Prospective Students
Explore the ancient world with a Major or Minor in Classical Studies. This interdisciplinary field explores all aspects of ancient Greek and Roman life – history, society, literature, science, religion, and mythology. Study the impact the Classical cultures have had on the world today, and compare those with other ancient world cultures.
To help students develop their own interests, we offer a choice of three tracks emphasizing Classical languages (Latin and ancient Greek), literature and culture, or material culture and history.
Latin and Greek Placement Information
Latin and Ancient Greek 101 and 201 are taught each Fall. Latin and Greek 102 and 202 courses follow each Spring.
Greek 101 and 102 emphasize core skills in classical Greek, which prepare students to read biblical Greek in Greek 201 and ancient Greek literature in Greek 202 and beyond.
Latin 101, 102, and 201 present core grammar, vocabulary, and other reading and translation skills. In the fourth semester (Latin 202) you will read selections from Cicero's "Pro Archia" and Vergil's "Aeneid," and review grammar, syntax, and pronunciation in preparation for upper-level courses (any course at the 300 or 400 level).
If you are interested in continuing Latin and achieved a Latin AP score of 2, 3, 4, or 5, please contact the Latin co-ordinator, Professor Daniel Conner (conner62@purdue.edu), to discuss the most suitable course options for you in the coming year.
For information about the college credit you receive at Purdue for Latin AP scores of 3, 4, or 5, please see the Admissions website: https://www.admissions.purdue.edu/transfercredit/collegeboardap.php.
If you don't have an AP score, please take the Latin placement test.
Placement credits from the test are awarded on successful completion of the course you place into. So, for example, if you place into Latin 201 and successfully complete that course, you will receive not only your 3 credits from Latin 201 but also 6 placement test credits for Latin 101 and 102.
If you are uncertain about which level in Ancient Greek or Latin is most appropriate for you or would like any other information, please consult the co-ordinators:
- conner62@purdue.edu for Latin (Prof. Daniel Conner)
- kdickson@purdue.edu for Greek (Prof. Keith Dickson)
Careers for Classics majors
A degree in Classics prepares students for an unusually wide variety of careers. As an inherently interdisciplinary field, Classics demands both analytical depth and intellectual versatility. Exploring ancient cultures from diverse perspectives challenges students to connect different areas of knowledge. Studies have shown that this training will equip you to succeed in such careers as education, law, business, management, the arts, and many other fields.
Important note:
If you wish to pursue a Ph.D. in Classics, we strongly recommend that you study Latin and Greek well beyond the minimum level required for completing the Classical Languages track.
If you are considering graduate work in Classics, classical archaeology, or ancient history, please discuss your plans with Classics faculty members as early as possible, so that we can help you devise a suitable plan of study.
For information about careers in middle and high school teaching, please visit the American Philological Association and American Classical League websites.
For more information, questions or to visit the College of Liberal Arts, contact the College of Liberal Arts Student Recruitment Office at 765-494-6291 or email:
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