The Examined Life: The Jesuit tradition demands that students develop critical thinking above all else. Like Socrates, it demands that we walk through life not unexamined—but that we analyze and reflect before and after acting. This tradition of unshakeable discernment is but one way in which Loyola’s Department of Classical Studies meets and exceeds the developmental needs of its students. A degree in classical studies lays the foundation for further study or professional work in any field. Law and medicine particularly benefit from the critical and analytical skills imparted by the program, but our students leave with the ability to excel in fields ranging from marketing and film to politics and government. How could the study of ancient anything prepare you for the modern world? Read on.
Overview of Courses
- Greek Mythology
The stories of the Greeks (and later of the Romans) have been told and retold for centuries, forming the background for countless works of art, literature, and film and even informing ideas in psychology and religion. Discover the myths that continue to captivate and inspire writers, artists, philosophers, and scientists. - Roman Art and Archaeology
Examine and explore the most important works of Roman art and architecture, from homes to sacred spaces to civic buildings. Trace the ways Augustus “found Rome a city of brick and left it a city of marble” and how the art of Rome helped its leaders forge an empire whose monuments and art continue to inspire today’s artists and architects. - Justice in Greek Literature
The concept of “social justice” begins in classical Greece. Learn how the Greeks answered questions about the relationship between the individual and society. Discussions of ancient and modern sources prepare you for the experience of holding an Athenian-style mock trial at the end of the term. - Roman Culture
Immerse yourself in the social, economic, and cultural institutions of ancient Rome. Read classic works of Latin literature in translation and explore the archaeological evidence and the historical context for a civilization that spanned centuries and continents and gave rise to many of the core principles of modern society.
Curriculum
18 credit hours of Greek or Latin
- GREK A100 Beginning Greek I *
- GREK A101 Beginning Greek II *
- GREK A250 Intermediate Greek
- GREK A300 Homeric Greek
- GREK A314 Greek Tragedy
- GREK A315 Greek Comedy
- GREK A322 New Testament Greek
- GREK A340 Hellenistic Greek
- GREK A402 Greek Historians
- GREK A410 Greek Philosophy
- GREK A420 Greek Oratory
- LATN A100 Beginning Latin I *
- LATN A101 Beginning Latin II *
- LATN A250 Intermediate Latin
- LATN A304 Prose of Republican Rome
- LATN A305 Poetry of Republican Rome
- LATN A336 Augustan Prose
- LATN A337 Augustan Poetry
- LATN A342 Prose of Imperial Rome
- LATN A343 Poetry of Imperial Rome
- LATN A435 Medieval Latin
Additional Coursework
- Additional 18 credit hours in Classical Humanities, Greek, or Latin
- CLHU A480 Classical Humanities Capstone (1 crs.)
*Fulfills language requirement where applicable.
Classical Studies Course Information
- Curriculum Requirements
- Curriculum Requirements by Entering Year
- Classical Humanities Course Descriptions
- Greek Course Descriptions
- Latin Course Descriptions
Teacher Education
Students looking for teacher preparation follow a version of the Latin concentration that includes focus-area courses for teacher education. See the degree plan here, and the list of teacher-education course descriptions here.