Classical Languages
Classical Languages Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Program Type:
Major
Career Path:
Humanities
Program Site:
College or School:
Why study Classical Languages?
At Wake Forest, majoring in Classical Languages transcends the exploration of a language and its literature. It celebrates these cultures’ contributions to modern society but is not afraid to address their misappropriation.
- Majors in Latin and Greek are drawn to a variety of other interests. In recent years, 86% of them have declared another major and/or a minor or minors.
The Classical Languages degree is offered as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).
What classes would I take?
Our model and curriculum educate the whole person and often help students discover interests they had never previously discovered. Students generally take 100-200 level courses during their first year of college, while registering for higher level courses as upperclassmen.
Sample courses that you may take as a Classical Languages student include:
100-200 level*
- Ethics in Greece and Rome
- Classical Epic: Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid
- Greek Myth
- Gaming the Ancient World
- Topics in the Ancient Mediterranean World
300+ level*
- Seminar in Classical Studies
- Greek Comedy
- Greek Poetry
- Roman Satire
* Courses listed above are offered during the current academic year. Course availability and offerings can change at any time. Refer to the Academic Bulletin to view all major requirements.
What kind of experience will I gain?
Majoring in Classical Languages can help prepare students to enter graduate school in classics, comparative literature, linguistics, history, as well as other fields. Many Wake Forest classics majors have gone on to graduate and professional study at distinguished institutions and have been successful in pursuing higher degrees.
Students in this program will develop the following skills:
- Ability to assimilate new information and integrate it with earlier knowledge
- Facility in organizing and remembering extensive vocabulary
- An understanding of Greek and Latin grammar, which leads to a greater understanding of language in general
- Facility in using language
- Proficiency in reading, speaking, and writing
- Propensity to think logically
- Analytical and problem solving skills
Are there extracurricular activities?
Joining a club or organization is a great way to get involved and do more with your major. Our Classical Languages students participate in the following programs:
- Classical Association of the Middle West and South
- North Carolina Classical Association
What kind of job can I get?
Careers that often interest Classical Languages majors, and fields our graduates work in, include:
- Anthropologist
- Attorney
- Consultant
- Curator
- Editor
- Educator
- Foreign Service Officer
- Journalist
- Librarian
- Minister
- Physician
- Technical Writer
- Travel Agent
Recent Classical Languages majors are working in financial consulting (Deloitte); insurance (Chubb); banking (Citizens Bank); and several other industries.
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