Classical Studies Minor

Explore interesting topics while acquiring important marketable skills.

What Will I Learn?

A Classical Studies minor can encompass a wide array of diverse and pertinent subjects, such as athletics, history, gender studies, religion, the environment, engineering, literature, art, and more. Within the context of these fascinating topics, our courses emphasize practical skillsets that include:

  • critical thinking: analyze, critique, and explain written and spoken arguments
  • data analysis: work with complicated and incomplete data sets (think an archaeological dig) to draw conclusions and form arguments
  • cultural understanding: learn about cultures from different places, times, and traditions
  • imaginative reasoning: reconstruct the past world from the incomplete data we have preserved, including with emerging technology like VR or AR
  • language building: not only the Romance languages (e.g. French, Spanish, Italian), but also >60% of English vocabulary is derived from Latin

Requirements

There are no required courses for a minor in Classical Studies. The minor consists of 15 credit hours in CLAS courses courses or related fields, within the following parameters:

  • at least 6 hours must be taken at 300 level or higher
  • up to 6 hours can be counted from 100 level courses
  • up to 6 hours can be counted from related fields (other classes where you have learned about the Classical World), as approved by the Program Director
  • at least 6 hours must be completed (either in person or online) through IU Indianapolis’s campus

Curious about what which of your classes you can apply towards the Minor in Classical Studies? Already a Classics Minor and want to receive updates and helpful information, as well as build community? Please fill out this form and we will review the information and reach out to you.

How to Enroll

To officially declare the minor, please complete the School of Liberal Arts online declaration form.

What Studying the Classics Did for Me?

Eversole“Growing up, I actually disliked classics, but when I took my first classics course in my Junior year I was hooked. Most ideas, literature, buildings, and technology advancements have a Roman or Greek beginning; therefore, I couldn’t deny how important they were to everything I am and will become. When I wasn’t sure I wanted to do archaeology, Dr. Thill suggested a field school called the Gabii Project with Michigan, so I decided to try it out. After now doing two dig seasons at Gabii, I truly feel I have found my niche in life.”
— Cheyenne Eversole, B.A. ‘17, majored in International Studies and minored in German and Classical Studies; currently pursuing her PhD in Classical Archaeology at Western University, Ontario.

More Info

Contact Dr. Elizabeth Thill, Director of Classical Studies.