Bachelor's in Classical Studies - Classical Language and Literature

The Classical Studies major at UNCG explores the civilization, archaeology, languages, and literature of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. You can choose from four concentrations: Classical Archaeology, Classical Civilization, Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations, or Classical Language and Literature.

The Classical Language and Literature concentration develops your proficiency in classical languages. You’ll also hone your skills in translating and interpreting key works of ancient Greek and Latin literature, along with career-essential skills in critical thinking, communication, analysis, intercultural competency, and more.

Classical studies PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

• Classical Studies provides you with hands-on experience that deepens your understanding of ancient Greek and Latin culture and literature. Our program offers undergraduate research opportunities with faculty mentors, as well as opportunities to present at major academic conferences.
• Explore the classical world in person with a range of immersive study abroad experiences. Highlights include an archaeological field school on the Greek island of Kea and the faculty-led UNCG in Rome program.
• UNCG’s Classical Studies B.A. is the largest program of its kind in North Carolina that focuses exclusively on undergraduate education. We’re proud of the rigorous and supportive learning environment that we provide for our students.
• The Classical Society hosts an annual “Classics Day.” This fall tradition on campus draws hundreds of students from local schools to learn about ancient civilizations. Classical Studies students host activities that showcase classical languages and literature, including examples from Greek and Latin traditions.

THE Classical Language and Literature STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• A hallmark of our program is the opportunity to participate in exciting study abroad programs in Greece, Rome, and beyond. Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and classical language traditions of the ancient world under direct faculty guidance.
• Classical Studies professors consistently win university-wide teaching, mentorship, and research awards. Our faculty are renowned for offering our students a high level of personal attention and mentoring.
• The department offers individualized advising and career counseling to help you map your academic and professional journey.
• Our dedicated Classical Studies library and undergraduate study space offer students from all classical language backgrounds a place to gather, study, collaborate, and support one another.
• You’ll take fascinating courses in mythology, cosmology, archaeology, ancient warfare, women in antiquity, and many more.

classical language and literature learning objectives

The B.A. in Classical Studies — Classical Language and Literature helps you develop a range of essential analytical and communication skills applicable to a wide variety of careers. The Classical Language and Literature concentration builds your proficiency in classical languages and hones specialist skills in translating and interpreting ancient Greek and Latin literary texts. 

Some of the learning outcomes you can expect from Classical Language and Literature: 

• Describe cultural evidence from or about the ancient Mediterranean world. 
• Analyze the literature and/or material culture of the ancient Mediterranean world in their socio-historical contexts. 
• Produce evidence-based arguments about the ancient Mediterranean world using a variety of primary and secondary sources. 
• Read Greek and/or Latin texts with intermediate or advanced proficiency. 

Craft Your Own Epic Story: Courses You Can Take 

You can choose from a range of Classical Language and Literature courses offering fascinating insights into culture, society, warfare, and the arts in these epic civilizations. Some courses even offer the opportunity to travel to the Mediterranean and experience these humanity-defining worlds yourself.

some of your options: 

• CCI 207 Ancient Sports and Society Survey of the ancient Olympics of Greece and the gladiatorial sports of the Roman world, with special attention to physical, socio-political, economic, and religious health and wellness through sport. 

• CCI 209 The Classical Art of Influence and Persuasion Introduction to ancient techniques of persuasion and the application of these techniques to persuasive documents and ceremonial speeches critical for studying the development of American democracy. Emphasis is placed on the ability to write persuasively using ancient rhetorical tools and models with special attention to audience and occasion. 
• CCI 240 Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Warfare in Antiquity A survey of Greek and Roman warfare covering strategy, tactics, weapons, technology, and the experience of battle from Homer to the fall of the Roman Empire. 
• CCI 328 Spin, Opinion, Lies and the Caesars A study of how propaganda and public opinion was used in the Roman Empire to legitimize and delegitimize leaders and regimes. We will pay particular attention to the various uses of literature, architecture, rumors, and gossip in the ability of emperors and usurpers to gain and maintain power. 
• CCI 332 Comparative Studies in World Epics A comparative study of the formal and cultural elements of major world epics in translation. The following works may be included: Gilgamesh, Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid, Chanson de Roland, Divine Comedy, Jerusalem Delivered, Beowulf, Joyce’s Ulysses. 
• CCI 455 UNCG in Rome On-site study of the history and material culture of Rome in its social, literary, and political context from the prehistory of the city and its environs through Late Antiquity. 

These are just some of the fascinating courses you can take with Classical Language and Literature. Explore your full range of options here. 

AFTER GRADUATIng with your Bachelor’s in Classical Language and Literature

• Enter the workforce in business, law, banking, the military, the clergy, teaching Latin, teaching English as a second language, retail management, higher education administration, real estate, and insurance.
• You’ll develop an advanced ability to communicate and think critically, while receiving excellent preparation for graduate entrance exams for medical, law, and other professional programs.
• Our graduates have continued their studies in graduate programs at universities including The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Tufts University, Cornell University, University of Cincinnati, Colorado State University, University of Maryland, and the University of Georgia.
• Potential career paths for Classical Language and Literature students include:
  • Museum researcher
  • Attorney
  • Language instructor
  • Legislative assistant
  • Research analyst
  • Mediator
  • Policy analyst
  • Community organizer
  • Government relations
  • Professor

AFFILIATED MINORS for Classical Language and Literature Students

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a minor in Videogaming and Esports that pairs especially well with this degree. Students complete one required course and 12 hours of electives in courses like Intro to 3D Animation and Fandom and Religion: Rituals, Texts, Communities.