Learning Goals in the Classics Major

Classics is the study of Greek and Roman antiquity and its reception in later periods.  With the focus on a time period and cultures, not on a single disciplinary approach, Classics students receive a broad interdisciplinary training as they explore the languages, literatures, histories, philosophies, religions, ideas, art, architecture and physical remains of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds.  The Classics program at Connecticut College offers three different major tracks: Classical Languages, Classical Studies, and Classical and Medieval Studies.  Each track offers considerable flexibility to allow students to emphasize one or more area.  The study of Classics is an interdisciplinary pursuit that is central to a liberal arts education. 

Language training is an important aspect of study in Classics.  All Classics students develop a level of proficiency in one or more languages that affords them access to original works of ancient literature, which they are able to read with the aid of a dictionary.  In reading works in the original languages, students gain direct access to the Greeks and Romans.  Students completing the track in Classical Languages gain greater breadth and depth of training in ancient Greek and/or Latin.

All Classics students also develop skills in close reading of primary and secondary sources, with an emphasis on comprehension and critical analysis.  Classics courses expose students to multiple approaches to the ancient world, affording the opportunity to try out different interpretive frameworks and a variety of methodologies.  Students learn how to formulate their own interpretations based on primary and secondary sources, and to express their ideas clearly and forcefully, in writing and oral presentations.  Students completing the tracks in Classical Studies and Classical and Medieval Studies gain greater breadth and depth of training in the study of ancient civilizations.

The Classics major provides a foundation for students to thrive in a variety of professions.  Our graduates have gone on to earn advanced degrees in a variety of fields, and are pursuing careers in areas such as education, museum work, law, medicine, and business.