The language, literature, and culture of ancient Greece, Rome, and the ancient Near East are the primary subjects of study in the Department of Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies (CANES) at UW-Madison. Our department and its affiliated faculty offer language instruction in ancient Greek, Latin, and Biblical Hebrew, as well as courses in literature in translation, civilization and society, art and archaeology, history, philosophy, and political science. Our course offerings include everything from mythology and ancient religions to sex and gender and even monsters.
If you have prior experience with Latin, please contact Vanessa Schmitz-Siebertz (schmitzsiebe@wisc.edu) for enrollment guidance.
For ancient Greek, contact Toni Landis (tllandis@wisc.edu).
Beginning in fall 2023, CANES introduces exciting changes!
The Classical Humanities major is redesigned for maximum flexibility. Students can take two semesters of language and eight literature/culture courses or continue their language study to an advanced level.
- Two semesters of ancient Greek, Latin, or Biblical Hebrew
- 12 credits of Classics and related courses at the intermediate level*
- 9 credits of Classics and related courses at any level*
- Capstone course
OR, students may continue to pursue their language study (third semester and beyond are intermediate/advanced level credits).
The Classical Studies certificate will require 15 credits comprised of:
- 9 credits of Classics and related courses at the intermediate level*
- 6 credits of Classics and related courses at any level*
*Related Courses include:
Animal Science 240
Art History 201, 301, 302, 310, 405, 505
History 111, 112, 208, 303, 307
History of Science 322
Integrated Liberal Studies 203, 205
Philosophy 430, 454
Political Science 265
Contact CANES advisor Toni Landis to discuss or declare these options! She can assist with questions about the major, the certificate, other L&S requirements and opportunities, and careers. Appointments can be made through Starfish on MyUW or by email at tllandis@wisc.edu.
Student Orgs
Classics Society
The Classics Society is a registered student organization (RSO) at UW-Madison which invites undergraduates to grow together in appreciation of the classical world, and offers a wide range of opportunities for them to share their knowledge with others. We meet up for film nights, quizzes, trips to galleries, volunteer opportunities, Mediterranean feasts, visiting speakers, and much, much more! Whether you’re just getting interested in the ancient world, or you’re a seasoned expert, all are more than welcome to join.
Learn more at the Classics Society Instagram!
AnthroCircle
AnthroCircle is a registered student organization (RSO) at UW-Madison that aims to promote anthropology as an inclusive and critical four field discipline of archaeology, cultural, biological, and lingustic anthropology. We hold weekly study groups, one-time events such as World Anthropology Day, public lectures, field trips, round-table discussions, and socials, as well as ongoing programs such as the Craft Series and the Neil Whitehead Colloquium Series. Anyone interested in anthropology is welcome to join, regardless of experience!
Learn more at the AnthroCircle website and AnthroCircle Facebook page!
Scholarships
In addition to routinely nominating or recommending exemplary undergraduate majors for national, regional, local and university awards, the department offers the following competitions annually:
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Ruth M. Kuhlman Undergraduate Scholarship
Established in 1998 with a bequest from Myron George Kuhlman in memory of his wife, Ruth Miller Kuhlman (BS in Education ’32), this is a monetary award for undergraduates to benefit and advance their studies within the field of Classics. Total amount of award may be up to $2500 and the award may not be granted every academic year depending on quality of entries and availability of funds. This competition is open to majors only. Generally, the application is open in early November with a deadline for submission in early February.
Gertrude E. Slaughter Summer Study Scholarship
A monetary award in memory of Gertrude E. Slaughter, author and widow of Professor Moses S. Slaughter 1896-1923, for undergraduate students to advance their studies at an accredited center such as the American School in Athens or the American Academy in Rome, to participate in study abroad, or to participate in an active archaeological field project. Awards will be in the amount of up to $800. This competition is open to majors only. Generally, the application is open in early November with a deadline for submission in early February.
Logan Prize for Greek Translation
A monetary award in memory of Fellow of Classics, John Watson Logan (Ph.D. ’23), for the translation of a passage of ancient Greek. The passage will be selected each year by the chair of the Prize Committee and awards may not be granted every academic year depending on quality of entries. This competition is open to all undergraduate students who have completed at least one semester of ancient Greek and is normally publicized in classes and to department majors in early April.
Pillinger Prize for Latin Translation
A monetary award in memory of Assistant Professor Hugh Edward Pillinger (1965-1970) for the translation of a passage in Latin. The passage will be selected each year by the chair of the Prize Committee and awards may not be granted every academic year depending on quality of entries. This competition is open to all undergraduate students who have completed at least one semester of Latin and is normally publicized in classes and to department majors in early April.
For even more scholarships from UW-Madison, see the Undergraduate Academic Awards page!
Student Resources
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UW Admissions Information
Useful Links
Campus Resources
- Academic Resources
- Academic Resources
- L&S Academic Deans’ Services
- American Indian Studies
- Center for Academic Excellence (CAE)
- Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)
- Center for Jewish Studies
- Center for Pre-Health Advising
- Center for Pre-Law Advising
- Dean of Students Office
- Language Institute
- Religious Studies Program
- Community and Inclusivity Resources
- Education and Career Opportunities
- Health Services