BA in Classics - Greek in Rochester United States | University of Rochester

The civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome have profoundly shaped Western culture across centuries, leaving enduring impacts in areas like: Democratic governance, Imperial systems, Mythology, Social structures, Ethnic relations, Gender roles, and Philosophical thought.
At Rochester, exploring Greco-Roman antiquity goes beyond historical curiosity - our curriculum empowers students to examine antiquity in ways that illuminate modern realities and future possibilities. Learners engage with seminal Western texts and artifacts both within their original contexts and as enduring influences on today's world.
Our classics program focuses on language proficiency while covering ancient history, artistic heritage, literary works, and philosophical traditions. Department alumni consistently achieve success in graduate programs, including professional schools for medicine and law.
The Religion and Classics Department offers opportunities to investigate the foundational civilizations of both Western and Eastern traditions, along with their associated religious movements.
By examining classical, biblical, and religious texts - whether in original languages or translation - students gain insight into the belief systems, ideologies, ethical frameworks, ceremonial practices, and customs that have molded Western and Asian societies.
The curriculum also highlights how these ancient religious and cultural foundations continue influencing contemporary affairs. Majors develop skills in analyzing and interpreting important ancient texts while understanding their historical settings.
Students may pursue a comprehensive classics major (both languages), or specialize in either Greek (CGRK) or Latin (LATN). We recommend all majors complete at least one year of each language when feasible.