

The Bachelor of Arts in Classics – Greek at University of Stanford offers students a carefully structured and intellectually rich journey into the language, literature, and cultural history of the ancient Greek world. In the early stages of the program, learners focus on foundational Greek grammar, reading comprehension, and introductory cultural studies, gradually acquiring the tools needed to engage with classical texts in their original form. These courses strengthen students’ ability to analyze texts with linguistic precision, historical awareness, literary insight, and critical interpretation, creating a strong base for understanding how ancient Greek thought shaped wider intellectual traditions. Through this early training, students begin to appreciate the depth, nuance, and lasting influence of Greek literature and philosophy.
As students progress into advanced coursework, they engage more deeply with Greek poetry, historiography, drama, and philosophical works, developing the ability to read and interpret complex texts with scholarly sophistication. The program’s upper-level seminars emphasize contextual analysis, philological methods, and interpretive debates, helping students refine their research skills and explore major themes in classical antiquity. Honors-style learning opportunities, small-group discussions, and close faculty guidance further enhance their textual analysis, research competence, interpretive skill, and cultural understanding, preparing graduates to contribute thoughtfully to the study of ancient civilizations or pursue further academic specialization. By the end of the program, students gain both linguistic mastery and a broad appreciation of the intellectual legacy that continues to influence modern culture.
Year 1 – Foundations in Greek Language and Culture
• Elementary Ancient Greek I
• Elementary Ancient Greek II
• Introduction to Classical Civilizations
• Reading and Interpretation of Classical Texts
• Writing and Research Skills in the Humanities
Year 2 – Intermediate Greek and Cultural Contexts
• Intermediate Greek Prose
• Intermediate Greek Poetry
• Greek History and Society
• Methods in Classical Studies
• Seminar: Themes in Ancient Literature
Year 3 – Advanced Greek Texts and Interpretation
• Advanced Greek Poetry (Homer, Lyric, or Tragedy)
• Greek Philosophy and Intellectual Traditions
• Greek Historians and Narrative Forms
• Philological Methods and Textual Analysis
• Electives in Ancient Culture or Linguistics
Year 4 – Research, Specialization, and Capstone
• Advanced Greek Seminar I
• Advanced Greek Seminar II
• Senior Thesis or Research Project
• Topics in Greek Literary Criticism
• Specialized Electives in Classical Studies
Graduates of this program are well prepared for careers in education, cultural institutions, archival research, publishing, language-focused fields, and any profession requiring strong analytical and interpretive abilities. The curriculum reinforces critical reading, contextual reasoning, textual scholarship, and cultural analysis, enabling students to pursue roles such as humanities researcher, classical studies educator, museum assistant, editorial specialist, or cultural heritage analyst. The program also offers a solid foundation for advanced graduate study in classics, linguistics, archaeology, ancient history, or related humanities disciplines.
This program is well suited for students who wish to explore ancient Greek language and thought while building highly transferable skills in interpretation and analysis. Its curriculum promotes intellectual rigor, methodical inquiry, evidence-based interpretation, and deep cultural engagement, encouraging students to approach classical texts with both curiosity and discipline. With access to small seminars, research opportunities, and individualized academic guidance, students gain a rich understanding of the ancient world while developing a strong academic foundation that supports both professional and scholarly aspirations.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 650 000 0000
Email: admissions@standord.edu
Address: University of Standord, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, United States