John Cabot University: the Academic Experience

Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies in Rome

Rome offers students the ideal location for majoring in Classical Studies. The Ancient Roman world is still present in the city’s monuments, artwork, and inscriptions, in its rich museum collections, and in the profound influence of the classical tradition on its contemporary architecture.

Students majoring in classical studies have the exceptional opportunity to complement their study of classical language and written sources with on-site, first-hand experience of ancient art and material culture in Rome and throughout Italy. Major Roman library holdings greatly facilitate and enhance research in all areas of classical studies, including such specialized disciplines as numismatics, ancient medicine, science, engineering and industry.
While this major emphasizes the study of ancient Roman culture and society, the range of courses is designed to provide a solid foundation in classical civilization as a whole, from Greek and Roman literature to ancient history, philosophy, religion, mythology, archaeology, art, and architecture. Through their choice of major electives, students can focus in more depth on one or more of the areas of Greco-Roman culture that interest them the most.

The interdisciplinary study of the Classical World teaches students to think analytically about the foundations of Western Civilization, it also prepares them to think critically about their own contemporary world, and to seek innovative solutions to future challenges.

We offer numerous merit-based Presidential Scholarships and need-based Assistance Grants.

Learning Outcomes for the Classical Studies Major

Requirements for the Degree

A. The Proficiency and General Distribution Requirements of the University (many of the Humanities and Fine Arts requirements will be satisfied by the core curriculum courses below).

B. Core Curriculum

Five foundation courses
Students should take one course in history, one in art or archaeology, one in classical literature or philosophy, and two in the same classical language. Students who demonstrate a proficiency equivalent to GRK 101 or LAT 101 may be excused from the relevant language course.

Five courses in a track
Track A: Classical Languages and Literature

  • two language courses (at least one at 200-300 level)
  • two literature courses
  • one other course in language or literature

Track B: Classical Archaeology and Ancient History

  • two history courses
  • two courses in art and/or archaeology
  • one course in history, art, or archaeology

Two research courses, to prepare the Senior Thesis
HM 460 Research and Writing in the Humanities
CL 480 Senior Thesis

The University requires an overall minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all courses taken at the University with no more than two grades lower than C- in core courses required for the major.

C. Major Electives

Students should take six further courses relating to the ancient world.

  • At least two of these courses must be at 300-level
  • Students may take any 100-300 level GRK or LAT course
  • Students may take any 200-300 level CL, AH, ARCH, HS, PH, PL, or RL course that pertains to the ancient world

D. General Electives sufficient to give a total of 120 credits.