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 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.
CANES offers the Classics, Latin, and Classical Humanities majors and the Classical Studies certificate:
• Classics – A combination of Greek and Latin, with a primary emphasis on one of these languages
• Latin – Emphasis solely on the study of Latin
• Classical Humanities – A combination of courses in ancient culture and the Greek, Latin, and Biblical Hebrew languages
• Classical Studies Certificate – Courses in ancient culture, no language study required
Contact CANES advisor Toni Landis for more information or to discuss or declare a major. She can assist with questions about the majors, 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.
Program Options
The Classics major allows students to achieve proficiency in both Greek and Latin. Majors who choose an emphasis in Greek also complete four semesters of Latin, and likewise, those who choose an emphasis in Latin complete four semesters of Greek.
Such comprehensive training enables classics majors to explore Greek and Roman literature in the original languages. From a practical standpoint, students develop analytical and critical thinking skills, and they also become thoughtful and gifted writers in their native languages thanks to the intensive grammatical training, critical reading skills, and source criticism required by the study of ancient languages.
Requirements
- Latin Emphasis
- Latin 103, 104, 203, 204, 301, 302, and one course numbered 500 and above
- Greek 103, 104, 305, 306
- Greek Emphasis
- Greek 103, 104, 305, 306, 401, 402, and one course numbered 500 and above
- Latin 103, 104, 203, 204
Students who pursue the Latin major read a wide variety of authors and can expect to achieve a high level of competency in the ancient language of the Romans. Coursework includes such favorites as Vergil, Ovid, Cicero, Julius Caesar, and Catullus, but students can expect to be able to read other authors like the historians (Livy, Sallust, and Tacitus) and genres like lyric, satire, and drama.
Like those who choose the Classics major, Latin majors tend to have advanced language and writing competency due to the intensive grammatical training, critical reading skills, and source criticism required by the study of ancient languages.
For those who are interested in teaching Latin at the secondary level, the School of Education offers certification. Students of this program take Latin courses in our department, while receiving their teacher training in the School of Education. Contact Toni Landis, the CANES advisor, for placement.
Requirements
- Latin 103, 104, 203, 204, 301, 302
- 4 Latin courses numbered 500 and above
The Classical Humanities major allows students to combine their love of ancient language with the exploration of the literature, society, and culture of ancient Greece, Rome, and the ancient Near East.
Students study Greek, Latin, or Biblical Hebrew in two or four semester combinations, and they choose from a wide selection of complementary courses, including topics in art, architecture, archaeology, history, literature, philosophy, and politics. In addition to supporting their language study, these subjects enable our majors to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the ancient world.
Requirements
The classical humanities major consists of a combination of courses in ancient culture and classical languages. The major requirements are divided into three areas: Language, Literature and Culture, and Seminar.
Students typically earn 32–34 credits from these three areas to complete the major requirements; 18 credits are required in the Literature and Culture, and Seminar categories. The requirements for the major are:
- Language – 4 Semesters of Greek, Latin, or Hebrew Bible or 2 semesters each of 2 of the 3 languages (totaling 4 semesters).
- Greek 103, 104, 305, 306
- Latin 103, 104, 203, 204
- Hebrew Bible 103, 104, 323, 324
- Literature and Culture – 15 total credits, including 9 credits numbered 300 and above. Note: no more than 2 courses from the same department outside Classics may be applied toward this requirement.
- All Classics courses
- Up to 6 credits of Greek, Latin, or Hebrew Bible beyond the level used to satisfy the language requirement
- Art History 115, 201, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 405, 505
- History 110, 112, 208, 251, 303, 307
- History of Science 322
- Integrated Liberal Studies (ILS) 203, 205, 207
- Philosophy 430, 454
- Political Science 265
- Seminar – Undergraduate seminar, normally taken senior year.
- Classics 591
The Classical Studies certificate allows students to explore the literature, civilization, and culture of the ancient world. It is especially ideal for students drawn to Greek, Roman or Ancient Near Eastern society but less interested in language study.
Both the flexibility and variety are additional features that make the certificate attractive to students. Course options include topics in art, architecture, archaeology, history, literature, philosophy, and politics. Students are free to explore their individual interests on the way to developing a more comprehensive understanding of the ancient world.
Finally, in addition to completing requirements for the certificate, many of the courses fulfill UW-Madison’s general education requirements, such as Comm-B, and Breadth requirements, such as Humanities and Literature.
