Washington and Lee University
The Classics Department offers a major in either Greek or Latin, or both ancient languages together, as well as courses of interest to all students, including Pompeii, the Age of Augustus, Ancient Epic, Greek Tragedy, Mythology, The World of Late Antiquity, etc. Believing strongly that the languages must be situated within their social contexts, we encourage student majors to explore offerings in Philosophy, History, Art History, Linguistics, Religion, Theatre, and Archaeology as well. Courses for the major are listed in the University Catalogue under the separate headings of Classics, Greek, and Latin, as well as in other departments offering related courses (History, Religion, Philosophy, Art, etc).
The wide scope of Classics, and its emphasis on close study, analysis, and critical thinking makes the field an excellent preparation for a wide range of professions. Recent graduates are pursuing a variety of careers including academia, law, medicine, journalism, consulting, teaching, and public service. The Department's small size ensures that every major receives personal guidance and instruction throughout his or her years at Washington and Lee.
Because W & L is a member of Sunoikisis, a collaborative virtual Classics Department sponsored by the Center for Hellenic Studies in Washington D.C., our faculty and advanced students may participate in the courses, conferences, archaeological expeditions, and other opportunities offered by this consortium. All collaborative courses are taught on campus by W & L faculty with the additional advantage of weekly online guest lectures and discussions with students and faculty from other participating colleges. For further information, click the link above or contact a faculty member.
We are a member of Eta Sigma Phi, the national collegiate Honor Society for students of Classics. Students who have formally declared Classics as a major, who have achieved a GPA of 3.7 or higher in the major, and 3.5 or higher overall, and who have successfully completed at least one course at the 300 level in either Latin or Greek may be recommended by the Classics faculty for membership. Inviitations are issued at the end of winter term. Memberss of Eta Sigma Phi are eligible to apply for a variety of opportunities including prizes and scholarship support.
HONORS IN CLASSICS. Classics majors who have achieved distinction in the major may be eligible to write an Honors Thesis during the senior year and should begin conversations with faculty during winter term of the junior year. For more information, click here.
GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS
Washington and Lee students are eligible for a wide variety of grants and fellowships to support study and travel during the undergraduate years as well as for graduate studies. Please visit the university website on Grants and Fellowships which lists all these opportunities with links to detailed information on each, deadlines, application materials, etc. Freshman year is not too early to begin browsing this site and planning options for the future. Explore the section of this site on Opportunities for Students for information on scholarships for Classics majors.
Work Begins to Unearth an Ancient Mosaic
Ancient Dentristy: Oldest filling found in Italy
Ceramic Fragments point to Artistry in the Ice Age
Istanbul Yields Ancient Treasure
Greece to Rent Out Ancient Sites
"Why major in Classics?" from the Princeton Review
Prof. Benefiel in Smithsonian Magazine
For a discussion of why Classics remains relevant, see "Classics Rock," in Foreign Policy.
W&L Faculty to Present Collaborative Project at LAWDI Institute
W&L's Kirk on WMRA's "Virginia Insight"Course by W&L's Kirk Wins Award from Humane Society
Kevin Crotty to Give Childress Professorship Inaugural Lecture
W&L Professor's "Snake Goddess" Research Cited