Classical Studies

Classical Studies introduces students to many aspects of ancient civilization: the arts, history, philosophy, and the Latin and Greek languages. These are the source of many important intellectual and artistic achievements of Western civilization.

Law, medicine, the arts, and politics have been profoundly influenced by their roots in the Classics. In addition, Greek is the language of the New Testament; and Latin developed into the Romance languages, which include French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. Moreover, Greek and Latin words are the source of almost half of English vocabulary.

Courses in Classical Studies not only provide knowledge of fundamental ideas of Western thought, but also foster a critical, inquiring spirit informed by a 3000-year perspective that reaches to the heart of education in the Humanities.

We offer a minor in Classical Studies with concentrations in Greek, Latin, and Classical Culture. For more information visit the Classical Studies Minor webpage.

Minor in Classical Studies

The Minor in Classical Studies is an excellent foundation for advanced work in other academic disciplines as well as professional programs in law, medicine and management. By presenting a broad selection of courses in the various disciplines of language, literature, philosophy, religious studies and history, the minor provides students with a sound introduction to study of the ancient world. Because of the continuity between ancient and modern cultures, it also gives students an opportunity to develop a keener perception and better understanding of the cultural forces at work in the contemporary world.

Depending on their other undergraduate or career goals, students will have the option of pursuing one or more of three concentrations within the Classical Studies minor: Greek, Latin or Classical Culture. The Concentrations in Greek and Latin focus on intensive study of the ancient languages, with significant additional exposure to Classical literature and culture in translation. The Concentration in Classical Culture offers the option of pursuing more general study of Classical literature and culture mostly or exclusively in translation.

Requirements

  • Completion of 15 credit hours is required.
  • Nine credit hours must be taken at NC State and a maximum of six (6) credit hours may be transferred into the minor from another institution.
  • The Department of World Languages and Cultures will determine which courses transferred from other institutions may qualify to meet requirements for the minor.
  • A grade of "C-" or better is required in all courses in the minor program.
  • No courses for the minor may be taken for S/U credit.
  • A maximum of TWO (2) courses may be used (double-counted) towards both departmental major requirements and minor requirements. 

For more information about the concentrations in Greek, Latin and Classical Culture, as well as their benefits, see the Classical Studies Minor webpage.

The Classical Studies Minor‌

Classical Studies Current Courses

SPRING 2023:

CLA 115-601/602 (DELTA) Medical Terminology: Online, Prof. Mathews
Study of the formation of medical terms from their Greek and Latin roots designed both to build vocabulary and to teach the uses of a medical dictionary.

CLA 320-001 Masterpieces of Classical Literature--Greek and Roman Epic: TuTh 1:30-2:45, Prof. Mathews
Study of great works of Greek and Latin literature in a genre such as tragedy, comedy, epic or lyric, with attention to both literary merit and cultural importance. May be taken up to three times in different genres for credit. All readings and discussion in English. The genre this semester will be Greek and Roman Epic, including Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, Apollonius Rhodius’ Argonautika, and Vergil’s Aeneid. Lectures and discussions will cover the aesthetic form and rhetorical intentions of the epic genre; the significance of each work to the society of its time; and the enduring questions about human life in its personal, social, religious, political and other dimensions that these great works of literature have raised. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or instructor’s permission.

CLA 325-001 Gender, Ethnicity and Identity in the Ancient World: MW 3:00-4:15, Prof. Heinen
Study of the formation of ideas and practices regarding gender, ethnicity, and identity in the ancient Greek and Roman world, with attention to both continuities and differences between ancient and modern views.

GRK 102-001 Elementary Greek II: TuTh 3:00-4:15, Prof. Mathews
Continuation of GRK 101. Completion of the study of basic grammar and syntax with continued focus on vocabulary acquisition. Longer readings from a variety of Greek works, including poetry, philosophy, history and the Gospels. Prerequisite: GRK 101.

LAT 102 Elementary Latin II
Section 001: MWF 9:35-10:25, Prof. Heinen
Section 002: MWF 10:40-11:30, Prof. Heinen
Continuation of LAT 101. Completion of the study of basic grammar and syntax with continued focus on vocabulary acquisition. Longer readings from a variety of Latin works, including poetry and Roman history. Prerequisite: LAT 101 or equivalent preparation.

LAT 202-001 Intermediate Latin I: MW 1:30-2:45, Prof. Heinen
Continued emphasis on improvement of reading skill. Readings may be drawn from a variety of ancient Roman authors, such as Vergil, Livy, Ovid, and Pliny, as well as medieval authors writing in Latin. Examination of literary and cultural significance of readings. Prerequisite: LAT 201 or equivalent preparation.

Classical Studies Upcoming Courses

 FALL 2023 COURSE SCHEDULE-TBA

Get Involved

Society of Ancient and Classical Studies

The NC State Classics Club meets at the pleasure of its members in the Fall and Spring semester. The club consists of Classics enthusiasts of languages and the ancient world. We look for amusing ways to enjoy the Classical elements of life in the Triangle, such as dining at the Greek and Italian restaurants, putting on a Roman play, or visiting Classical exhibitions at the North Carolina Museum of Art.


Society of Ancient and Classical Studies Facebook Page‌

Faculty

Gary Mathews
Teaching Associate Professor
Section Coordinator, Classical Studies
Email: gary_m@ncsu.edu
Office: Withers 227
Phone: 919-515-9306

Dustin Heinen
Teaching Assistant Professor
Email: dheinen@ncsu.edu
Office: Withers 306
Phone: 919-515-9280

Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0

Tools and Resources for Classical Studies