Requirements
- 18 credits in Classics and related fields, at least 12 of which must be numbered 300 and above
- All Classics courses
- Art History 115, 201, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 405, 505
- History 110, 112, 208, 251, 303, 307
- History of Science 322
- Integrated Liberal Studies (ILS) 203, 205, 207
- Philosophy 430, 454
- Political Science 265
Careers and Skill Development
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What can I do with a CANES major or certificate?
In answer to this nerve-wracking question, CANES majors are often told “anything.” In fact, our coursework builds the critical thinking and communication skills needed to succeed in careers ranging from politics and education to business and law. But “anything” is a hard place to start a career search.
Think about what you’re learning in the classroom as well as what you’re doing each day to be a successful student; the skills you’re developing are equally important in the workplace:
- Critical reading, reflection, and analysis
- Proper research design and methodology
- Expanded world view and exposure to new ideas and ways of thinking
- Effective teamwork to advance a common project or purpose
- Effective time-management and self-motivation to complete projects independently
- Demonstrated writing proficiency in short & long essay format
- Discussion and debate strategies
- Broader knowledge of career and graduate-study options
One of the more significant skills CANES majors develop is language acquisition. Your study of Greek, Latin, or Biblical Hebrew sets you apart and demonstrates your willingness to explore and expand your understanding of history and culture. Not to mention the study of ancient languages shows discipline and perseverance.
Overall, you’ll have a wide variety of skills and talents to start you on the path to a rewarding career!
See what some of our alumni are doing
How has language study helped students with their career journey?
Yusi L., current graduate student at Bryn Mawr
Michele C., “My first job in publishing was as a research assistant working on a translation of a book whose sources were primarily in post-Renaissance Greek and Latin, as well as French and Italian. I continue to use my knowledge to assist my editors in understanding Latin titles and quotations in manuscripts, as well as assisting curators in translating Latin and Greek that appear in rare prints, for example.”
Benjamin S., “In my current IT career, my undergraduate study of human languages and translation has provided a path into programming languages that are a way of translating human language into machine language.”
William M., “[T]here’s never a time when being more literate hurts, and without a doubt Latin and Greek make the more obscure corners of English easier to comprehend. For example, I am not a lawyer or accountant, but I have had to dabble in some of those areas for some of my projects since graduating…”
How do I start exploring my interest areas and connecting them to careers?
There are many ways to get started both on campus and off. Below, you’ll find broad interest areas that link to resources to assist you in your exploration!
Healthcare
If you’re interested in the health care field, you should visit the Center for Pre-Health Advising. It’s a great resource that provides information about the variety of health careers available and valuable information about the academic path you may want to take in pursuit of these options.
Law School
Thinking of law school? Luckily, you can find plenty of information and assistance at the Center of Pre-Law Advising. Learn what law schools are looking for, how to pick out schools that are right for you, when to apply, tips for taking the LSAT, and much more. You should also explore the Pre-Law Scholars Program.
Meet Phoebe Kasdin
Graduate School
If you have an interest in graduate school but haven’t decided on a specific focus, you may want to begin with your CANES faculty or a faculty member practicing the discipline you’re most interested in. Think about the questions you have before you meet and be prepared:
Learn about UW-Madison graduate school
Meet Esther Ramer
Meet Sarah Rous
Meet Andrea Samz-Pustol
Education
While you may not have considered teaching until later in your undergraduate career, it’s not too late! There are a number of ways to become certified to teach and many private schools do not require teaching certification.
- School of Education’s World Language Education Program
- High school teaching certification through the School of Education
- Alternatives to certification
Meet Nate Kolpin
Meet Abby Lease
Museum Work
Learn how your interest in Classics can translate to work in a museum or historical society. The Museums Association provides an extensive look at getting started as a volunteer and finding internships. There’s also an extensive job list.
Government
There are so many possibilities that fall under “government work” that it’s impossible to provide a comprehensive overview of what’s available to you. You can consider anything from serving in Congress to city management, from public policy work to foreign service. The best way to get experience in these areas is to conduct informational interviews, intern or volunteer for offices and organizations that interest you, and speak to the government work specialist at SuccessWorks, Marie Koko. Make sure to scroll down for more helpful information!
You should also consider the Wisconsin in Washington DC internship program. Another great resource for job and internship opportunities across the country is found at PublicAffairsJobs.blogspot.com.
International Work
Finding employment abroad can also be achieved numerous ways. Again, the government path might be one of the most obvious but you can also consider international non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch), corporations with overseas locations, or trade associations.
