Classical Studies

The classical studies minor at Lake Forest College offers students a rich, interdisciplinary exploration of the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome—societies that continue to shape contemporary ideas of literature, philosophy, politics, religion, art, and architecture.

Students explore how ancient societies understood the self, the state, the divine, and the natural world—and how these understandings continue to influence modern concepts of citizenship, aesthetics, identity, and justice.

Course Descriptions Requirements Careers Faculty

Classical Studies

Why minor in classical studies?

The field of classical studies doesn't simply engage with the past; students in classical studies examine the present and future through the context of classical tradition. Classical studies blends historical, literary, religious, political, and philosophical insights that can be applied to various fields. Our interdisciplinary approach to classical studies encourages critical thinking and personal growth.

This minor is particularly well-suited to students majoring in the humanities or social sciences and to those pursuing careers in law, education, public policy, museums, or the arts.

Exploring the foundations of thought, culture, and civic life

Through courses drawn from departments such as history, philosophy, religion, art, theater, sociology and anthropology, and modern languages and literatures, students examine the ancient Mediterranean world from multiple perspectives.

Topics include:

The rise of democratic thought in Athens
The evolution of Greek religion and civic ritual
The philosophical inquiries of Plato and the Stoics
The artistic legacies of Hellenistic and Roman visual cultures

Classical studies courses emphasize close reading of primary texts in translation, engagement with archaeological and artistic evidence, and critical reflection on the legacy of antiquity in the modern world.

Close to Chicago = close to world-class museums

Lake Forest College students take advantage of the College’s proximity to Chicago’s world-class museums for experiential learning connected to course content:

Art Institute of Chicago
The Field Museum

How does the classical studies minor work?

The minor consists of at least six course credits, combining core offerings with electives chosen in consultation with the program advisor. Students are encouraged to craft a coherent path through the minor based on their academic interests—whether in ancient political theory, myth and religion, comparative literature, or the afterlives of classical forms in contemporary culture.