Classics is an interdisciplinary program devoted to the study of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Students may focus on the classics language track or the classical civilization track. Besides the sequences in the Greek, Latin, and Sanskrit languages, the department offers courses in Greek and Roman archaeology, art, history, linguistics, literature (including comparative literature), mythology, philosophy, and social history.
 
The Classics Language track requires study of texts in the original languages while the Classics Civilization track makes use of these same texts in English translations. Both classics tracks qualify graduates for appropriate careers in teaching and library work but can also be used as preparation for non-classical academic and professional disciplines such as business, law, and medicine. The study of classics underlies any understanding of Western civilization. The field includes important literary and philosophical figures such as Homer, Plato, and Vergil. It also provides a background for the study of romance and other languages and assists in the proper use of English.
 
The Classics major requires the completion of a minimum of 30 credits in one of the following tracks, distributed as described.