Program Overview

Introduction to the Classical Civilization Program

The Classical Civilization Program is an interdisciplinary field of study that encompasses the literature, mythology, history, culture, archaeology, science, political science, philosophy, religious studies, and art history of ancient Greece and Rome. The program also explores the influence of the ancient world on subsequent cultures and how these later uses have shaped our understanding of the ancient world.

What is Classics?

Classics traditionally refers to the study of the literature of ancient Greece and Rome, but it also includes the study of mythology, history, culture, archaeology, science, political science, philosophy, religious studies, art history, and more. As of Spring 2022, Classics at LSU also encompasses Biblical Hebrew, making the Classics section the home of the two languages of the Bible.

Why Study Classics?

Classics is the original interdisciplinary field, requiring exposure to numerous complementary disciplines. The study of ancient languages is very different from the study of modern languages, focusing on reading instead of speaking. This focus on grammar and close reading of ancient texts improves English reading and writing skills and provides a greater understanding and appreciation of contemporary American politics and cultures.

The Classics Major

The B.A. in Liberal Arts with a Concentration in Classical Civilization allows students to approach Classics from various perspectives. Majors are required to take the first 4 semesters of either Greek or Latin and the Senior Seminar, with great flexibility to chart a path that matches their particular interests. In addition to the five required courses, majors must complete 5 other classes, 3 of which must be at or above the 3000 level.

Course Offerings

Within the Department of World Languages, Literatures & Cultures, course offerings are in Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies. Students may also fulfill degree requirements with approved courses in Art History, English/Linguistics, History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies.

Our Minors

The program offers three minors: Greek, Latin, and Classical Civilization. The Greek and Latin minors concentrate on the ancient languages, while the Classical Civilization minor focuses on reading literature in translation and exploring the ancient world from various perspectives. To complete a minor in Greek or Latin, students need to take the first 4 courses in that language and then an additional 2 classes in the language at the 4000-level. The Classical Civilization minor requires 16 hours in Greek, Latin, Classical Studies, and approved courses outside the department, with at least 6 hours at or above the 3000-level.

Program Requirements

• The B.A. in Liberal Arts with a Concentration in Classical Civilization requires:
  • The first 4 semesters of either Greek or Latin
  • The Senior Seminar
  • 5 additional classes, 3 of which must be at or above the 3000 level
• The Greek and Latin minors require:
  • The first 4 courses in the language
  • An additional 2 classes in the language at the 4000-level
• The Classical Civilization minor requires:
  • 16 hours in Greek, Latin, Classical Studies, and approved courses outside the department
  • At least 6 hours at or above the 3000-level