Classics and the Ancient Mediterranean World
Available as a concentration
You can pursue many aspects of ancient civilizations, from upper-level independent studies in Greek or Latin to advanced courses in the history, material culture, religion and patterns of thought of the ancient world. With coursework in ancient languages, history, philosophy, religion, archaeology, art and literature, the classics concentration connects seamlessly to majors offered by the College.
Studies in the classics will prepare you with critical thinking and analytical skills that translate into strong results on GRE and LSAT exams. Classics students often find themselves well-placed in graduate or law school.
Curriculum & Courses
Sample Course Offerings
ARTH 220: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology
HIST 212: Ancient Greece
PHIL 251: Early Western Philosophy
Student Experiences
"Zeno Contest" challenges students
Roanoke College's "Zeno Contest" is a critical thinking competition sponsored annually by the College's Religion and Philosophy Department and the general education program. This test of wits and ingenuity requires students to submit papers which explain a proposed puzzle and provide a solution to it. The name of the contest honors Zeno of Elea, a philosopher known for his paradoxes. The student with the best solution is awarded a modest cash prize and an "extravagant" trophy.
Travel and Research
Classics students have the opportunity to work one-on-one with an outstanding faculty member at Roanoke, including one of the few Egyptologists in the state.
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The generosity of an anonymous Roanoke College donor enabled art history majors Serena Soterakopoulos '18 and Jacob Friedrich '19 to travel to Elephantine Island, Egypt, for five weeks in 2017. The student ceramic research assistants dove into the rich archaeological history of Elephantine Island while exploring the current vibrancy of the Egyptian culture.
Normally, Soterakopoulos and Friedrich conduct their research-primarily the analysis of ceramic material procured from various Egyptian archeological sites-on campus with Dr. Leslie Anne Warden, assistant professor of art history and archaeology. For this experience, they assisted on the "Realities of Life" archaeological project, which is run by the German Archaeological Institute, Cairo. The project studies an ancient Egyptian settlement on the southeastern portion of the island, located in the middle of the Nile River. Read more.
Careers & Outcomes
Fulbright Study Award Allows for Research, Masters Degree
Art history major Brieanah Gouveia '17 received a Fulbright Study Award to Scotland's University of Glasgow. She participated in an art history program titled Collecting and Provenance in an International Context. She was able to participate as a researcher in the University's Trafficking Culture project, and also obtained a master's degree.
"I am so thankful for the guidance Roanoke professors have given me along the way. I would not be where I am today if it weren't for their encouragement and support. I'm so glad I went to Roanoke," said Gouveia.
Faculty
News
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Catch up on the latest news from your talented faculty.
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Summer Scholars is a competitive program that offers paid research positions and enables students to do a deep dive into an original topic.
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Catch up on the latest news from our remarkable faculty members.
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An exclusive preview of legendary filmmaker Ken Burns' latest work, "The American Revolution," will set the stage for a thoughtful conversation with historians Rob Willingham and Garrett Channell.
- Date:
- November 11, 2025
- Time:
- 5 - 6:30 p.m.
- Location:
Wortmann Ballroom
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Students and alumni are invited to join the history faculty in a day of living history and merriment!
- Date:
- November 13, 2025
- Time:
- 7:30 - 11 p.m.
- Location:
Bank Building
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Join PBS and legendary documentary maker Ken Burns for a livestreamed discussion about his newest series, "The American Revolution."
- Date:
- November 19, 2025
- Time:
- 5 - 6 p.m.
- Location:
Wortmann Ballroom
