Classical Studies

CLASSICAL STUDIES STRATEGIC FUND – 321412

The Department of Classical Studies offers a wide variety of courses in the languages and culture of both the ancient Mediterranean world and modern Greece. Students may choose a major or a minor that emphasizes archaeology, classical civilization, or the language and literature of Latin and/or Greek (ancient or modern). While many of our courses involve language training, others are taught in English translation. We have close ties with other departments, including History, Philosophy, History of Art, Comparative Literature, and Middle East Studies. We encourage students to participate fully in the life of the Department and to use our many resources. We also provide many opportunities to pursue research, fieldwork, and study abroad.

Donations on Giving Blueday will support department activities, including faculty research, in-person and virtual events (conferences, symposia, and exhibits), undergraduate and graduate activities (study abroad, student clubs, and student conferences). Donations will be directed where most needed.

BRIDGE M.A. IN CLASSICAL STUDIES – 340880

The M.A. in Classical Studies (Bridge M.A.) brings to the Department exceptional students from non-traditional backgrounds who have demonstrated potential for graduate study and a deep interest in any area of Classical Antiquity. The program is designed to help them consolidate their command of Ancient Greek and Latin before entering a Ph.D. Program (at U-M or elsewhere) in Classical Languages and Literature, Ancient History, Ancient Philosophy, or Classical Art and Archaeology. Alumni of the program most often continue with our Department, becoming some of the most vibrant and exciting scholars in our Ph.D. programs.

CLASSICAL STUDIES STUDENT TRAVEL PROGRAM FUND – 386838

Many undergraduate students enjoy being immersed in Classical Studies but cannot spend an entire term studying abroad. This fund will provide support for an annual short study trip to Greece, Italy, or other parts of the world. The trip will provide an international experience that is focused on the languages and cultures of the ancient world or modern Greece.

NOTION FIELDWORK PROJECT – 323387

The Notion Archaeological Project includes students and faculty from the University of Michigan and our Turkish partner universities in an interdisciplinary effort to investigate and preserve an ancient Greek city on the western coast of Anatolia.

Following an extensive survey of the site, which documented its well-preserved fortifications, grid-planned street system, and major civic and religious buildings, excavations were begun at Notion in 2022, with the support of a three-year grant from the NEH. The richness of the site was dramatically confirmed by the discovery of a hoard of Persian gold coins in the second season of work. With the conclusion of NEH funding, the project director, Professor Christopher Ratté, has begun to recruit additional supporters through the “Friends of Notion.” The project has received a $35,000 matching grant for the 2025 season from the Merops Foundation, and its initial goal is to raise the funds to match that pledge. To find out more about the project and to join the “Friends of Notion,” please see https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/notionproject/.