Bachelor of Arts in Classical Languages and Literatures
Choose to expand your horizons, immerse yourself in the ancient world.
THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CLASSICAL LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES is the study of ancient Greek and Roman cultures. Classical humanities courses immerse students in the history, literature, art, mythology, politics and gender systems that deeply influenced later civilizations. Students can choose to study Ancient Greek and Latin. Majors develop career readiness through critical thinking, analysis and effective communication. Graduates are prepared for careers in a variety of fields.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Classics at the University of Maryland is a welcoming community where small class sizes ensure personalized attention. The faculty are internationally recognized and actively engaged in diverse research projects that ensure a broad range of learning opportunities for students. Student funding opportunities are available.
COURSEWORK
Classics coursework emphasizes the critical study of ancient Greece and Rome while providing a strong liberal arts training that can be tailored to the student’s interests. The curriculum offers three tracks: classical humanities, Latin, and combined Latin and Greek. Classical humanities classes are taught in English and delve into the ancient cultures and ideas of the period. While all three tracks incorporate the classical humanities, the Latin track is for students looking to master Latin, and the Latin and Greek track is for students who are interested in pursuing both ancient languages. Latin and Greek develop English vocabulary for effective communication and provide roots for the technical language in many fields, including medicine and law. No prior knowledge of Latin or Greek is required. Students can enrich their studies of the ancient world by participating in relevant study abroad programs and visiting nearby cultural institutions.
Career Readiness
The College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) offers courses designed to ensure students are ready to enter the workforce, along with integrated and individualized academic and career advising. Alumni continue on to graduate school or forge their careers in a variety of industries and fields. The creative ways to apply your ARHU degree are truly limitless!
Internship Placements
- American Visionary Art Museum
- Archaeological sites in Italy and Greece
- Smithsonian Institution
- UMD STAMP Art Gallery
Graduate School Placements
- Drexel University
- Harvard University
- The Institute of Fine Arts, New York University
- Johns Hopkins University
Employer Placements
- The Baltimore Museum of Art
- Brentwood Art Exchange
- Christie’s
- Glenstone Museum
- National Gallery of Art
Course Examples
- Contemporary Chinese Art and Film
- Greek Art and Archaeology
- How (and Why) to Look at Art in the Era of Climate Change
- Leonardo’s World: Art and Experience in Renaissance Italy
- Monuments, Monumentality and the Art of Memorial
Alumni Job Titles
- Art Appraiser
- Communication Manager
- Community Arts Coordinator
- Curator
- Gallery Assistant
- Lawyer
- Peace Corps Volunteer
- Project Manager
- Registrar/Archivist
MAJOR TRACKS
Classical Humanities
Foundation Courses
- Select 12 credits at the 1xx-2xx level, at least 6 of which must be in Classics (CLAS courses)*
Advanced Courses
- Select eight courses at the 3xx-level or above, of which four must be in Classics and one must be the following**:
- CLAS409 Classics Capstone Seminar (to be taken in the junior or senior year)
36 Total Credits
* The introductory Latin or Greek sequence (LATN101, LATN102, LATN201 or GREK101, GREK102, GREK201), if taken at College Park, fulfills this requirement. If LATN120 and LATN201 are taken at College Park, only one additional course at the 1xx-2xx level is required. If no language is taken, four courses in English translation, including at least two in Classics, are required. Students who are capable of working at a higher level may request departmental approval to substitute 3xx or 4xx-level courses for some of the introductory credits.
**As a special exception, either LATN201 or GREK201, intermediate Latin or Greek, may be counted as one of the advanced courses. Students are still required to fulfill the ARHU requirement of 45 3xx-4xx level credits.
Latin
- 18 credits in LATN courses at the 2xx/3xx level
- 12 credits in LATN courses at the 4xx level or higher
- 9-12 credits in supporting courses at any level CLAS, GREK, or related fields such as HIST and ARTH
- 39 - 42 Total Credits
Latin and Greek
Students can select from the two options below in addition to Supporting courses:
- Option 1:
- 18 credits in LATN courses
- 12 credits in GREK courses*
- Option 2:
- 18 credits in GREK courses
- 12 credits in LATN courses*
- Supporting courses **
39 Total Credits
*Students with no previous training in the second language may count introductory level courses as part of the 12-hour requirement.
**For example, CLAS170, HIST110, and a 3xx- or 4xx-level course in Greek or Roman history
Undergraduate Director
Jorge Bravo
Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Classics
1210F Marie Mount Hall
College Park
MD,
20742
BOLDLY HUMAN FEARLESSLY CREATIVE
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
When you join the University of Maryland College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU), you become part of a supportive and inclusive community committed to solving the world’s grand challenges. ARHU is reimagining an education in the arts and humanities by empowering students to make sense of the world using empathy, creativity and intellectual rigor. Our faculty and staff experts are focused on preparing competitive, versatile and visionary leaders equipped to address the complexities of the human experience. Graduates are purposefully prepared for successful careers and fulfilling lives.