The general objective of the Classics Department is to provide a thorough knowledge of the Greek and Roman languages and culture. To this end, it offers elementary and advanced courses in the languages, the reading and analysis of Greek and Roman authors, the history of Greek and Roman literature, classical art, archaeology, mythology, philosophy, and religion. The department is also strong in three fields which are not commonly taught in classics departments, namely classical linguistics, medieval Latin, and Byzantine studies.
Bachelor of Arts degrees are offered in Classical Civilization, in Greek, in Latin, and in Greek and Latin. Other undergraduate degrees include the B.A. in English/Greek and in English/Latin, offered jointly with the English Department. Graduate degrees include the Master of Arts in Classics (Greek and Latin), Greek, and Latin, and the Ph.D. in Classics.