Classics

Philip Freeman (department head), Sharilyn Nakata, Anne Bulliung

Associated Faculty—Kristin Swanson (Religion)

Emeritus Professors—Wilfred Bunge, A. Thomas Kraabel, William Kurth

Classics is the study of the languages, literature, and culture of the ancient Greco-Roman world. Greek and Latin are fundamental languages for the study of European literature and civilization, as well as the development of modern languages, including English. The timeless literature of the Greeks and Romans produced Homer, Sappho, Thucydides, Plato, Virgil, and St. Augustine, to name just a few. Greek and Roman civilization has also had an enormous influence on facets of modern culture from law and poetry to art and religion. At Luther, Classics also includes the study of Biblical Hebrew.

At Luther, students may earn a major in Classics (Greek and Latin) or Biblical Languages (Greek and Hebrew). There are also minors available in Classics and Classical Studies.

The study of Classics is excellent preparation for any number of fields. Classics graduates have pursued careers and graduate studies in many areas, including music, computer science, foreign languages, theology, education, medicine, law, and business.