Department of Religious Studies and Classics

The field of Classics examines the languages, literatures, cultures, art, history, religion, and material remains of the ancient Mediterranean world and their ongoing global impact. One of the most prestigious degrees at the University of Arizona, Classics boasts a high number of top-performing graduates. Classics studies the ancient Mediterranean world from approximately 3000 B.C.E. to approximately 500 C.E., with particular emphasis on the civilizations of Greece and Rome and their reciprocal relations with the surrounding societies of the Near East, Egypt, North Africa, and Western Europe. This field of study incorporates, and is based upon, the scientific principles of philological and archaeological methodology. Within this context, Classics at the University of Arizona has the following mission: To elucidate the languages and literatures, archaeology, history, and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world through original research and new interpretation. To integrate the results of these investigations into a comprehensive picture of the classical world through peer-reviewed publications, public scholarship, presentations, and teaching. To provide various services to colleagues and academic institutions in endeavors that require training and expertise intrinsic to Classics. To disseminate its discoveries in interesting and accessible ways to students, colleagues, and members of the local community. To teach twenty-first century skills in intercultural competence, critical thinking, and high-level language and literacy proficiencies for thriving in a globalized world.