Program Overview
Classical Studies
Explore the language, history, archaeology, philosophy, religion, and art of the ancient Mediterranean while developing research and analytical skills that prepare you for a wide range of careers.
Interdisciplinary by Nature
Study the ancient world through literature, archaeology, philosophy, religion, history, and art.
Learn Where History Happened
Study abroad in Greece, Italy, and other locations across the Mediterranean.
Independent Research
Complete a faculty-mentored Independent Study exploring the topic that most inspires you.
Study the ancient world from every perspective.
Classical Studies at Wooster is fundamentally interdisciplinary. Rather than approaching the ancient Mediterranean through a single lens, students integrate multiple disciplines to understand the people, ideas, cultures, and societies that shaped the ancient world.
Students learn from faculty whose expertise spans:
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Ancient languages and literature
Archaeology and anthropology
History
Philosophy
Religion
Art and material culture
Small classes foster close relationships with faculty and classmates, creating an engaged intellectual community that extends well beyond the classroom.
Learn in Greece and the Mediterranean
Study abroad is an important part of many Classical Studies students' education.
Students regularly participate in programs such as College Year in Athens, while others study in Italy, participate in archaeological excavations, or immerse themselves in ancient and modern Greek culture through the department's own summer program. Learning on location allows students to encounter the archaeological sites, monuments, and artifacts they have studied in class while gaining a deeper understanding of the cultures that shaped the ancient Mediterranean.
Build your own path through the ancient world.
Students majoring in Classical Studies choose one of two concentrations:
Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Explore the civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Rome through archaeology, history, literature, religion, philosophy, and art. The interdisciplinary curriculum encourages students to understand how these cultures interacted and how their ideas continue to influence today's world.
Classical Languages
Develop proficiency in Ancient Greek, Latin, and/or Hebrew while studying the literature, history, and intellectual traditions of the ancient Mediterranean. Students gain a deep appreciation for language while examining the beliefs and values that have shaped later civilizations.
Students are encouraged to study abroad during the major, and every Classical Studies student completes Wooster's signature Independent Study program, working one-on-one with a faculty mentor to produce original scholarship based on their own interests.
Students interested in complementing another major may also pursue a Minor in either Ancient Mediterranean Studies or Classical Languages.
Ready to Explore the Ancient World?
Whether you're preparing for graduate school, law school, museum work, archaeology, education, publishing, or another career, Classical Studies provides the intellectual foundation and research experience to help you succeed.
Career Opportunities
The skills developed through Classical Studies—critical thinking, close reading, persuasive writing, historical analysis, language study, and independent research—prepare graduates for careers across many professions.
Many graduates also continue to graduate study in classics, archaeology, history, philosophy, and related disciplines.
Wooster alumni have pursued careers in:
Law
Higher education
Publishing
Museum studies
Library science
Archaeology
Media
Business
Public service
Kara Morrow
Professor of Art and Art History; Chair of Museum Studies
kmorrow@wooster.edu
Chan Sok Park
Associate Professor and Department Chair of Religious Studies, Classical Studies, Middle Eastern and North African Studies, and Director of Pre-Ministry Program
cpark@wooster.edu
Josephine Shaya
Marian Senter Nixon Chair in Classical Civilization; Chair of Classical Studies
jshaya@wooster.edu
Joan S. Friedman
Lincoln Professor of Religion and Professor of History; Middle Eastern and North African Studies
jfriedman@wooster.edu
Monica Florence
Associate Professor and Department Chair of Classical Studies, Comparative Literature
mflorence@wooster.edu