Classics

The Department of Classics at Princeton University offers a comprehensive program dedicated to the study of Ancient Greek and Latin languages, literatures, histories, and cultures. Our curriculum is designed to cultivate a deep understanding of the classical civilizations that have significantly shaped Western thought and culture. Students enrolled in the Classics program gain proficiency in reading and translating original texts, developing a nuanced appreciation for the literary, philosophical, and historical contexts of antiquity. The program emphasizes critical analysis, linguistic skills, and historical interpretation, enabling graduates to pursue diverse careers in academia, education, publishing, archaeology, and public history.

Throughout the course of study, students engage with a wide variety of ancient texts, from epic poetry and tragedy to philosophy and satire, exploring themes that resonate across time such as politics, ethics, aesthetics, and religion. The curriculum combines language instruction with topical courses in ancient history, art, and archaeology, fostering an interdisciplinary understanding of classical civilizations. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects, seminars, and internships that provide practical experience and enhance their scholarly skills.

Princeton’s Classics faculty comprises distinguished scholars committed to mentoring students and promoting innovative research. The program encourages close collaboration with faculty and offers access to extensive collections of classical manuscripts and artifacts. In addition to classroom learning, students are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs, internships, and archaeological excavations to gain firsthand experience of ancient sites and cultures.

Our Classics program prepares students not only for advanced study but also for a wide array of careers that value critical thinking, linguistic proficiency, and cultural awareness. Whether pursuing graduate studies in archaeology, history, or literature, or entering professions such as education, museum curation, or cultural heritage management, graduates of Princeton’s Classics program develop the analytical tools and cultural understanding essential for success in various fields.

The program fosters an intellectually vibrant community where students collaborate on research projects, attend lectures and conferences, and contribute to a rich academic environment. By studying Classics at Princeton, students become part of a tradition of scholarly excellence and cultural exploration that continues to influence contemporary understanding of the ancient world and its enduring legacy.

Courses:

The department normally requires each student to take a total of 12 courses over three years. Students are strongly encouraged to take courses in the fields of art and archaeology, classical philosophy and linguistics, as well as literature and history.

Language(s):

It is expected that all students will enter the program with a command of both Latin and Greek sufficient to undertake research projects based on source materials in either language. This competence will be assessed by a diagnostic sight translation exam encompassing Greek and Latin poetry and prose to be administered at the beginning of the first semester. Students who do not pass all components of this exam will be required to undertake independent study in the appropriate language and must re-attempt the sections they failed until all are passed or until they demonstrate their proficiency by passing the sight component of the final examination for the survey courses in Greek and Latin literature. All sections of the diagnostic exam must be passed no later than the end of the second year. CHS students are also required to develop proficiency in Byzantine or Modern Greek at an early stage in the program.  

A reading knowledge of both French (or Italian) and German is desirable for admission. No student is permitted to enter the second year without demonstrating proficiency in at least one of these languages; proficiency in the other must be demonstrated no later than the end of that same year.

General Exam:

The general examinations in literature, history and philosophy are designed to test the candidates' in-depth knowledge of the subject. For a full description of the examination required of students in different degree options, consult "The Twelve Tables"(link is external) on the department’s website.

Qualifying for the M.A.:

The Master of Arts (M.A.) is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy, but may also be awarded to students who for various reasons leave the Ph.D. program. In order to qualify for the M.A., a student must have passed the sight translation examinations, participated successfully in at least 12 seminars, and written at least six acceptable research papers.

Teaching:

Teaching experience is an essential component of doctoral training. Under normal circumstances, Princeton Ph.D. candidates are required, as part of their training, to teach for at least two terms. Postgenerals students are encouraged to apply for a teaching assistantship for one of the undergraduate lecture courses, which generally involves two to three classroom contact hours a week; language teaching is normally scheduled after candidates have served as assistants in a lecture course. Appointments are made by the department chair, according to the needs of the undergraduate program, to third-, fourth-, and fifth-year students. The department expects students to fulfill the departmental teaching requirements before accepting any external teaching.

Dissertation and FPO:

The fourth and fifth years of study are devoted to the writing of the doctoral dissertation. No later than May 31 of the third year, each student must successfully defend a detailed dissertation proposal before a faculty committee. Students participate in a dissertation workshop seminar during their final two years.

In addition to the supervisor the dissertation is read by two readers. Once it is accepted by the department on their recommendation, the candidate must pass a final public oral examination.

• Application Fee: $90
• Statement of Academic Purpose
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Recommendation Letters
• Transcripts
• Fall Semester Grades
• Prerequisite Tests
• English Language Tests
• GRE : General test

Additional Departmental Requirements: 

• Sample of written work.

For Ph.D. candidates, tuition and fees during a student’s regular period of enrollment are provided in full from a student’s graduate student financial support, in the form of tuition support from fellowships, assistantships, or external sources.

The annual stipend amount provided to Ph.D. candidates during their regular enrollment is intended to support a single graduate student based on estimated costs. Master’s students or students with spouses and/or dependents may require additional resources to support their living expenses 

Classics at Princeton University offers a comprehensive study of the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, encompassing languages, literature, history, philosophy, art, and archaeology. The program aims to develop students’ proficiency in Latin and Ancient Greek, enabling them to read original texts and understand cultural and historical contexts. Students have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of disciplines, including philology, history, art history, and ancient philosophy, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the classical world. The curriculum includes language acquisition courses, introductory and advanced literature classes, as well as seminars focused on specific themes or periods in antiquity. Princeton’s Classics program emphasizes critical thinking, textual analysis, and the appreciation of cultural artifacts, preparing students for careers in academia, education, public service, and the arts. The university provides excellent resources such as dedicated language labs, libraries with extensive classical collections, and archaeological research opportunities. Students can participate in study abroad programs in Greece and Italy, gaining firsthand experience of archaeological sites and museums. The faculty comprises renowned scholars in classical studies, offering mentorship and mentorship programs to support undergraduate research and graduate studies. The program encourages interdisciplinary projects and offers special tracks such as Classical Archaeology and Classical Languages and Literature. Graduates of the Classics program develop strong analytical skills, cultural awareness, and linguistic proficiency, which are valuable in diverse fields. The department also hosts lectures, workshops, and conferences, fostering a vibrant academic community dedicated to the study of the ancient world. Overall, Princeton’s Classics program provides a rigorous and enriching environment for students passionate about exploring the foundations of Western civilization through its languages, texts, and material culture.