The College of Charleston has long prided itself on providing opportunities for students to pursue studies in the Classics – Greek, Latin, and classical civilization.
In fact, study of the classics has been at the heart of the College’s liberal arts tradition since its founding in 1770. So, it’s no surprise that the College is recognized nationally for this centuries-long commitment to offering a rigorous and vibrant classical education.
Recently, the website Best Value Schools ranked the College of Charleston on its list of the “30 Best Small Colleges for a Classical Education.”
Ranked alongside classics programs at schools such as Amherst, Brandeis, Swarthmore and Wheaton, the College of Charleston’s Department of Classics was lauded for offering multiple major and minor options, a diverse course list and student research opportunities.
“The course list is a collection of delightfully varied classes ranging in subject from the traditional (classical religion, mythology) to the uncommon (Romans in cinema, ancient medicine and science),” according to the ranking. “As with any vibrant Classics department, College of Charleston offers research and fieldwork opportunities to students, usually with especially accomplished professors, and hosts a yearly lecture series on varying themes related to the Classics.”
James Newhard, a professor in the Department of Classics, says the ranking underscores the program’s breadth and its faculty’s devotion to blending old and new.
“The Department of Classics at the College is a full-service classics department, providing a range of courses at all levels in ancient Greek and Latin, ancient history, and archaeology, taught by a team of engaged scholars dedicated to challenging students,” says Newhard. “Captivating instruction coupled with research-oriented, high-impact experiences exemplifies our approach, and we are proud of a program that is steeped in the traditions of the liberal arts yet looks forward to its applications in the modern age.”
The Department of Classics offers two undergraduate degrees: The Artium Baccalaureatus (A.B. Degree) for students interested in exploring Greek and Latin languages; and the bachelor of arts degree for students primarily interested in investigating Greek and Roman culture. Students can also pursue a minor in classics, Greek or Latin. In addition, any student majoring in any subject beyond Classics at the College can pursue an Artium Baccalaureatus degree by exploring either Greek or Latin into the advanced level and completing additional coursework in classical civilization.
