Classics and Religious Studies students study the texts and artifacts produced by people living in the civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean and areas further east — where the major religions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism originated.
We also examine how those civilizations and their beliefs have affected our modern perceptions of the world, both within the United States and abroad.
Careers with a Classics & Religious Studies Degree
Discovering the Roots of Human Beliefs and Cultures
We deal with human beliefs, emotions and interactions — and how to study these objectively. These are big questions about human existence:
- What does it mean to be human in different places and times?
- What are the root factors behind the differences that characterize various cultures?
- How do religious beliefs shape cultural choices?
- How do different classes of people interact within a culture and why?
It's all about the evidence! We examine what people wrote, the cities in which they lived, their objects of daily life, and even inscriptions on their tombstones. Sometimes we only have fragments of surviving evidence, so the challenge (and the fun) is to figure out how to put a partial puzzle back together to create an overall understanding of the culture.
Classics & Religious Studies Student Experiences — Here and Abroad
At a local archaeological site. Around the World. Just a few places you might get hands-on experience.
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Uncover a Once-Thriving Civil War-Era African American Settlement in OhioAll that’s left of Payne’s Crossing, an African American settlement dating back to the 1800s, is remnants of the cemetery? Actually, there’s a lot more to discover about this once-thriving settlement founded by formerly enslaved people that likely served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
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Exploring Eternal Rome with a View to Piety and PowerStudents can take advantage of opportunities to discover the rich religious and political history of medieval Rome over spring break, exploring dozens of archeological sites, museums, and churches in Rome and its vicinity, all with the guidance of a professor with expert knowledge and extensive familiarity of Rome.
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Experience OHIOThis searchable tool showcases dozens of ways Bobcats are rolling up their sleeves to gain real-world skills and stand out as emerging professionals. Sort by industry, academic college, or experience type — or simply use the search bar to discover unique opportunities that are totally you.
Research Areas We Focus On
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Why Study Archaeology?
Unearth new pieces of the puzzle, from the Bronze Age to Alexander the Great.
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Why Study the Classics?
Because questions of democracy, justice, power and empire remain unanswered, even today.
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Why Study Classical Greek?
Their bodies are dead, but their voices live on—for those who long to hear them.
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Why Study Hindi?
To understand a place as complicated as South Asia, one must understand its languages.
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Why Study Latin?
Romance, the Renaissance and Rome still resonate today, from comic books to science.
Professor and Alumna Team Up to Study Fringe Religious Groups and 'Cult Films'
Neil Bernstein Brings Modern Access to 2,000-year-old Classic Latin Poetry
Loren Lybarger Examines How Remembering Argentina State Terror Drives Demands for Justice Today
Alumni Engagement & Giving Opportunities
Classics & Religious Studies News
Classics & Religious Studies Events
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