The Department of Classics is one of Brown’s original academic departments, established when Brown was founded in 1764. The department offers advanced work in Ancient Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, and Modern Greek languages, literatures, history, and philosophy. In addition to the degrees of B.A. and Ph.D. in Classics, the department also offers graduate study leading to a Ph.D. in Classics & Sanskrit, Sanskrit, or (jointly with the Department of History) Ancient History. 

While we are committed to the traditional study of ancient Greek and Roman cultures, languages, and literature, our department also considers Classical Studies to be a collaborative discipline that encompasses a number of subjects. Students are encouraged to take courses in Art History, Archaeology, Comparative Literature, Egyptology & Assyriology, Philosophy, and several other affiliated areas. We believe these studies with overlapping interests will foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation.   

The research interests of our faculty testify to the numerous and varied areas that comprise the study of Classics. Each year, the Classics Department hosts a series of lectures, seminars, and colloquia, offered both by our own faculty and by invited speakers and participants. In addition, the department regularly welcomes a number of international scholars who have won fellowships or short-term awards to work with Brown faculty on a formal or informal basis.

Our students are very much involved in the department’s activities. The Classics Department Undergraduate Group (DUG) plans excursions, discussions, and social events for both students and faculty. Classics graduate students contribute to the department’s lively program of intellectual exchange in numerous ways, including serving as teaching fellows and teaching assistants, organizing a regular colloquium series, and planning and hosting an annual lecture.

Visit our Facebook page and our Instagram account to catch a glimpse of what’s going on right now in the Classics Department at Brown.  You can also subscribe to our announcements and newsletter!