The field of Classics embraces Greek and Roman culture from the prehistoric to the medieval periods. The undergraduate's primary aim in studying classics is to learn Greek or Latin (or both) well enough to read the ancient authors in their original languages. Through the study of classical literature in the original language and in English translation, and through the study of other areas encompassed by the classics, such as ancient history, philosophy, art history, mythology, and rhetoric, a student gains an understanding of the culture and ideals of the classical world and their influence on the languages and institutions of Western civilization.<br>The department offers a bachelor of arts degree in Classics. Students may choose to focus on Latin language and literature Greek language and literature, or a combination of the two. Students may also study the literature and culture of the ancient civilizations through courses that use secondary sources and translated texts, or they may focus on Classical Archaeology and material culture.