When I tell people that I’m majoring in Classics in the College of Arts & Sciences, the most common follow-up question is what my favorite classic book is – i.e., English literature. While this is a lovely question, the idea that I’m studying English is a common misconception. Classics, as stated on the Cornell Department of Classics website, is the “original interdisciplinary academic field at the heart of both European/western civilization and today’s Liberal Arts education.” My studies involve learning about the ancient Greek and Roman worlds from a variety of angles, including language, literary texts, history, art, archaeology, and philosophy. The second most common question I get from people once I explain what I study is why I chose to major in Classics. There are a variety of reasons why I love my major, and also why I love studying it here at Cornell.

Small Classes 

Classics classes are often quite small – my personal record for smallest class taken so far is my four person Latin class last semester. Although this is not everybody’s cup of tea, this is something I really value about majoring in Classics. Smaller classes allow me to build personal relationships with my peers and also with my professors. Getting to know my professors on a more personal level enriches my learning experience in class and opens the door to other possibilities, including potential study abroad, research, and fellowship opportunities. There is also more flexibility for deeper in-class discussions and space to ask clarifying questions, which is something that’s not usually available in bigger lecture classes.  

Rigorous Analytical Training 

Majoring in Classics helps one develop skills in close reading, research, and writing, which help prepare for a wide variety of careers. The major imparts analytical training skills and skills in language and communication through coursework that implore students to think deeply and grapple with complex questions and ideas. I can confidently say that my study of Classics has helped me to improve my reading comprehension skills as well as my writing skills, and I have no doubt that this will continue to improve throughout my time at Cornell. 

Endless Opportunities 

According to The Princeton Review, both medical schools and law schools strongly favor Classics majors. Students who study Classics also pursue careers in politics, financial consulting, publishing, and graduate school in a variety of fields. While I am still not entirely sure what I want to do after I complete my undergraduate studies, I know that the interdisciplinary nature of a Classics degree will serve me well, not only career-wise but also in life.