What Is Classical Studies?
The Department of Classical Studies provides an introduction to classical civilization through courses in Greek and Roman literature in translation, history, philosophy, religion, art, and archaeology. Through courses in classical studies, students engage with some of the most profound thinkers and writers of human history. Our students explore issues of enduring importance in ethics, politics, art, literature, and history.
The ancient Greeks and Romans created much of the political, social, and intellectual framework for Western civilization. For more than 2,000 years, classical civilization and tradition have influenced the political and religious institutions, languages, literature, and arts of many nations. The study of classics not only provides access to the thoughts, achievements, and ways of life of the ancient Greeks and Romans, but also treats material relevant to the study of many cultures across the ages.
It is also true that some elements of the Classical world are abhorrent, such as the institution of slavery, to take an obvious example. The study of Classics, then, does not entail mindless admiration for the “greats” of the past; on the contrary, it fosters critical investigation of that past in all of its glory and all of its problems. We also seek to acknowledge and confront the abuse of the classical tradition by those who have enlisted it to promote racism and elitism. Through our courses, students will engage with some of the most profound thinkers and writers of human history, but they will also learn about the contributions of the “forgotten” voices from the past, of slaves, of women, of conquered foreigners, and of other marginalized peoples.
The PhD program in Classical Studies at Boston University invites applications for admission to its PhD programs – PhD in Classical Studies as well as our combined MA in Classical Studies/PhD in Philosophy, which both offer a 5-year funding package (with additional funding opportunities for summers, travel for conferences, and beyond the fifth year). Located in Boston, a mecca of education with a wide range of opportunities even beyond our university, our department boasts internationally renowned faculty along with a strong and varied group of graduate students and undergraduate majors. Our research specialties cover a broad spectrum from classical antiquity and extend to late antiquity, encompassing literature, history, philosophy and religion with a special strength in reception. We also have affiliated faculty in the departments of Philosophy, History of Art and Architecture, Religion, Comparative Literature, Literary Translation and English. Our regular schedule includes scholarly and graduate student conferences, and our lecture series, including “Black Classicism” and “New Approaches to Classics,” attract a diverse array of scholars to our campus.
The deadline for Fall 2025 admission is January 15,th 2025 and the GRE is no longer required. More information about the program and admissions is available here: https://www.bu.edu/classics/admissions/graduate-admissions/
We will be holding an info session for interested students on Monday Nov 18 at 12pm EST (= 9am PST = 5pm GMT = 6pm CET = 7pm EET). Prospective students will be able to meet classics faculty and students, learn about the department and its activities, find out specifics about the Phd program, the requirements to apply and the application process.
To take part, email Joe Knapik, classics@bu.edu to receive the link for the Zoom meeting.
