The widespread influence of Greece and Rome upon our own modern society, the intrinsic attraction of ancient literature, civilization, and material culture, and the interdisciplinary nature of the discipline make classics a dynamic and popular field of study. Moreover, undergraduate training in classics demands an intellectual rigor that can prepare students for more advanced training in graduate school, supplement their studies in a variety of other disciplines in the humanities, sciences, and engineering, and help them gain admittance to professional programs in law and medicine.

To this end, the Department of Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies (CANES) offers three majors and a certificate, providing a number of options for students wishing to explore their interests in classical studies. The classical humanities major combines two semesters of language study with elective coursework in literature and culture of the ancient world. Students choose from a wide-variety of courses, including everything from CLASSICS 150 Ancient Greek and Roman Monsters to CLASSICS 308 Sex and Violence in the Ancient Near East. Students will also find offerings in art, architecture, archaeology, gender studies, history, literature, philosophy, and politics.

Latin and ancient Greek are regularly offered and provide the foundation for modern English vocabulary, giving context and insight into the history of the words we use today. Class sizes are small, making the experience more personal and creating opportunities for meaningful learning outcomes.

The department offers the classical studies certificate as well. This 15-credit certificate is designed with maximum flexibility in mind! Coursework may be made up of literature and culture options only, or some combination of language coursework may be included.

For more information about any of these options, please contact the CANES department.

Degrees/Majors/Certificates

People

Please visit the Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies website for a complete list of faculty, instructional, and academic staff.

Resources and Scholarships

In addition to routinely nominating or recommending exemplary undergraduate majors for national, regional, local, and university awards, CANES offers the following opportunities for financial support to our majors annually:

Ruth M. Kuhlman Undergraduate Scholarship

Established in 1998 with a bequest from Myron George Kuhlman in memory of his wife, Ruth Miller Kuhlman (BS in Education '32), this is a monetary award for undergraduates to benefit and advance their studies within the field of classics. The total amount of the award may be up to $2,500, and the award may not be granted every academic year depending on the quality of entries and availability of funds. This competition is open to majors only. The call usually goes out in November and closes in February. 

Gertrude E. Slaughter Summer Study Scholarship

A monetary award in memory of Gertrude E. Slaughter, author and widow of Professor Moses S. Slaughter 1896–1923, for undergraduate students to advance their studies at an accredited center such as the American School in Athens or the American Academy in Rome, to participate in study abroad, or to participate in an active archaeological field project. Awards will be in the amount of up to $800. This competition is open to majors only. The call usually goes out in November and closes in February. 

Logan Prize for Greek Translation

A monetary award in memory of Fellow of Classics, John Watson Logan (PhD '23), for the translation of a passage of ancient Greek. The passage will be selected each year by the chair of the Prize Committee and awards may not be granted every academic year depending on the quality of entries. This competition is open to all undergraduate students who have completed at least one semester of ancient Greek and is normally publicized in classes and to department majors in early April.

Pillinger Prize for Latin Translation

A monetary award in memory of Assistant Professor Hugh Edward Pillinger (1965-1970) for the translation of a passage in Latin. The passage will be selected each year by the chair of the Prize Committee and awards may not be granted every academic year depending on the quality of entries. This competition is open to all undergraduate students who have completed at least one semester of Latin and is normally publicized in classes and to department majors in early April.

Study Abroad

CANES offers two options for summer study: UW–Classics in Greece and UW–Classics in Italy.

Each three-week program is offered alternating summers and guided by a department faculty member; students may earn three credits taking Classics 568: Topics in Classical Literature.

To learn more, visit our website.