Classics is the study of ancient Greece and Rome - among the world's most exciting, important, and influential civilizations.

The program in Classics spans the many different aspects of the Greek and Roman world - its languages and literatures, its art and archaeology, its history, its religious and philosophical traditions, its social and legal forms - from the Bronze Age to the period of the late Roman Empire and early Christianity.

For students who pursue a major or minor, Classics provides a solid liberal arts education that will be useful in many careers and vital to the development of their full human capacity.

For students in other disciplines, Classics offers a valuable opportunity to investigate the works and traditions that have provided much of the background of their own chosen fields. Many find that working with the classical languages improves their skills as readers and writers.

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.