Classical Studies

detail of Pompeii fresco

Welcome to the Department of Classical Studies

Wellesley College's two major programs in Classical Studies, Classics and Classical Civilization, offer students the opportunity to explore the ancient world through an integrated, cohesive program of courses.  Individual programs are tailored to meet students’ specific interests, such as classical literature, archeology, ancient theater, ancient philosophy, law, political theory, ancient religion, material culture, and the classical tradition. Wellesley faculty, comprised of a community of recognized scholars, bring a vast range of academic and professional interests to the College.

In a sense, Classical Studies is the first and oldest area of study, exploring ancient Greek and Roman culture from the second millennium BCE to the fall of the Western Roman Empire.  It is a field which is not limited to a single method or discipline, but instead investigates Greek and Roman culture and its influence up to the present day, in all its richness and diversity, its familiarity and its strangeness.  As it is such a wide ranging interdisciplinary field, Classics can stand alone as a dynamic and challenging major or can complement almost any other major in a liberal arts education. Whether new to or familiar with our Classical Studies Department, please feel free to browse through our website for information on our curriculum, study abroad opportunities, upcoming events, as well as other programs and resources. 

Summer Session I course offering in Classical Mythology!

Did you know that summer time means you can to take a course which is formatted for smaller discussions? That means even more opportunities for creative projects!  For more information on the Classical Mythology course, click on the link below!

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NEWS/UPCOMING EVENTS

If you are interested in joining Bryan Burns' Greek 202 class to see "An Iliad" on Sunday, April 28th, and joining for coffee and discussion afterwards, please email   bburns@wellesley.edu

For more information on this "sweeping account of humanity’s unshakeable attraction to violence, destruction and chaos", please click on the link below:

https://artsemerson.org/Online/iliad

 

 

Contact Us

Classical Studies

Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA 02481
classicalstudiesi@wellesley.edu
Tel: 781.283.2630


For administrative questions:
Nancy Giusti
ngiusti@wellesley.edu


For academic questions:
Ray Starr
Department Chair
rstarr@wellesley.edu


You can always stop by the department in Founders 302 with or without an appointment.

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