Classics
Degree: BA
Campus: Columbus
College: Arts and Sciences
Classics is the study of the languages, literatures and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome and their enduring impact. Its core focus is on the Greek and Latin languages from the earliest records until the Middle Ages and on the key works of literature written in these languages. Major subfields include the topics of history, politics, philosophy, art, architecture, archaeology, science, medicine, technology, religion, mythology, magic, law, war, gender and sexuality in Greek and Roman cultures and their legacies.
Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in classics within the College of Arts and Sciences. Interested students should contact the director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Classics.
Classics is divided into four areas of concentration.
Classical Humanities
The Classical Humanities concentration requires 18 hours of required courses and 15 hours of elective course work.
Classical Greek
The Classical Greek concentration requires 15 hours of required courses and 15 hours of elective course work.
Latin
The Latin concentration requires 15 hours of required courses and 15 hours of elective course work.
Greek and Latin
The Greek and Latin concentration requires 19 hours of required courses and 12 hours of elective course work. Students must also complete a language sequence or workshop in either Greek or Latin.
The Department of Classics encourages participation in study abroad programs such as those offered by College Year in Athens, the Modern Greek Studies Association and the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome. The department also offers courses that include short-term study abroad programs to Greece and Italy.
Students might be interested in Eta Sigma Phi, a countrywide Honorary Greek Letter Society whose purpose is to develop and promote interest in classical study among Ohio State students and to connect students with those pursuing classical studies at other universities.
Graduates in classics find their marketable skills considerably enhanced by their humanities education. A major in classics, Greek or Latin, properly coordinated with a minor in some other subject and relevant specialized course work, provides excellent preparation for a career in medicine, business, law, politics, government, publishing and many other areas of employment. Students can also go on to earn advanced degrees in fields such as Latin, Greek and Latin literature, ancient philosophy, ancient history and archaeology.
Recent graduates have found jobs as media planners and publishers, and in roles with nonprofit and community organizations.