The Classics major (within the Department of Ancient Mediterranean Studies) is a broad study of literature, covering a deep knowledge of the elements of language, grammar, and syntax, writing and reading skills, vocabulary building and experience with the foundational texts. Students pursuing Classics with an emphasis in Classical Languages will have a combination of Latin and Greek courses. Students master the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of the Greek and/or Latin languages, for reading and writing, the distinguishing characteristics of the various styles of the poets and prose writers active during various literary periods, and the fundamental structural elements common to all languages. In addition, students learn to read and translate central Greek and Latin texts, and to identify the resources that will help them read other texts. Students completing the major will be well prepared for a variety of careers and for further study in graduate or other professional schools.