Do you want to imagine a better world, and make a difference? Classics is for you!

Classics is a student-centered program that encourages holistic exploration of the Greek and Roman world - mythology and religion, languages and literatures, art and archaeology, history, philosophical traditions, and social and legal forms - from the age of Homeric heroes, to the emergence of democracy in ancient Greece, the rise and fall of the Roman empire, and early Christianity. 

Join us in lively discussion of these fascinating ancient cultures, and build important life-long skills that equip you to make our world a better place.

“Classics students have the tools to see our world as it really is because they have encountered and imaginatively experienced another that is so like, and so very unlike, our own.”
CHARLOTTE HIGGINS // AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST

Benefits of Classics Today:  Why Study Classics at Grand Valley?

  • Classics students are part of an interactive, face-to-face community with a personalized approach to instruction and advising. Small student cohorts work closely with faculty who get to know students as individuals, not just as faces in a crowd.
  • Students have opportunities to pursue independent research projects with faculty, working directly with ancient texts and participating in archaeological work.
  • The study of languages and cultures enables students to communicate effectively, and with empathy, in any new situation. The study of ancient Greek and Latin has a direct impact on development of strong reading and writing skills.
  • The Classics Department actively promotes connections between alumni, current students, and faculty, so that students can build strong networks within and outside the university and be prepared for life after graduation.
  • Classics students become leaders who can look beyond their own cultural and historical assumptions to solve real-world problems, informed by long-term perspectives and a concern for the future.

 

Events

Democracy in Ancient Athens: What We Can Learn About How to Change the World

Learn about the practice of democracy in Ancient Athens in this interactive workshop. Participants will engage in discussion about what we can learn today from thinking about Athenian democracy.

Jan 12, 2024

Paleo-Olympics 2023

Join us for the 13th Annual Paleo-Olympics! September 22, 11-2, Library North Lawn

Aug 9, 2023

View More Events


News

Classics Alumnus Receives Rome Prize Fellowship

Classics Alumnus Receives Rome Prize Fellowship

Andrew R. Lund receives 2022-23 Rome Prize Fellowship in Ancient Studies from the American Academy in Rome.

Jun 20, 2022

Alumna receives Fulbright Award

Alumna receives Fulbright Award

Hannah Gaff, Class of 2008, is the recipient of a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to Egypt.

Jul 18, 2021

GV Magazine: Classics to Career

GV Magazine: Classics to Career

Alumni reflect on applications of studying classical texts in their current professions.

Mar 5, 2021

View More News

Spotlights

A new version of the Codex of Justinian Spotlight

A new version of the Codex of Justinian

Prof. Charles Pazdernik collaborated on a new translation of one of the most important legal works in the history of western law.

Homerathon VIII! Spotlight

Homerathon VIII!

Thanks to all who made Homerathon 8 a great success!

View More Spotlights

Give Now

Give Today

Professor Barbara Flaschenriem was a founding member of the Department of Classics and deeply invested in expanding access for promising students of Greco-Roman antiquity. The scholarship benefits Classics students with financial need.



Page last modified August 30, 2022