Minor in Classical Studies

Explore the worlds of ancient Greece and Rome—and the ideas, stories, and artifacts they left behind.

Step into the classical world to uncover how the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome continue to shape modern politics, literature, and thought. This interdisciplinary Minor allows you to examine antiquity through multiple lenses—combining textual analysis with material culture to understand the ancient Mediterranean in its full context.

What you will explore

• Literature & Epic Storytelling: Engaging foundational classical texts, poetry, and theater.

• Archaeology & Material Culture: Uncovering history through surviving artifacts, architecture, and physical ruins.

• History & Political Thought: Tracing the rise and fall of ancient states and the evolution of political power.

• Philosophical Traditions: Investigating the intellectual foundations that defined Western thought.

The Minor draws on the combined expertise of faculty from the Department of Archaeology, the Department of Philosophy, and the Program in Cultures, Civilizations & Ideas. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore the ancient world not only through texts and ideas, but also through objects, historical evidence, and the societies in which they emerged.

The program is open to students from all departments, and no prerequisite courses are required.

Admission & Application

For information about admission requirements, please visit the Minor Programs page.

Application deadline for Spring 2027: December 16, 2026

Application forms should be submitted to the Department of Archaeology, either by email or in person. Please remember to include a copy of your latest transcript.

Note for philosophy students: Philosophy Majors cannot enroll in this Minor because one of its required courses is also a required course in the Philosophy major. Instead, Philosophy students are encouraged to consider the Archaeology Minor, which provides a closely related opportunity to study the ancient world.

Minor Curriculum