Classical Languages and Literature

Overview

Classical languages and literature programs teach students about a variety of topics.

Classical languages and literature programs include topics such as:

• Reading and writing Greek and Latin
• History
• Archeology
• Mythology
• Anthropology
• Literature and philosophy

Concentrations

In classical languages and literature programs, students may be able to specialize in:

• Folklore and mythology
• Greek or Latin language
• Linguistics
• Literary criticism
• Greek or Latin literature
• Political history of Greece and Rome

Schools

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in classical languages and literature. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Several universities offer graduate degrees in classical languages and literature. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• Biblical Language and Literature
• Comparative Literature
• Humanities
• Language Interpretation and Translation
• Linguistics
• Modern Greek Language and Literature
• Religious Studies
• Romance Language and Literature

Related Careers

Careers to Consider

• Anthropologists
• Archeologists
• Curators
• High School Teachers
• Interpreters and Translators
• University and College Teachers

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Humanities
• Issues of Western Humanities
• Latin or Greek
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
• Philosophy
• Western Civilization
• World Geography

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
• Undergraduate degree in classics
• Significant course work in Greek, Latin, or both
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Academic writing sample

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Applied Phonetics
• Ancient Civilization and Cultural History
• Conversation and Composition
• Folklore
• Linguistics
• Classical Literature
• Mythology
• Philosophy
• Reading Skills
• Study in Greek (beginning, intermediate, advanced)
• Study in Latin (beginning, intermediate, advanced)
• Translation

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate study in classics typically includes:

• Required courses
• Thesis (master's degree)
• Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
• Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Many people who earn this degree pursue further graduate study, work in museums, or become teachers.

Most programs allow you to focus your studies on classic civilization or classical language and literature. If you choose to focus on classic civilization, you still take introductory Greek and Latin courses. However, most of the ancient texts you read will be translated to English.

Most programs offer specializations in Latin or Greek language and literature. Some programs also offer courses in Sanskrit.

Many programs coordinate semester or study abroad programs.

Many programs encourage you to double major. Many people combine their classics studies with literature, history, anthropology, philosophy, and second languages.

Schools

East Side Area

Wenatchee Valley College

• World Languages Pre-Major

Whitman College

• Classical Studies
• Classics

King-Snohomish Area

Seattle Pacific University

• Classics--Cultural Emphasis
• Classics--Language Emphasis

University of Washington - Seattle

• Classical Studies
• Classics
• Classics--Greek
• Classics--Latin

Spokane Area

Gonzaga University

• Classical Civilizations

Tacoma Area

University of Puget Sound

• Classics--Classical Languages
• Classics--Classical Studies

West Side Area

Evergreen State College, The

• Classics

Grays Harbor College

• Foreign Languages Pre-Major