Classics is the study of the languages, literatures, artifacts, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Each year we graduate on average twelve majors and minors. We strongly encourage our students to study abroad. 

Courses in Ancient Greek and Latin 

Ancient Greek and Latin (prefixes: GREK, LATN) are offered at the elementary, intermediate, and advanced level every semester. 

No previous knowledge of the languages is expected in elementary courses. There are two sections of elementary Latin; both meet three times a week. Ten spaces are reserved in each section for first-year students. There is one section of elementary Greek; it is taught intensively and meets four to five times a week. 

At the intermediate level, prose authors are read in the fall and Homer (Greek) or Vergil (Latin) in the spring. The texts read in advanced courses change each semester. This fall, students in advanced Greek are reading Plutarch’s "Life of Antony;" in advanced Latin, a selection of texts focused on imperial biography. Intermediate and advanced language courses are open to first-year students with the appropriate Latin training; please see “Placement” below. 

Civilization Courses 

Civilization courses (prefix: CLAS) require no knowledge of Greek and Latin; all readings are in English. The following courses have openings for first-year students:

Fall 2022

  • CLAS 102: Roman Civilization (Prof. Brent)
  • CLAS 130: Classical Mythology (Prof. Caliva)
  • CLAS 291: Slavery in Ancient Rome (Prof. Brent)

Spring 2023

  • CLAS 101: Greek Archaeology (Prof. Kontes)
  • CLAS 112: Roman History (Prof. Brent)
  • CLAS 191: very cool topic to be made official in November (Prof. Caliva)

Language requirement 

Students may fulfill the language requirement by scoring a 4 or 5 on the AP Latin examination, by passing the Latin proficiency examination, or by taking one year of Latin or ancient Greek at Kenyon. 

Placement 

A student who has previously studied Latin or ancient Greek and wishes to continue to do so at the collegiate level should speak with a member of the department to determine which course would be appropriate. It is not necessary for such students to take the proficiency examination. 

Introduce Yourself

The offices of the Classics faculty are found on the south wing of the third floor of Ascension Hall. You can also follow us on Twitter @KenyonClassics.

Questions?

Contact the department chair Professor Carolin Hahnemann at hahnemannc@kenyon.edu or stop by Ascension 321.