Classical Studies Program

The Classical Studies Program at Villanova explores the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome, from the beginnings of Greek civilization to the fall of the Roman empire in all their richness, diversity and relevance. Our program is interdisciplinary, embracing the study of classical languages, literature, history, art and archaeology, philosophy and religion.

Our Undergraduate Program consists of a major and minor in Classical Studies in a variety of concentrations (Latin, Classical Languages, and Classical Civilization). Undergraduates who are not Classical Studies majors may also fulfill their core language requirement with Latin or ancient Greek, and a number of classical civilization courses may satisfy other core requirements (see Undergraduate Program page for more information on these courses).

Our Graduate Program offers an M.A. in Classical Studies (with tracks in Latin or Greek and Latin), as well as the opportunity to obtain a combination Five-Year B.A./M.A. in Classical Studies.  The Latin track is available either on campus or online.

News & Events

Fall Lecture:  "The Psychopathy of Alcibiades: Applying a Modern Psychological Construct to an Ancient Leader" Prof. Norman Sandridge, Howard University, Monday September 19, 2016 at 4:00 p.m., Villanova Room, Connelly Center.

The Classical Studies Program is offering two online undergraduate courses in summer 2016:  Women in the Classical World and Ancient Greece & Rome in Film.  The online M.A. in Classical Studies (Latin track) will be offered starting in fall 2016.

On October 3, 2015, Prof. Scott and students from his Latin Epigraphy course visited the Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum to view its collection of Latin inscriptions.  The trip, made possible through a generous grant from the Classical Association of the Atlantic States, was a wonderful complement to the group’s work this semester in the classroom.  The class was able to view the inscriptions on display in the museum, as well as a number of items kept in storage.  Many thanks to CAAS and the staff at the Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum!

Since the fall 2013 semester, Classical Studies students have been tutoring students at Boys' Latin once a week.  This program, directed by Prof. Andrew Scott, gives Villanova students the opportunity to put their classical education to use, places them in a position of responsibility as educators, and demonstrates the Augustinian ideal of service to others.  Boys' Latin of Philadelphia is a college preparatory school located in West Philadelphia and offers a classically based education.  For information on this project or if you would like to volunteer, please contact Prof. Andrew Scott.

In fall 2014, four graduate students in Classical Studies completed a Certificate in Digital Humanities, offered by the Graduate Studies division of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences in conjunction with Falvey Memorial Library.  To become versed in technology and digital platforms for humanities scholarship, students learned valuable skills in: coding basics, audio editing, advanced WordPress, and GIS/Mapping.

On February 11, 2015, Dr. Gary D. Farney (Rutgers University - Newark) spoke on "The Excavation of 'Horace's Villa' in Vacone, Italy:  The First Three Seasons."  Three Villanova Classical Studies students have participated in the excavation field school.  Recent participant and Classical Studies major Oliver Ayer comments: “To experience excavating a villa, spending your days in the field learning to dig, document, conserve, and actually contribute to an archaeological excavation provides a unique and invaluable experience to anyone interested in classical studies. As you delve deeper into the project, the classical world comes alive in a way that can only be experienced on site.”

On February 16, 2015, Falvey Memorial Library hosted the launch of a Digital Humanities project in Classical Studies:  Travels Through Greco-Roman Antiquity.  Dr. Valentina DeNardis is working with her Greek and Roman archaeology classes to build a web exhibit which highlights classics-themed works in Falvey’s Special Collections.  Check back at the end of the spring 2015 semester for an update on this on-going project.

On April 17, 2015, Dr. Leah Kronenberg (Rutgers University – New Brunswick) spoke on "Epicureanism in Virgil's Eclogues:  The Case of Daphnis."