BA in Classics - Greek and Latin 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 governance, storytelling, social structures, identity, thought systems, and more.
At Rochester, exploring Greco-Roman antiquity goes beyond historical curiosity - our curriculum empowers students to connect past wisdom with modern challenges and future possibilities. Learners engage with seminal Western texts and artifacts both within their original contexts and through the lens of their ongoing cultural relevance.
Our classics program focuses on linguistic mastery while integrating historical, artistic, archaeological, literary, and philosophical studies. Department alumni consistently achieve success in advanced academic and professional programs.
The Religion and Classics Department offers immersive study of foundational Eastern and Western civilizations alongside the major religious traditions they spawned.
By examining classical and sacred texts in original languages or translation, students gain insight into the belief systems, practices, and cultural frameworks that molded both Western and Asian societies.
The curriculum also highlights how these ancient traditions continue influencing modern global affairs. Majors develop advanced skills in analyzing primary sources and understanding their historical settings.
Students may pursue a comprehensive classics major or specialize in either Greek (CGRK) or Latin (LATN). We strongly recommend all majors complete at least one year of study in both languages when feasible.