Classics opens up the life of the mind and spirit like no other academic subject. It provides a comprehensive understanding of how Greco-Roman civilization has influenced Western thought, literature, art, and politics, offering a valuable and unique academic experience that enriches any course of study.
The curriculum typically involves a blend of language courses (Latin or Greek) and courses on classical civilization, history, and literature, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests. At Notre Dame, students study the structure of language and the history of culture with faculty who are not only leaders in their fields, but also generous with their time. Our students receive personalized academic advising and instruction.
Why Learn Greek and Latin?
To learn to read and write with care:
CITO SCRIBENDO NON FIT UT BENE SCRIBATUR, BENE SCRIBENDO FIT, UT CITO.
If one writes quickly, one may not write well; but if one can write well, one can write quickly.
Do you want to be able to read and speak precisely and focus on complex problems easily? Study Latin and Greek. Learning these difficult languages teaches students to pay sustained attention to detail and employ words with care, efficacy, and sophistication. Classical training has thus always been valued as preparation for careers in law and medicine and is equally valuable for any profession where logical thought and clear communication are important. Students of Latin and Greek have the highest GRE’s of any undergraduate major.
Major in Classics
Students declare a concentration in either Greek or Latin. They are required to take at least two semesters in the other language. But if a student has sufficient background in both languages, they can complete the requirements of the major through a combination of intermediate and advanced courses in both languages, as long as the total number of language courses equals 7 (21 credit hours) for the primary major and 5 (15 credit hours) for the supplementary major.
Supplementary Major in Classics
The supplementary major in Classics is designed for students pursuing a primary major in another field who wish to deepen their understanding of Greek or Latin language in order to read or research primary texts. Supplementary majors in Classics are exempted from the two courses in the second classical language.
Minor in Latin
The Latin minor is designed to guarantee a solid grounding in the literary study of Latin texts of the classical, Imperial, or Christian eras.
Minor in Greek
The minor in Greek is designed to guarantee a solid grounding in the literary study of Greek texts of the classical, Hellenistic, or Christian eras.
Global Engaged Citizens Program
Notre Dame’s Globally Engaged Citizensprogram rewards the learning and experiences students are already engaging in — and will stand out on their resumes and show employers and graduate schools that they’re prepared to be global citizens.
Students in any college or school can earn the certificate by taking two classes and participating in cultural activities on and off campus; many may already be well on their way to meeting the requirements.
