Meet the language of gods, heroes, and big ideas.
What do legendary heroes, ancient philosophers, and the roots of modern scientific terminology have in common? Greek has helped shape the stories and ideas we use to understand the world around us.
At UW–Madison, studying Greek offers a chance to explore the language behind some of history’s most enduring myths, influential ideas, and remarkable works of literature — and discover how its legacy continues today.
From legendary heroes and timeless tragedies to the ideas that changed how we think, ancient Greece left a lasting mark on the world around us. Its stories continue to inspire modern books and films, its philosophers still challenge the way we think, and its language lives on in words we use every day.
Studying Ancient Greek at UW–Madison offers a chance to explore this world through the language in which so many of its original stories and ideas were expressed.
Whether you’re fascinated by mythology, curious about philosophy, interested in language, or simply looking for something new to explore, Greek offers a different perspective on the world — and the chance to discover something unexpected.
Why study Greek?
Encounter the stories behind the myths.
Explore the language of ancient storytelling and discover how Greek writers gave expression to heroes, gods, conflicts, and questions about human life.
Explore enduring questions.
Engage with the language of ancient Greek thinkers and writers as they examined questions about society, knowledge, justice, and what it means to be human.
Discover the power of words.
Explore the choices, expressions, and nuances that shape a text beyond what a translation alone can convey.
Connect with the ancient world.
Explore the literature and cultural traditions of ancient Greece through the language in which many of its works were composed.
Where could Greek take you?
Medicine and the sciences
Greek roots are foundational to much of modern medical and scientific vocabulary. Exploring the language can help you recognize the building blocks of terminology used in fields such as biology, medicine, and psychology.
Literature, film, and storytelling
Trace the influence of ancient myths, epic journeys, and tragic heroes on stories that continue to be retold and reimagined in modern culture.
Philosophy, history, and politics
Explore the origins of influential ideas about ethics, government, citizenship, and human nature — and consider how they relate to questions we still ask today.
Start learning Greek
New to Greek?
Browse our course offerings to find Greek classes at UW–Madison.
Studied Greek before?
Your previous language experience may help determine an appropriate starting point. Complete the CANES Language Background Questionnaire to share your background and support the language placement process.
Complete the Language Background Questionnaire