In the Department of Classics, students explore the peoples and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East, as well as later peoples’ responses to this past. Our curriculum focuses on ancient Greece and Rome, as well as peoples and cultures ranging from ancient Egypt across ancient Mesopotamia. We offer courses (taught in English) on a wide array of archeological, art historical, historical, and literary topics. We also offer language classes every semester in Greek and Latin and, on a rotating basis, in Akkadian, Egyptian, and Hebrew. In addition to their work at Holy Cross, students may participate in a variety of study abroad programs both during the academic year and in the summer.
Requirements for Majors
Classics Major Available for Classes of 2025 and Onwards:
(Please review this pdf for more detailed information on this major)
- At least 11 courses, which include:
- 3 CLAS Courses, with one being CLAS 100: Opening Classics
- 3 courses in any one language offered by the Classics Department
- 2 courses in any other one language offered by the Classics Department
- 3 other courses in the Classics Department
- At least one of the 11 courses above must be a material culture course
- At least one of the 11 courses above must be CLAS 201, GREK 301, or LATN 301
Classics Major Available for Classes of 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027:
- At least 10 courses, which include:
- 8 courses in Greek or Latin, including at least
- one 300 level course in Greek or Latin;
- and 214 in the other language
- 8 courses in Greek or Latin, including at least
- 2 other courses in the Classics department, with one being CLAS 100: Opening Classics (please note, in this major, Opening Classics is only required for the Class of 2027)