The Classical Studies major and minor are eligible only to students who matriculated in the fall of 2021 or 2022.  Students who matriculated in fall 2022 may select to follow the requirements for Classical Studies or Ancient Greek and Roman Studies. Students who matriculated in the fall of 2023 or later will follow requirements for Ancient Greek and Roman Studies.  

Mission Statement

The Department of Classical Studies offers courses in the languages and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Students are introduced to the intellectual, social, political, and cultural histories of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Our curriculum engenders a critical exploration of how the ideas and works of the ancient Greeks and Romans remain relevant in the modern world. We study both how the ancient Greeks and Romans understood their world and how modern societies have reconstructed it. Through the study of the languages, histories, cultures, and contexts of the ancient Mediterranean, our program emphasizes flexibility with diverse types of evidence through interdisciplinary approaches to knowledge, the development of critical and analytical skills, and an appreciation for how ancient and modern intersect in ways that show the continued influence of the Greco-Roman past on our lives today.

Faculty

Professor Rebecca Kennedy, Chair

Professors Timothy P. Hofmeister, Rebecca Kennedy; Associate Professor Craig Jendza; Assistant Professor Rhodora Vennarucci; Visiting Assistant Professors Max Goldman, Vicky Kostopoulou

Academic Administrative Assistant

Jackie Forshey

View faculty profiles and contact information

The Classical Studies major and minor are eligible only to students who matriculated in the fall of 2021 or 2022.  Students who matriculated in fall 2022 may select to follow the requirements for Classical Studies or Ancient Greek and Roman Studies. Students who matriculated in the fall of 2023 or later will follow requirements for Ancient Greek and Roman Studies.  

Classical Studies Major 

Students majoring in Classical Studies must complete a minimum of nine courses or 36 credits, including courses in Classical Studies (CLAS), in either Ancient Greek (GRK) or Latin (LAT), and other departments or programs. Specific requirements within the department include:

• three courses from 200-level CLAS courses
• one course from the 300-level CLAS courses
• two courses in either Ancient Greek (GRK) or Latin (LAT)
• and one semester of Senior Research (CLAS 451 or CLAS 452)

For the two courses outside of the department, students must select courses that contain a significant component related to the history, culture, or influences and traditions of classical antiquity; the Chair of the department must approve any course selected to meet this requirement.

Classical Studies Minor

For the minor in Classical Studies, students must complete a minimum of six courses or 24 credits.

• Within the department, students must take:
  • two courses from 200-level CLAS courses,
  • and one course from the 300-level CLAS courses;
  • and two courses in either Ancient Greek (GRK) or Latin (LAT).
• Outside of the department, students must select one course that contains a significant component related to the history, culture, or influences and traditions of classical antiquity; the Chair of the department must approve any course selected to meet this requirement.

Additional Points of Interest

Graduate Study

Students interested in pursuing graduate study in Classics should understand that such programs normally focus on the languages. Therefore, in addition to majoring in Classical Studies, students should also minor in both Ancient Greek and Latin, preferably taking a language course every semester as an undergraduate. A Ph.D. in Classics requires proficiency in both Ancient Greek and Latin. However, it is also possible to earn a Master’s degree in only Ancient Greek or only Latin. Students should consult with the Chair of the department as early as possible if they are interested in graduate school in Classics or related fields, such as Classical Archaeology.

Archaeology Field Work

One of the most important things a student can do if they are interested in a career in Archaeology is attend a summer field school or archaeological dig. Students should consult with the Chair to discuss the possibilities and getting started, if interested. 

Eta Sigma Phi

Classical Studies sponsors a chapter of the national honorary society in Classics, Eta Sigma Phi. Membership in our local chapter requires the completion of a minimum of one course in either Ancient Greek or Latin with a grade of B or better, a declared major or minor in the department (CLAS, GRK, or LAT), and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the department.

Departmental Recognition

Majors in Classical Studies are eligible for Departmental Recognition of Senior Research, according to guidelines established by the college, including the completion of a yearlong senior research project. Students should consult with the Chair of the department and the Registrar for specific requirements and acknowledgments.

Departmental Fellows

Each year, the department appoints up to three Seniors as department Fellows, up to two majors, and one minor. Criteria for the selection of Fellows are as follows: 1. major GPA of 3.5 or higher; 2. completion of both semesters of the language requirement; 3. active contributions to the department community.

Directed Studies

Our current curriculum includes the possibility of a minor in Ancient Greek and/or Latin. For students finishing the 111-112 sequence of a classical language at Denison, or for those beyond the 111-112 sequence, the department offers a 211-level course in the fall semester only, followed by a Directed or Independent Study. Faculty members in the department supervise Directed or Independent Studies, following a "tutorial" model. There is a syllabus for these courses (361-362-363-364) based on the author, topic, or genre being studied; to qualify as a course toward the minor, it must be taken for 4 credits. For Directed or Independent Studies in Ancient Greek or Latin, students must work with a faculty member in the department and receive permission from the department Chair, completing the appropriate form available on MyDenison's Registrar page.

Ancient Greek Minor

Please visit the Greek Minor page.

Latin Minor

Please visit the LATIN Minor page.