The Department of Classics will have a new name as of July 1, 2023: the Department of Greek and Roman Studies.

“The term ‘Classics’ has traditionally referred to the study of ancient literature, especially poetry — and while we do have faculty who focus on this field, our department also includes historians, archaeologists, and specialists in the material culture of the Greek and Roman world,” explains Martin Beckmann, the department chair.

“Changing the department’s name to Greek and Roman Studies better reflects our faculty’s expertise, and makes clearer to students what they can learn in our program: namely, almost any aspect of the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome.”

Classics courses will also have a new course code, “GKROMST,” when students enroll for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The new name was previewed at the Humanities Majors Fair on March 9.