture of ancient civilizations, particularly Ancient Greece and Rome, and their influence on later societies.
What to Study
Classics develops knowledge of ancient texts, historical contexts, and philosophical traditions to understand the foundations of Western intellectual and cultural history. Core areas typically include:
- Ancient Greek Language and Literature, which studies classical texts, grammar, and literary traditions of Ancient Greece.
- Latin Language and Literature, which focuses on the language, texts, and literary heritage of Ancient Rome.
- Ancient History, which examines political, social, and cultural developments in Greek and Roman civilizations.
- Classical Philosophy, which studies thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Roman philosophical traditions.
- Classical Archaeology, which focuses on material remains and artifacts of ancient civilizations.
- Mythology and Religion, which examines ancient belief systems, myths, and religious practices.
- Classical Reception Studies, which explores how ancient cultures have influenced later literature, art, and thought.
- Epigraphy and Ancient Inscriptions, which studies written records carved on stone, metal, or other materials.
Career Prospects
Graduates in Classics work across education, museums, research institutions, publishing, and cultural organizations preserving and interpreting ancient knowledge.
Common career paths include:
- Classics Researcher, studying ancient texts, history, and cultural systems.
- Latin or Ancient Greek Teacher, teaching classical languages in schools and universities.
- Museum Curator, managing and interpreting classical antiquities and collections.
- Archaeologist, excavating and analyzing ancient sites and artifacts.
- Cultural Heritage Specialist, working in preservation and interpretation of ancient heritage.
Study Destinations
Classics programs are strongest in countries with leading research in ancient languages, archaeology, and classical civilization studies, including:
- United Kingdom, with world-leading classics departments and philological research.
- Italy, central to Roman archaeology and classical heritage studies.
- Greece, a key global center for ancient Greek studies and archaeology.
- Germany, known for rigorous classical philology and ancient history research.
- United States, with top-ranked classics and ancient studies programs.
- France, with strong traditions in classical studies and ancient history research.