Welcome to the Department of Classics
The study of the cultures of the ancient Mediterranean through their languages has been the core of humanistic learning for centuries, and constitutes the heart of both the Jesuit tradition and the liberal arts curriculum. The study of Greek and Latin language and literature is traditional, but at the same time constantly evolving as new texts are discovered and familiar texts are reinterpreted. New archaeological discoveries are made every day. The living legacy of the Greeks and the Romans is all around us. Learning about the ancient world is a never-ending process that begins in the classroom and continues long after graduation.
The Department of Classics at Georgetown is committed to the study of all aspects of the ancient Mediterranean world, ranging from ancient Greek and Latin language and literature to the history, archaeology, and art of the Greeks and Romans. The teaching and research of the departmental faculty encompass a broad range of individual specialties. Our undergraduate students pursue their interests in ancient Greek, Latin, Greek and Latin literature in translation, ancient history, and Classical archaeology through our four major concentrations, the Classics minor, the GUROP program, study abroad opportunities, and excavations. The Department of Classics every year offers intensive beginning and intermediate courses as well as a variety of advanced reading courses in ancient Greek and Latin. Our courses in Classical Studies deal with Greek and Latin literature in translation, ancient Greek history, Roman history, and the art and archaeology of Greece and Rome. Our alumni have gone on to a wide variety of pursuits and professions, including graduate study in Classics.
The program in Modern Greek allows students to study the Modern Greek language from the introductory through the advanced reading level and to earn a minor in Modern Greek.
In addition to the undergraduate program, the Department of Classics offers a Post-Baccalaureate Program in Greek and Latin for qualified students who have already earned an undergraduate degree.
Chair and Director of Undergraduate Studies (2010-2011): Charles McNelis
Latin Coordinator (2010-2011): Josiah Osgood
Post-Bac Director (2010-2011): Alexander Sens
Why Study Classics?
Majors in Classics will find that many career paths are open to them. After graduation, Georgetown Classics majors have pursued graduate study in Classics, History, Archaeology, Art History, Religion, and Comparative Literature. Our majors have also been very successful in applying to the most competitive law and medical schools. The ability to think critically and to analyze complex evidence, developed through the departmental curriculum, are traits that many employers find attractive. Classics majors from Georgetown are now working in arts administration, teaching, investment banking, publishing, the insurance industry, Federal and state government, and non-profit organizations.
Find out more about why a major in Classics could be for you by clicking here.
Find out more about majors, minors and their requirements here.
Are you a freshman or new major? Click here.
Find out more about our Post-Baccalaureate program here.
Find out more about the program in Modern Greek here.
Want to pursue Classics at the graduate level? Click here.
Looking for descriptions for Fall 2008 classes? Click here.
Find out what our alumni have been up to here.