Classical Studies

The cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world are the foundation for much of the literature, art, language, medicine, and law in the modern world.

The Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies at Loyola University New Orleans explores the cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and the ancient Near East through interdisciplinary approaches like literary and cultural studies, art history, and language study. This method of studying culture through many lenses provides students with a broad background in the classical past and also sharpens their critical thinking and analytical skills.

Classical Studies teaches Ancient Greek and Latin, and offers a variety of courses taught in English that help fulfill the requirements of the Loyola Core curriculum. In keeping with the mission of Loyola, Classical Studies is also a fundamental part of promoting the Ignatian values of engaged and conscious living, of being women and men for others, and of the dictum of magis.

Greek and Latin Placement Exams

For questions, please contact Dr. Karen Rosenbecker, krosenbe@loyno.edu, (504) 865-3843.

What can you do with a degree in Classical Studies?

Anything you want! A degree in classical studies lays the foundation for further study or professional work in any field. Law and medicine particularly benefit from the critical and analytical skills imparted by the program, but our students leave with the ability to excel in fields ranging from marketing and film to politics and government. How could the study of ancient anything prepare you for the modern world? Some students decide they want to build a career in the field of Classical Studies, but many plan to use their background in Classics for entry into fields as diverse as law, medicine, linguistics, psychology, computer technology, and advertising.  

Overview of Courses

• Greek Mythology – The stories of the Greeks (and later of the Romans) have been told and retold for centuries, forming the background for countless works of art, literature, and film and even informing ideas in psychology and religion. Discover the myths that continue to captivate and inspire writers, artists, philosophers, and scientists.
• Roman Art and Archaeology – Examine and explore the most important works of Roman art and architecture, from homes to sacred spaces to civic buildings. Trace the ways Augustus “found Rome a city of brick and left it a city of marble” and how the art of Rome helped its leaders forge an empire whose monuments and art continue to inspire today’s artists and architects.
• Justice in Greek Literature – The concept of “social justice” begins in classical Greece. Learn how the Greeks answered questions about the relationship between the individual and society. Discussions of ancient and modern sources prepare you for the experience of holding an Athenian-style mock trial at the end of the term.
• Roman Culture – Immerse yourself in the social, economic, and cultural institutions of ancient Rome. Read classic works of Latin literature in translation and explore the archaeological evidence and the historical context for a civilization that spanned centuries and continents and gave rise to many of the core principles of modern society.

Curriculum

The Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies major is a 120 semester credit hour academic program. Students will complete Loyola Core requirements, Classical Studies major and Language Foundation requirements, and general electives. 

Classical Studies Major Requirements: 

• Classical Studies Language Foundation - students choose one 6 credit hours sequence:  
  • GREK A100 Beginning Greek I and GREK A101 Beginning Greek II
  • LATN A100 Beginning Latin I and LATN A101 Beginning Latin II
  • Because completion of the major requires 31 credit hours, language foundation exemptions awarded due to placement at or above these requirements will add major electives from the course options listed in that section.
• Classical Studies Culture Foundation - students choose 6 credit hours of CLHU courses in consultation with their advisor. 
• Classical Studies Literature Foundation - students choose 6 credit hours of CLHU courses in consultation with their advisor. 
• Classical Studies Major Electives - students choose 12 credit hourss from the following areas of courses in consultation with their major advisor.  Students intending to seek admission to graduate school in Classical Studies are encouraged to take Latin and/or Greek through the 300 level as part of their major coursework. 
  • LATN
  • GREK 
  • CLHU 
• Languages & Cultures Capstone - students take CLHU A480 Classical Studies Senior Capstone for 1 credit