Traditions, arts, politics and customs of ancient Greece and Rome are woven throughout our lives in countless ways –
from what we stream to political strategies.
Ever wonder what the Ancient Greek Olympics were like? Get more than just a lecture on it in Bob Simmons’ “Ancient Greek Sports” class.
Look at this great group of Classics students! Professor Simmons cheered them on at this year’s Honors Convocation.
Congratulations to one of our seniors, Bailey Shimmin, as she heads to grad school!
From putting together the biennial Classics Day to throwing javelins in his "Ancient Roman Sports" class, Bob Simmons is your new favorite professor.
Our biennial Classics Day event brings people from all over the nation to honor and celebrate the ancient world with food, fashion and fun.
Study abroad? Absolutely! Our department leads short-term trips abroad every other year to places such as Greece and Italy.
Why should you study classics at Monmouth?
Classics is about more than studying the past — it’s about understanding how human civilization evolved and where it might go. You’ll join a vibrant, supportive community that explores the civilizations and languages of the ancient Mediterranean world.
In this personalized and faculty-mentored program, you’ll read and analyze original texts in Latin and Ancient Greek, dive into mythology, history, and archaeology, and even get outside for ancient sports. Each class is an intellectual journey to a different time, place, and way of thinking.
Exploring ancient cultures helps you step outside your own assumptions and better understand today’s world. It’s a program that sharpens your critical thinking while giving you a new lens on life. Whether you pursue law, education, public service, business, or advanced study, a Classics degree from Monmouth prepares you to think deeply, adapt quickly, and lead thoughtfully.
<blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “The faculty are wholeheartedly invested in their students’ growth and knowledge. I never walk past them without hearing a ‘<em>Salve</em>, Hannah’ or a ‘<em>Khaire</em>, Hannah.’”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">Hannah Hofmann ’21</footer></blockquote>
<blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “I was able to travel and get a visual perspective of the whole wide world with this major. I learned to think outside the box.”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">Myles Olson ’19</footer></blockquote>
<blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “Department BBQs, classically accurate dinners and world travel are just some of the ways the department helped me expand my love of Classics and connect with others who share that love.”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">Alexandra Barrett ’19</footer></blockquote>
<blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “The Classics Department is a tight-knit, warm and welcoming community where I found myself flourishing and becoming the best possible student, leader, thinker and even human that I could be.”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">Maddie Baker ’19</footer></blockquote>
<blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “In the <span style="font-weight: 400;">‘</span>Classics Day Leadership<span style="font-weight: 400;">’</span> class, I managed the logistics of an outdoor fair…That gave me a business mindset that helped me build the foundation for what will hopefully be a fruitful career in public service.”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">John Cotter ’19</footer></blockquote>
<blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “With a rich local history of authentic artifacts paired with dedicated instructors who value hands-on learning, Classics left a lasting impact on how I see and interact with the world – past, present and future.”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">Isaac Jacobs ’19</footer></blockquote>
<blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “There was something about sharing time and laughter with my Classics peers and faculty members that truly made me feel welcomed and appreciated.”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">Kayla Beadles ’17</footer></blockquote>
<blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “The activities we did in every class would never happen at bigger schools. They are unique to this College because of our professors<span style="font-weight: 400;">’</span> expertise.”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">River Laing ’20</footer></blockquote>
<blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “Everyone in the Classics Department wants to see you succeed. They will challenge you to think much deeper than you ever thought you could.”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">Aaron Kimzey ’19</footer></blockquote>
<blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “A Classics degree challenged me to think and learn in ways that I never had before, developing skills that I use every day.”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">Daniel Jones ’18</footer></blockquote>
<blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “The Classics Department provided me with so many opportunities– teaching a demonstration on the Macedonian battle technique at Classics Day, presenting a paper at a conference, and emceeing the Black Classicists Exhibition.”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">Kasha Appleton ’20</footer></blockquote>
Classics is for everyone
Courses are not only for students who major or minor in classics or classical languages, but they are also open to all students who seek intellectual enrichment or a broader perspective of the world. (Hello, double major!) Students who have an interest in politics, art, religion, philosophy, literature, drama, gender relations, class relations, intercultural dynamics and social institutions will find all of that in our program.
We get hands-on
Our campus archaeology lab and the Shields Collection of Antiquities hold authentic ancient artifacts. Our department also houses an expansive collection of historic reproductions and clothing relevant to the ancient world. These materials are used to illustrate a range of topics, including ancient sports, warfare, textile and food production, art, and other practices of life in the ancient world.
Students also enhance their knowledge and build cross-disciplinary connections by engaging with faculty from the arts and sciences and with physical resources such as the ceramics studio, LeSuer Nature Preserve, the Educational Garden & Farm, and the local Warren County History Museum.
How our chemistry degree is different from schools like us.
Kieft Scholars is a prestigious academic and scholarship program offered exclusively to our chemistry and biochemistry students. Beloved professor “Doc” Richard Kieft left his $2.3 million estate to our chemistry department.
This endowment funds chemistry-specific academic scholarships, cutting-edge research opportunities, and travel to the annual National American Chemical Society Meeting for our students to present their work.
Whether your dream is to spend a few weeks across the globe or a semester in L.A., Monmouth students have access to unique experiences all over the world.
Don’t have a U.S. passport? We’ll cover the cost and help with the paperwork. Our Office of Global Engagement will help you research options, apply for travel grants and prepare for departure.
