Department of Greek, Latin, and Classical StudiesAcademics
About the Department
A Modern Look at the Ancient World
History buffs know that a deep dive into the past develops real-world skills, builds insight, and sparks new ideas about the present. That's what we're here to provide. Courses in the Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies Department examine the ancient Greek and Roman world and the diverse network of communities near and around the Mediterranean Sea - from Turkey to the North African coast to the British Isles and the Middle East. The Department welcomes all students, regardless of prior experience in Greek or Latin, to learn from the past and examine today's world with fresh eyes.
When studying Classics, you will discover the Greek and Roman worlds through language, history, arts, and culture. Classes will emphasize diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives and may have you deciphering ancient graffiti, reading Greek and Roman plays, analyzing the myths that helped people process their values and their world, and much more. Your professors are long-time members of the Gustavus community who draw on a wide range of expertise within Classics as well as strong collaborations with faculty across campus and beyond.
On top of it all, you will gain career-oriented skills such as strong verbal and written communication, critical thinking about a wide variety of topics, and the ability to analyze the past and use it to gain insights and perspective on modern culture and current challenges. Because the skills you will develop in these classes are applicable to every profession, graduates are successful in medicine, law, journalism, archaeology and museum studies, information studies, data analysis, education, business, and more.
Learn more about the Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies Department
Global Perspectives from an Ancient Lens
As a Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies student at Gustavus Adolphus, you will be surrounded by knowledgeable faculty and enthusiastic students, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. Located in St. Peter, MN, the beautiful Gustavus Adolphus campus is the ideal place to build close-knit relationships while still having access to big-city opportunities. You're minutes away from the medium-sized city of Mankato and an hour from the dynamic Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Plus, Gustavus is the only place in Minnesota to earn a Latin teaching license, and students have access to internships at local schools.
Discover your path:
Majors, Minors, and Related Programs
The Department offers a Classical Languages major, where you gain knowledge about the Ancient Greek and/or Roman world primarily via ancient language and literature; an Ancient Greek Studies major focusing on ancient Greek art, literature, history, and culture; and minors in Latin or Greek language. You can also gain teaching licensure through the Latin Teaching Major with the Education Department.
We offer two types of courses: 1) language courses in Greek and Latin, which equip students to read ancient literature in the original and dive deep into the stories and ideas of the Greeks and Romans; and 2) classes on Greek and Roman art, architecture, history, literature, and society, which do not require in-depth knowledge of Latin or Greek.
Explore the major and minor pages to learn more about course requirements and outcomes.
Related Programs
A Foundation for Success in Any Career
Because of its interdisciplinary nature, the Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies Department has much to contribute to a wide array of academic and career paths. Students love to pair their Greek, Latin, or Classical Languages major with a second major relating to their interests. Imagine the combinations: drawing on Geology to enhance your study of archaeology, connecting Biology and medical terminology to Greek and Latin roots, expanding your understanding of Theater with a background in ancient storytelling, applying your knowledge of Greek and Roman justice systems with Political Science to prepare for law school, or comparing ancient concepts of gender or racial/ethnic identity alongside Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies or African and African Diaspora Studies to prepare for any career that engages with people from many backgrounds and cultures. This multidisciplinary approach is why Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies majors from Gustavus excel in diverse careers and graduate programs, and perform especially well on admission tests, including the GRE (for graduate school), MCAT (for medical school), and LSAT (for law school). Most importantly, the faculty invests deeply in your talents, passion, and success and provides student-specific advising so you can find the right path for you.
Opportunities in Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies
A Close Community Launches You into the World
Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies is a tight community of engaged learners, both on and off campus. The Department hosts events, including a Greek Symposium and Roman banquet, movie and game nights, and afternoon teas. There are also ample leadership opportunities through the Classics Honor Society, Eta Sigma Phi (togas always welcome). The faculty promotes study away opportunities, with programs in Greece, Italy, and England and opportunities to participate in an alumni-funded archaeological dig in Portugal. Faculty also encourage student research, both on campus and abroad, through grants and coursework. And students can always be found hanging out with tea and snacks and lots of laughs in the department lounge.
Explore Opportunities in Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies
- Study Away — You are encouraged to gain an immersive experience in the ancient sites and cultures you study.
- Research — You may collaborate with faculty on research projects or pursue independent research under their guidance.
- Internships — Apply your knowledge and skills in a practical setting through an internship. Events and Gatherings - Opportunities for students and faculty to come together, engage in discussions, further explore various aspects of ancient Greek and Roman culture, and have fun.
- Events and Gatherings — Opportunities for students and faculty to come together, engage in discussions, further explore various aspects of ancient Greek and Roman culture, and have fun.
- The Flory-Freiert Fellowship — A grant opportunity that supports student research and scholarly projects.
- Careers — The skills and knowledge you acquire through your studies in this field can be applicable to a wide variety of industries and professions.
Gusties
will
Shine
Students love the camaraderie of the Classics community and the rigor and accessibility of the department's majors. They love connecting their passion for antiquity with contemporary issues and their world today. Meet the accomplished students and faculty from the Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies Department.
Birgen Nelson ’23
Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies Major
“My course professors, Mary McHugh, Yurie Hong, Sean Easton, and Margaretha Kramer, all made my experience fantastic. Each and every one of them are lovely people and fantastic professors!” Birgen was drawn to a major in Classical Languages due to its supplemental nature in her other major, Political Science. Knowing that those with knowledge in […]
Keep in touch with the Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies Department
As a student of Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies at Gustavus Adolphus, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural and intellectual traditions of ancient Greece and Rome. You will receive a strong liberal arts education with ample opportunities to involve yourself in extracurricular activities outside the classroom, like athletics, fine arts, community service, or student leadership in a club. Join a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment to pursue your academic, extracurricular, and career interests. Look to the past to discover your place in the world.
Contact Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies
Email: classics@gustavus.eduPhone: 507-933-7548
Old Main, 202A
800 West College Avenue
Saint Peter, MN 56082