BA in Classics - 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: Democratic governance, Imperial systems, Mythology, Social structures, Ethnic concepts, Gender roles, and Philosophical thought.
At Rochester, exploring Greco-Roman antiquity goes beyond historical curiosity—our curriculum empowers students to examine antiquity's relevance to modern life and future possibilities. Learners engage with seminal Western texts and artifacts, gaining insights into their original contexts while recognizing classical civilization's ongoing impact on today's world.
Our classics program focuses on language proficiency while covering ancient history, archaeology, literary works, and philosophical traditions. Department alumni consistently achieve success in graduate programs, including prestigious medical and law schools.
The Religion and Classics Department offers comprehensive study of both Western and Eastern classical traditions alongside their associated religious movements.
By examining classical and religious texts—whether in original languages or translation—students investigate the foundational beliefs, practices, and traditions that molded Western and Asian civilizations.
The curriculum also highlights how these ancient religious and cultural foundations continue influencing modern affairs. Majors develop skills in analyzing 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 strongly recommend all majors complete at least one year of each language when feasible.