BA in Classics (Columbia College) in New York United States | Columbia University

Exploring Rome or Athens means encountering the multiple layers of physical, historical, and cultural transformation that have shaped these cities over time. Walking through the Roman Forum or the Parthenon allows visitors to stand atop monuments whose grandeur reflects political power and historical significance, offering a tangible connection to antiquity. Studying Latin and Greek languages and cultures opens another path of discovery, guiding learners through texts, artworks, and philosophical concepts that bridge the gap to the ancient Greco-Roman world. Literature, philosophy, history, art, architecture, linguistics, papyrology, and religion—among other fields—form the diverse avenues of inquiry available to modern classicists through surviving written and material records.

The focus on Greek and Latin languages and cultures centers on ancient Greece and Rome while addressing questions relevant to contemporary life. At the same time, Greco-Roman literature and philosophy, foundational to Western thought, include works of enduring value and fascination. While Columbia students first encounter classical texts in Literature Humanities and Contemporary Civilization, classics and classical studies offer deeper engagement with ancient cultural themes and intellectual traditions introduced in the Core curriculum.