Are you fascinated by myth and magic? Intrigued by courtroom drama, epic battles, or the ancient roots of today’s pressing social questions? The John and Penelope Biggs Department of Classics invites you to dive into the ancient world through a vibrant set of courses open to first-year students this fall. Whether you're already passionate about ancient history or simply curious, our courses offer fresh perspectives, engaging material, and thought-provoking discussion. Here’s what you can explore this semester:

CLASSICS 1190 — Power and Persuasion: The Courts and Laws of Ancient Athens

Justice by the People, Persuasion as Power
T/Th 2:30–3:50 | Instructor: William Bubelis
Step into the lively world of Athenian democracy, where everyday citizens argued their own cases in public courts. In this course, you’ll analyze real courtroom speeches to understand how justice, politics, and power played out in ancient Athens. Explore how the physical settings of trials—from the Agora to the Areopagus—shaped civic life and democratic values. A fascinating introduction to law, rhetoric, and society in the classical world.

CLASSICS 2510 — Projecting the Past: Ancient Greece and Rome in Modern Film

Ancient Worlds on the Silver Screen
T/Th 4:00–5:20 | Instructor: Rebecca Sears
Why do ancient stories still captivate modern audiences? This course examines how filmmakers from Hollywood to Europe have reimagined ancient Greece and Rome. You'll compare cinematic interpretations to original ancient texts, unpacking what these portrayals reveal about both antiquity and our own time. From Gladiator to Troy, ancient epics come alive through a critical lens.

CLASSICS 3060 — Race and Identity in Greco-Roman Antiquity

Race and the Ancient World: Myth, History, and Modern Impact
M/W 4:00–5:20 | Instructor: Kathryn Wilson
What did it mean to belong—or not belong—in the ancient Mediterranean? This timely course explores how ancient Greeks and Romans thought about identity, difference, and community. Through literary and archaeological sources, you’ll consider whether ideas akin to race existed in antiquity, and how modern perspectives have reshaped our understanding of the ancient world.

CLASSICS 3410 — Ancient History: The Roman Republic

From Republic to Empire: The Rise and Fall
M/W/F 3:00–3:50 | Instructor: Christopher Erdman
How did Rome evolve from a small city to a global superpower—and why did its Republic collapse? This engaging survey course covers the dramatic history of the Roman Republic, including political struggles, military conquests, and social upheaval. Ideal for students interested in politics, leadership, and the legacy of republican ideals.

CLASSICS 3830 — Magicians, Healers, and Holy Men

Magic in the Ancient World: Spells, Stars, and Sorcery
M/W/F 2:00–2:50 | Instructor: Lance Jenott
Venture into the world of ancient magic, where spells, amulets, and rituals were part of everyday life. Explore how Greco-Roman, Jewish, and early Christian traditions used magic for love, healing, and protection—and how it intersected with medicine and religion. From curse tablets to star charts, this course uncovers the mystical side of antiquity.

Why Take Classics?

Classics is more than mythology and marble statues—it's the foundation of many fields, from law and politics to literature, art, and science. Our courses are designed to be accessible to students from all backgrounds—no previous experience with Greek or Latin is required—and they fulfill various General Education requirements.

So whether you're planning to major in Classics, considering a minor, or simply looking for an intellectually rich elective, start your journey here. These courses offer new ways of thinking, diverse perspectives, and a community of curious, engaged students and faculty.

Ready to register? Talk to your four-year advisor and register on Workday. Questions about the Classics major or minor? Contact the Department of Classics at classics@wustl.edu or stop by our office in Umrath Hall 244—we’d love to help you chart your course through the ancient world.

Discover the past. Understand the present. Join us in Classics.