The Department of Classics is where you can study the history and languages of the ancient Mediterranean world, the birthplace of western culture. Classics forms the core of the humanities and is by nature an interdisciplinary subject that allows students to study poetry, prose, drama, art, history, law, philosophy and theology.
Join the company of great thinkers ancient and modern. Discover why the Classics have been valued for millennia as the fountainhead of the Western cultural tradition.
The Department of Classics is the place for you, if…
You want to learn Latin, Greek or Arabic.
You want to study our cultural heritage in English translation.
You want to prepare yourself for a meaningful career.
You want to interact with some of the greatest thinkers ever to walk the earth.
You want to learn how to read, write and think with precision
Undergraduates pursue primary and supplementary majors or minors in Greek, Latin, Classical Civilization, Arabic Studies or Mediterranean/Middle East Studies.
A Night of Singing, Dancing, and Enjoying all things Arabic
Check out the video for this Arabic Culture Night 2012! Read More
Spotlight
Senior Theses
Congratulations to the Classics and Arabic Senior Theses Writers
Check out this year's Classics and Arabic Theses. Topics ranged from Tertullian, Buddhism, Football and everything in between. Read More
Spotlight
Sunoikisis Presentation
Notre Dame Classics Major Represents at Consortium
Brian Credo recently gave a talk on “Laughing at the Present: An Examination of Nostalgia in Aristophanes’ Frogs” for Sunoikisis, a national consortium of Classics Programs. Read More
Spotlight
Discovering Butrint
Archaeological Opportunities for Notre Dame Students
Notre Dame is proudly partnered with the Albanian Institute of Archaeology in their excavations of Butrint. Every Summer, Notre Dame students are allowed to join Professor Hernandez in uncovering the mysteries of Butrint Read More
Spotlight
Nancy Joyce
Vice- President of the Student Body and Arabic Club
The Classics and Arabic Department would like to congratulate Nancy Joyce on her election success. Nancy has been elected the vice-president of the student body. She will also serve as vice-president for the Arabic club and student editor-in-chief for Bil'arabi. Nancy was also chosen as the Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures December 2012 Spotlight. That article can be found hereRead More
Spotlight
Classics Majors Find Their Future in the Past
How to Succeed
Ever gotten quizzical looks when you tell people you're a Classics major? Or have people caution you that you won't find a job? Katharine Brooks' recent article reveals the extreme benefits Classics majors receive in future endeavors, whether those be graduate, medical, legal or business school. Majoring in Classics may just be the best kept secret to success. Read More
Spotlight
Tracy Jennings
Alumna
I did not come to Notre Dame intending to major in Classics, yet the decision to do so was one of the most formative choices in my life. The opportunities provided by this department are outstanding. Read More
Spotlight
The School of Rome: Latin Studies and the Origins of Liberal Education
W. Martin Bloomer Associate Professor
Classics Read More
Spotlight
Maria Martellaro
Greek and Roman Civilization Major
Prominent in both Greek mythology and Catholicism, the labyrinth remains one of the most enigmatic and elaborate structures in history. Notre Dame senior Maria Martellaro traveled to Italy and France this past summer in attempt to unravel this mystery . . . Read More
Spotlight
Molly Herber
Undergraduate Student
Being an Arabic major has led me to learn a rich language, giving me the opportunity to encounter new people and ideas about the world in places I never would have expected to find myself Read More
Spotlight
Kayla Durcholz
Alumna
By studying Classics, I have not just filled a bookshelf; I have actually encountered humanity. Read More
Spotlight
Edward Larkin
2011 Valedictorian
Studying the Classics at Notre Dame has been a singular experience. The granular detail of the coursework; the challenge involved in reconstructing the ancient world; the enormous pleasure inherent in studying such vibrant and fabulous cultures -- it has been an incredible four years of study. Read More
Spotlight
Emily Garnett
Alumna
After exploring the world of agriculture for a year, via jobs on five different farms around the U.S. and England, I took a job with the KP Ranch in Nebraska. I'm currently working with show cattle and learning the ropes of the ranching world. I am putting my Classics education to use and exploring the field of agricultural journalism as a potential career path. Read More
Spotlight
Michael Wagner
Alumnus
Studying in city of Classical importance – such as Rome, Athens, or Cairo – is absolutely essential for a Classics major at Notre Dame or any other university. It brings the history to life and it is essential to gaining a full appreciation for Classical Studies. As a student and as a person, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Read More
Spotlight
Stephen Morris
Alumnus
As I continue my educational journey into medical school, I know that the Classical foundation I received at Notre Dame will enhance my communication skills and the ability to digest complicated material. Read More
Spotlight
Ghada Bualuan
Assistant Teaching Professor
Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Classics and Program of Arabic Languages and Literature, Professor Bualuan is interested in Read More
Spotlight
Michael Mercurio
Undergraduate Student
Congratulations to Michael for being selected as The Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures November Spotlight! Read More
Spotlight
Mary Claire O'Donnell
Alumna
I truly believe that my study of ancient cultures enhances my understanding of modern culture. My study of Classics here allows me to view the world in a new, more fulfilling way. Read More
Spotlight
Justin Farishon
Alumnus
The classics, in particular the Latin language, provided a foundation for understanding and synthesizing the various languages and cultures I encountered during my travels throughout Europe. Read More
Spotlight
Kyle Lee Andrews
Alumna
Classics is about the only major that allows for classes in the Forum, gives insight into Monty Python movies, and allows for the study of nearly any subject, provided that it involves the ancient world. Read More
Spotlight
Catherine Clepper
Alumna
Taking Classics course helped me realize that modernity and antiquity are along a continuum and constantly posing similar philosophical questions, similar political quandaries. Read More
