Classical Humanities
Program Details
The Classical Humanities major examines the rich tapestry of Latin and Greek culture through immersive courses spanning Classical art, history, archaeology, architecture and mythology. Tailored for those drawn to the allure of antiquity, this program offers a diverse exploration of topics and themes, perfect for undergraduate students seeking a comprehensive understanding of the classical world without focusing solely on Latin or Greek language studies.
Xavier University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is nationally recognized as a top university by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. 99 percent of our students, including those in the Classical Humanities major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2022).
Degre Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in Classical Humanities
Curriculum
The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Classical Humanities major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
Fall
- Latin 101 or Greek 101............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspective............ 3cr.
- Philosophy 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy............ 3cr.
- English 101: English Composition............ 3cr.
- First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
- Core 101: GOA............ 0cr.
Spring
- Latin 102 or Greek 102............ 3cr.
- Classics Elective............ 3cr.
- Theology 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
- Historical Perspective............ 3cr.
- Mathematical Perspective............ 3cr.
- Core 102: GOA............ 0cr.
Fall
- Latin 201 or Greek 201............ 3cr.
- Writing Intense Elective............ 3cr.
- Philosophy 200: Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Scientific Perspective............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- Latin 202 or Greek 202............ 3cr.
- Natural Science Elective............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspective............ 3cr.
- English 205: Literature and Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- Latin 211 or Classics Elective............ 3cr.
- Classics Elective............ 3cr.
- Diversity Elective............ 3cr.
- Oral Communications Elective............ 3cr.
- Quantitative Reasoning Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- Latin 212 or Classic Elective............ 3cr.
- Classics Elective............ 3cr.
- E/RS Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- Classic Elective............ 3cr.
- Classic Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 4cr.
Spring
- Classic Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Classics Courses
Sample courses within the Classical Humanities major curriculum:
- From Homer to Plato (CLAS 120) - This course provides an understanding of the development of ancient Greek culture and history by examining the values, customs, institutions and major historical events that shaped the Greek world, in particular Athens and Sparta, through primary and secondary source readings. An important goal is to gain insight into the Greek origins of key social, political and cultural ideas and concepts that have contributed to the formation of Western civilization.
- World Mythology (CLAS 240) - The western tradition will be examined through in-depth comparative studies of classical mythology with the mythologies of the world (myths from but not limited to Asia, Central, South and North America, Africa, the Near East and Polynesia). This course emphasizes understanding mythologies as symbolic cultural systems expressing societal values.
- Gender & Sex/Ancient Gr & Rome (CLAS 236) - What does it mean to be male, female, masculine, feminine, man, woman, boy, girl? What can be discovered about you from the way(s) you have sex and with whom? How are these things related to life, love, power? These are just some of the things that this course considers with reference to the peoples of ancient Greece and Rome and also (eventually) with reference to ourselves.
- Elementary Latin I (LATN 101) - This course introduces you to the classical language of Latin, covering syntax, vocabulary, and morphology. Gain essential skills for reading Latin texts as you explore the foundations of this fascinating language
Career Outcomes
99% of Xavier students, including those in the Classical Humanities major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduating (Class of 2022). Explore Xavier's Career Outcomes Dashboard to view career outcomes by major.
More: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshops and maintaining an employer database. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for open positions.
Classics Clubs
- Eta Sigma Phi- Eta Sigma Phi is the national honorary collegiate society for students of Latin and/or Greek languages and culture. Members meet monthly to host movie nights, make trips to classical sites like the Parthenon in Nashville and discuss the classics.
- History Club- The History Club at Xavier University is dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation for history and historical scholarship within our community. Their mission is to create an engaging and enjoyable space where students can explore the richness of the past while having fun along the way.
- Pre Law Society- The Pre-Law Society is a club for all students who are interested in going to law school after Xavier. Meetings help prepare/inform students about applying to law school and what the life of a lawyer entails. Meetings typically revolve around a guest speaker or panel of speakers, followed by an informal Q&A session.
When we seek something more, we become something greater.
Find more information about how you can become a Musketeer.
Request InformationStudy Abroad In Greece with Fellow Classical Humanities Majors
Students study abroad in Greece, where they take courses in theology, social sciences and fine arts. Course work presented onsite, so if your presentation is about the Parthenon, you'll give your presentation at the Parthenon.
Get Connected to the Classical Humanities Community
The Ohio Senior Classical League (OSCL) promotes classical studies through lectures and readings. Members attend national lectures sponsored by the Cincinnati chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America.
Research and Present Your Findings at National Conferences
With the help of faculty, students complete high-level research projects and present findings at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) and the Miami Undergraduate Conference in Classics.
Graduate With Honors
Are you looking for an academic challenge? The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Classical Humanities Major at Xavier University
The Classics program at Xavier University Xavier's program focuses on literature and language. Students specialize in either Latin or Greek while pursuing courses in translation. Through a close reading of ancient authors in the original language and broad exposure to texts in translation and secondary scholarship, a degree in Classics or Classical Humanities is designed to bring students into close contact with the world of the Romans and Greeks.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."