Course Overview

The Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies program at Pennsylvania State University offers an in-depth exploration of the languages, cultures, histories, and societies of the ancient Mediterranean world, including Greece, Rome, and the Near East. The program emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary research, and proficiency in ancient languages such as Latin and Greek. Students engage with primary texts, archaeological evidence, and historical contexts to understand the foundations of Western civilization and its global influences.

Unique Features

This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies through a variety of tracks, including language-focused or thematic studies. It also offers opportunities for study abroad in regions relevant to the ancient world, as well as access to digital humanities projects and research initiatives.

Career Prospects

Graduates are equipped for diverse career paths that value analytical skills, cultural knowledge, and communication. Common fields include education, museum curation, archaeology, publishing, and law, as well as further academic pursuits in graduate programs.

Key Faculty and Staff

Faculty in this program include distinguished scholars in ancient history, classical languages, and archaeology, though specific names are subject to change. The department is known for its commitment to mentoring and research collaboration.

Facilities and Partnerships

Students benefit from access to extensive library collections, including rare manuscripts and digital resources for classical studies. The university also maintains connections with archaeological projects and international institutions for fieldwork and research opportunities.