Majors & Minors

Classics

Our majors develop the flexibility and creativity to become leaders and innovators in a variety of careers. Some go on to further study in Classics, but the critical thinking and analytical skills acquired in our courses also prepare students for graduate school and careers in medicine, law, business, and more.

Contact

Francis Mathieu

Francis Mathieu

Professor of French & Chair

Francis Mathieu

Francis Mathieu

Professor of French & Chair

Classics
Classics

From the very earliest periods (prehistory) to the dissolution of the Roman Empire, a core selection of seminal works have established themselves as timeless examples of genius, and as cultural and societal touchstones.

Classics is the broad field covering Greco-Roman antiquity from the very earliest periods (prehistory) to the dissolution of the Roman Empire. Classicists study the literature and language, anthropology, art history, religion, philosophy, and history of the ancient Mediterranean world. Through the study of primary material (Latin and Greek texts, in the original or in translation, and archaeological and art historical artifacts), students gain an appreciation for the ancient societies that continue to illuminate our own. Students must master not only basic factual material but also learn how to synthesize complex and sometimes disparate material.

Classics builds critical thinking skills, is a bridge between STEM and the Humanities, fosters an appreciation of contemporary social issues, and has influenced today’s political institutions. For a statement about the value of the study of Classics today, click here .

Classics majors get on well in life because they develop intellectual rigor, communications skills, analytical skills, the ability to handle complex information, and, above all, a breadth of view which few other disciplines can provide. -Princeton Review



AFTER SOUTHWESTERN

Featured Alumni Stories

Gregory “Bear” Reeves ’17

Why Waste Your Time With a “Throw-Away” Degree

How a Classics degree helped one SU alumnus gain acceptance into highly competitive T14 law schools.

Read Full Story
Nicole Inskeep

Nicole Inskeep ’15

Classics major’s internship with Texas Historical Commission included working on the La Belle Shipwreck (1686)

Read Full Story
Nicole Inskeep

Student digs in Texas

Classics major Nicole Inskeep ’15  internship with Texas Historical Commission included working on the La Belle Shipwreck (1686)

Read Full Story

EXPLORE SOUTHWESTERN

Classics News

Professor of Art History Thomas Howe

The Professor Chronicles: Thomas Noble Howe

Get to know the professor of art and art history as well as coordinator general of the Restoring Ancient Stabiae Project in Italy.

READ FULL STORY
Dr. Ross takes her Spanish class outdoors. 

The Staying Power of the Humanities

Why a degree in the humanities is just as important as a degree in STEM.

READ FULL STORY
Dr. H. Haskell, Canterbury Cathedral

Faculty Development Seminars

Sunoikisis Faculty Development Seminars

READ FULL STORY