What is Classics?

Classics in the broad sense is the interdisciplinary study of all aspects of the life and culture of ancient Greece and Rome and their Mediterranean context. Classics courses are offered in a wide variety of fields: art history, history, language (Greek and Latin), literature, mythology, philosophy, political science, and religious studies. Most courses are open to any interested student and have no prerequisites.

The Department of Classics at Santa Clara University encourages students to explore the Greco-Roman world not merely because of its “traditional place” in a liberal education nor for its antiquarian appeal. Rather, we believe that these ancient cultures articulated a unique vision of the human condition which remains viable today. Those ancient Greeks and Romans are alive and well, having defined a series of values that remain fundamental to modern American society. The study of ancient Greece and Rome thus also provides us with a foil for the serious reevaluation of the world we live in.

The study of Classics requires the sharpening of language and writing skills, increases vocabulary, provides the tools for and practice at critical reasoning, opens up cross-disciplinary perspectives, and offers a comfortable environment for learning to ask uncomfortable questions. Santa Clara students who major and minor in Classics go on to careers in law, medicine, education, and business of virtually every kind.

Image by Lissa Crofton-Sleigh

Why Study Classics?

About Our Program

Classics is the study of all aspects of the life and culture of ancient Greece and Rome in their Mediterranean context and their enduring relevance to our lives. The Department of Classics offers all levels of ancient Greek and Latin as well as courses that explore the origins of Western literature, history, art, mythology, philosophy, religion, ethics, government, science, architecture, engineering, city planning, and so forth.. Most courses in the department require no knowledge of an ancient language and are open to any interested student. Latin or Greek may be taken to satisfy the second language requirement. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of the field, classics provides an ideal liberal arts curriculum that is an excellent background for careers in many areas.

Students majoring or minoring in classics may pursue one of three different tracks: classical languages and literatures, classical studies, or ancient studies. Students who want to major and minor in classics must do so in different tracks.

Academic Program

Language Placement

Second Language Requirement

Latin and Ancient Greek Placement Survey

For questions about enrolling in Latin or Greek, please contact Professor Daniel Turkeltaub.

In Their Own Words

"To me, majoring in Classics has been much more than the curriculum. Over the past four years, I have made lasting friendships "nerding out" over rhetorical devices, racy word choice, and fascinating historical context. The small class sizes gave me the opportunity to learn not only from my professors but also from my peers. My Classics major has rewarded me with the ability to effectively communicate, analyze with precision, and the freedom to follow my passions."

—Elizabeth Neybert '21

In Their Own Words

“I love many things about being a Classics major. I love learning about history and being challenged by Latin. I love that it's a small department because you get to know everyone really well, and you get really close to the faculty. Finally, I love that the department is located off campus in a house. All of this together creates a nice environment for learning, and you really feel like you are a part of a different family. As someone who is going into museum studies, having a Classical education has helped me better understand the world around me and how to handle and analyze historical artifacts and writings. Also, since Classics is such a small department, it will help to really stand out on your resume!”

—Abby Nairn '21

In Their Own Words

“As a Classics major I’ve enjoyed being able to study a broad range of topics, including ancient languages, history and mythology, and discover which aspects of Classics I am most passionate about. A Classics education gives a person strong analytical and communication skills which are valuable lifelong skills for everyone in today’s society.”

—Ana Hoshovsky '19

In Their Own Words

“One benefit that I believe the Classics department offers is exposing the student to a multitude of genres and topics. I have been exposed to art, sculpture, plays, poetry, philosophy, and history. I firmly believe, the Classics department is the only department at SCU which can provide its students with such a large range of topics to study. This availability has endowed me with a well-rounded education with the ability to think deeply and critically, write clearly and effectively, and read hungrily and meticulously. It does not provide its students with what the business world calls a hard set of skills, but it has provided me with a soft set of skills which will allow me to be protean in the job market.”

—Ye Chit Ko '19

In Their Own Words

"To me, majoring in Classics has been much more than the curriculum. Over the past four years, I have made lasting friendships "nerding out" over rhetorical devices, racy word choice, and fascinating historical context. The small class sizes gave me the opportunity to learn not only from my professors but also from my peers. My Classics major has rewarded me with the ability to effectively communicate, analyze with precision, and the freedom to follow my passions."

—Elizabeth Neybert '21

Faculty & Staff

Department Chair

Teaching Professor
Lissa Crofton-Sleigh
Crofton-Sleigh teaches both Greek and Latin, Classical Myth, and Literature in Translation.

Academic Department Manager

Academic Department Manager
Julia Kovatch
408-554-5248 | O'Connor Hall

All Faculty and Staff

Beyond the Classroom

News & Events

Stories

Image link to full article
Classics and Courage: Katerina Gill's Path to Purpose
Katerina Gill ’25 traded equations for ancient texts. In the process, she found her voice—and her future in law.
Image link to full article
Lillian Henderson
Double major in Classical Studies and Political Science, with minors in International Business and French and Francophone Studies

Coming Events

Life After SCU

Alumni Stories

Lizette Faraji ’09 and Paul Breucop ’06

The department actually played a surprising role in how our lives turned out. Paul and I met because he was giving a speech on Plato’s Symposium, and somehow that turned into a nineteen-year conversation we never stopped having.

Madison Givens '18

Since graduating from Santa Clara, Madison completed two master’s degrees at Loyola University Chicago, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in History at the University of Memphis.

Julie Holland ’94

After graduating with a History major and Classics minor, Julie currently works for Caltech / NASA in the Jet Propulsion Lab.

Hallie Mullane (Née Bodey) ’12

Having earned two masters degrees, Hallie currently works on extracurricular and co-curricular programming primarily in Global Education and International Student Services at SCU.