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. For students interested in Latin and Greek, the department offers the classics major, which requires proficiency in both languages but allows students to emphasize study of one or the other. The department also offers a Latin major only, often chosen by students interested in teaching.

The classical humanities major combines language study with the study of the literature and culture of the ancient world. Finally, the department offers the classical studies certificate, preferred by students who wish to explore literature and culture without a concentration in language.

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

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

In addition to routinely nominating or recommending exemplary undergraduate majors for national, regional, local and university awards, CANES offers the following competitions to classical humanities, classics, and Latin 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. Total amount of award may be up to $2500 and the award may not be granted every academic year depending on quality of entries and availability of funds. This competition is only open to classics, classical humanities, and Latin majors. Students should apply via Scholarships@UW (which can be accessed through their MyUW page). Generally, the online application is open in early November with a deadline for submission in early 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, or to participate in an active archaeological field project. Awards will be in the amount of up to $800. This competition is open only to classics, classical humanities, and Latin majors. Students should apply via Scholarships@UW (which can be accessed through their MyUW page). Generally, the online application is open in early November with a deadline for submission in early February.

Logan Prize for Greek Translation

A monetary award in memory of Fellow of Classics, John Watson Logan (Ph.D. '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 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 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.

To learn more, visit our website.