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The UMass Classics department boasts a dynamic and expanding undergraduate curriculum. Students pursuing this major can select from an extensive range of courses: beyond comprehensive instruction in ancient Greek and Latin, we offer numerous classical civilization courses taught in English, including studies in Greek mythology, dramatic arts, ancient cultures, occult practices in antiquity, epic poetry, religious traditions, gender roles in ancient societies, Etruscan civilization, and classical painting techniques, alongside multiple archaeology offerings. Our robust honors program consistently yields exceptional senior theses and projects, while many undergraduates join Eta Sigma Phi, the prestigious national classics honor society. Our active chapter balances academic pursuits with social events and community initiatives, organizing activities like visits to Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, yearly book sales, and campus services including complimentary Latin and Greek tutoring.
In essence, UMass undergraduates discover classics to be an intellectually engaging and distinctive program. With favorable faculty-to-student ratios and exceptional academic guidance, our majors frequently benefit from more individualized faculty attention compared to other disciplines. The department also provides abundant international opportunities, including archaeological fieldwork and study programs across Greece, Italy, and beyond.
Contrary to common perceptions, classics degrees prove remarkably practical: both graduate admissions committees and employers recognize that classics graduates demonstrate exceptional self-discipline and typically possess superior analytical and communication skills compared to other candidates.