Learn about the International Internship Program, Wisconsin in Washington DC, Study Abroad Office, Peace Corps, Language Institute, Global Health Institute.
Non-Profits
If you’ve always pictured yourself helping others but are too queasy for medicine and not great at organic chemistry, consider public service to others in the form of non-profit employment. There are many ways to be of service through food banks, literacy networks, shelters, community programming, immigration centers—if you have an interest area, there is most likely more than one non-profit to choose from.
The best place to start is the Morgridge Center for Public Service. For more ideas of locations around Madison, check out Community Shares.
Meet Jennifer Henschel
Meet Phoebe Kasdin
Communications and Journalism
One of the most significant skills you can hone while in college is the ability to write and speak professionally, purposefully, and with precision. A career in this field can be found through work in advertising, marketing, freelance reporting, media relations, publicity, website development, and much more.
Reach out to the Media, Information, and Communication Advisor, Pam Garcia-Rivera and have a look at the types of careers and internships available.
Consider writing or working for the Badger Herald or Daily Cardinal and don’t forget about the various television and radio stations, newspapers, and magazines around Madison.
Business and Tech Industry
Much like government work, the business world offers a wide variety of opportunities for liberal arts majors. You can find work in companies large and small doing anything from sales of insurance (State Farm) or athletic apparel (Nike) to marketing for major corporations (Pepsi) or clothing stores (Kohl’s). Many of these opportunities depend on internship work and general work experience. If you’ve worked retail or customer services jobs, you have a clear idea of what the general public needs or wants; these experiences provide a foundation for a career if you let them. The search for this kind of work can be a little more time-consuming, but there are opportunities in Madison and just about every other major city you can think of.
Meet Will Marx
For even more resources, visit SuccessWorks and Handshake
Are there internships opportunities I should know about?
Yes! Internships are a great way to build your résumé. You gain valuable work experience, develop appropriate skills in your area of interest, build relationships with mentors and others who have the potential to assist you when you begin a serious job-search later on, and explore career paths to see if they truly fit your skills and abilities.
Below is a list of websites that offer internship options for a number of CANES related disciplines in a wide variety of locations.
- University of Notre Dame – Internship Listings
- Wesleyan University – Internship Listings
- The Catholic University of America – Museum Internships
- Internships at the Smithsonian
- Recommendations from Museums Association
- Local Internship Options:
- Local Volunteer Options:
- Learn how you can get credit for your internship by taking Inter L&S 260
- Money for your internship.
Archaeological Field Schools
There are many summer opportunities to work on excavations. Have a look at the Archaeological Institute of America’s Database for a list of excavations and field schools around the world.
What should I know about writing a résumé or cover letter?
If you remember nothing else, remember that a résumé is very personal! There is no “right” or “wrong” way to create one. The format can depend on your experiences, the type of job or internship you’re applying for, and your personal preferences for layout. That said, there are a number of important tips (active verbs, one page) to keep in mind. Make sure to review the following information and don’t hesitate to come in for help!
- Résumé guide – SuccessWorks
- Résumé Guide – Princeton Career Services
A cover letter is simply a form of introduction. You’re introducing yourself to the organization or company, explaining why you’re a good fit for the position and what you bring to the job that makes you the best candidate.
For more resources, visit SuccessWorks
How can I get involved on campus and develop leadership skills?
Students have many opportunities for getting involved across campus. Make sure you explore all the student organizations, activities, and events available. Below you’ll find a basic list of options that appeal to many CANES majors, but don’t hesitate to ask your peers what they’re involved in, too!
- Classics Society
- Adventure Learning Programs
- Alexander Hamilton Society UW-Madison
- AnthroCircle UW-Madison
- Associated Students of Madison (ASM)
- Building Relationships in Diverse Global Environments (BRIDGE)
- Center for Leadership and Involvement
- Global Connections Committee
- IMPACT National Conference
- LeaderShape Institute
- Leadership Certificate
- Legal Studies Association
- Mock Trial
- Model UN
- Morgridge Center for Public Service
- National Conference for College Women Student Leaders
- Pre-Law Society UW-Madison
- ReThink
- Willis L. Jones Leadership Center
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 Facebook page!
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 only open to Classics, Classical Humanities, and Latin majors. 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, or to participate in an active archaeological field project. Awards will be in the amount of up to $800. This competition is only open to Classics, Classical Humanities, and Latin majors. 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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