Classics
At Luther, students may earn a major in classics (Greek and Latin) or biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew). There are also minors available in classics and classical studies.
Classics is the study of the languages, literature, and culture of the ancient Greco-Roman world. Greek and Latin are fundamental languages for the study of European literature and civilization, as well as the development of modern languages, including English.
The timeless literature of the Greeks and Romans produced Homer, Sappho, Thucydides, Plato, Virgil, and St. Augustine, to name just a few. Greek and Roman civilization has also had an enormous influence on facets of modern culture from law and poetry to art and religion.
Knowledge of classical Greek provides direct access to the rich and varied literature of ancient Greece as well as to the single most influential collection of Greek writings: the New Testament. Coursework in Greek complements the study of the New Testament, theology, philosophy, medicine, the natural sciences and linguistics.
Knowledge of Latin opens the way not only to the large and influential body of Roman literature but also to a continuing tradition of Latin literature that extends through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and into the modern era. Coursework in Latin provides invaluable background for the study of law, theology, medieval literature and history, Romance languages and literatures, linguistics, English literature, Western art and music.
Knowledge of classical Hebrew is an essential tool for in-depth study of the Old Testament and the ancient Near East. Hebrew also provides a useful introduction to the structure and word formation of the Semitic family of languages.