Ave Maria University
Rediscover the roots of our Western culture and find fellowship with the greatest thinkers and artists of the Greco-Roman world. Classics and Early Christian Literature is a rigorous academic program that will help you develop proficiency in Latin and Greek as you take part in a literary study of our Western heritage from Homer to the Fathers of the Church.
Careers: Law, Medicine, Classics, Humanities, Religious Life
In the Classics & Early Christian Literature program, you’ll learn the languages of our Western heritage and study a broad range of authors, genres and subjects, in the original Latin and Greek. By discovering the depth of this heritage, you’ll build an excellent foundation for a successful career and a life informed by the highest ideals of Western and Catholic culture.
Fast Fact: Classics majors have the highest success rates of any majors in law school and consistently have some of the highest scores on GREs of all undergraduates. – Harvard Magazine
A major in Classics & Early Christian Literature is an excellent foundation for a successful career and for a life informed by the highest ideals of western and Catholic culture. The heart of the major is the study of the Greek and Latin languages through the close reading of works from various genres of ancient literature. We are proud that at AMU our students encounter not only the notable authors of pagan antiquity, but also the intellectual pillars and Fathers of the Catholic Church in the original Latin and Greek.
The fruits of this study are many: students gain access to the origins of western culture and society; they hone the skills of analysis, critical thinking, observation, accuracy, and careful writing, which are highly prized by employers and professional schools. The mastery of Latin and Greek grammar leads to a deeper understanding of English grammar, and the acquisition of a solid vocabulary in Latin and Greek enriches the understanding of countless English words. Students find that the classical languages are an excellent foundation for the study of modern languages, such as Spanish, French, and Italian.
According to The Princeton Review,
We can’t overestimate the value of a Classics major … according to Association of American Medical Colleges, students who major or double-major in Classics have a better success rate getting into medical school than do students who concentrate solely in biology, microbiology, and other branches of science … Furthermore, according to Harvard Magazine, Classics majors (and math majors) have the highest success rates of any majors in law school … Even furthermore, Classics majors consistently have some of the highest scores on GREs of all undergraduates.
Those who major in Classics at AMU have gone on to graduate degrees in Law, Medicine, Classics, and the Humanities; some have entered the seminary and religious life; others have undertaken careers in teaching (a resurgence of interest in classical education has led to a great need for Latin teachers at the primary and secondary levels as well as in homeschooling groups). For all these reasons, a Classics major is an excellent preparation for a career in business, politics, publishing, library science, diplomacy, government, or any occupation in which critical thinking and a superior command of language are prized.
Education: A.A., Spanish, Florida Gulf Coast University; B.A., Spanish Philology, University of Navarre, Spain; M.A., Teaching English and Spanish, University of Navarre, Spain; Ph.D. (candidate), Latin American Literature, University of Navarre, Spain Office: Canizaro Library 253 Email: dayami.abella@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 280-2532
Education: B.A., Classics and Early Christian Literature, Ave Maria University; M.A., Philosophy, University of Dallas; M.A., Spoken Koine Greek and Biblical Hebrew; Ph.D. (candidate), Classics, University of Toronto Office: Canizaro Library 250 Email: anthony.antunes@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 304-7393
Education: B.A., Liberal Studies, University of Notre Dame; M.T.S., Moral Theology, John Paul II Institute for Studies in Marriage & Family; M.A., Greek & Latin, Catholic University of America; Ph.D., Greek & Latin, Catholic University of America Office: Henkels 2050 Email: andrew.dinan@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 280-1619
Education: B.A., Classics, University of Florida; M.A., Latin, University of California, Berkeley; Ph.D., Classics, University of California, Berkeley Office: Canizaro Library 218 Email: bradley.ritter@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 280-1667
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For those looking for jobs in teaching Greek or Latin, the American Classical League hosts a placement service here. Recent university-level job openings can be found at the American Philological Association’s website here.
Career Services prides itself on providing students, alumni and employers with the opportunity to connect. No matter where you are in your career search, whether it’s deciding on a path, preparing for your first job interview or working on graduate school or fellowship applications, we can help.
The spiritual life on campus is the beating heart of Ave. Whether it’s attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, participating in retreats or getting spiritual direction, you’ll find the spiritual support you need from the priests and staff of Campus Ministry.
With AMU’s core curriculum, you’ll not only achieve breadth of knowledge, but also depth of knowledge. You’ll encounter the truth about God and His creation more completely through the dynamic interplay of all of the liberal arts, including theology and natural science.
Sunny skies, warm temperatures, a beautiful campus. What more could you want? How about a community-like atmosphere, quality instructors who care about your success, a wealth of spiritual activities, expert career guidance… and that’s only the beginning. Imagine your future at AMU. It all starts by filling out our free application today.