Bachelor of Arts in Latin

Classics at WMU gives you several ways to enter the worlds of ancient Greece and Rome. You can make Latin the center of your degree, add it to another field, explore the ancient world across multiple disciplines or begin studying classical Greek.

The Department of World Languages and Literatures at Western Michigan University offers:

• Latin major: Begin with the foundations of the language and advance to reading Latin literature in its original form. Courses such as Cicero and Vergil bring you into direct contact with Roman political rhetoric, philosophy, epic poetry and debates about leadership, duty and power. You may also study Latin Composition, explore prose and poetry from different authors and periods in Latin Literature, or follow the language beyond Rome through saints’ lives, monastic rules, hymns and homilies in Medieval Latin.
• Latin minor: Build a substantial foundation in Latin while completing another major. After beginning Latin and an introduction to Latin literature, you can continue into courses such as Latin Composition, Cicero, Vergil, Latin Literature and Medieval Latin. Selected Classical Studies courses may complement that language work by helping you examine the mythology, morality, art and historical settings surrounding the texts you read.
• Classical Studies minor: Explore Greece and Rome through a broader combination of language, mythology, literature, history, philosophy, art and culture. Courses such as Classical Greek and Roman Mythology trace ancient stories through literature, painting, music and sculpture, while Power and Morality confronts Rome’s complicated relationship with violence, authority and moral responsibility. Classics in Global Perspective examines how classical literature, art and ideas have traveled across cultures and continue to shape conversations far beyond the ancient world.
• Courses in Greek: Study the language of ancient Greek philosophy, history, drama and literature. After completing Basic Greek I and II, students may continue through the Greek-English Translation Practicum, working with texts such as poetry, essays, documents and short fiction, or pursue an independent study in ancient Greek literature.

Language majors also complete WMU’s baccalaureate writing requirement through an approved course such as Global Issues through Literature and Film or East and West Literary Relations, connecting their studies with wider literary and cross-cultural questions.

Program requirements may vary by WMU undergraduate catalog year, and only courses completed with a grade of C or better count toward the Latin major. No student may graduate under a catalog that is more than 10 years old. Students with previous Latin experience should follow the department’s placement guidelines to begin at the level that best matches their preparation.

Go into greater detail on program outcomes and include job positions and companies/organizations for recent WMU graduates. Introduce WMU's Career and Student Employment Services and the resources offered by that office specifically related to this program. 

From Academic Undergraduate Programs Page:   Recent WMU graduates with degrees in Latin are working in many different industries and types of organizations, including:

• Airlines
• Businesses and banks
• Charitable organizations
• Education, all levels
• Hotels
• International exchange programs
• Media
• Museums
• Non-governmental organizations
• State and federal government
• Travel and tourism

Sample job titles include:

• Artist
• Author
• Cultural officer
• Customs or immigration officer
• Diplomat
• Filmmaker
• Foreign correspondent
• Guide
• Intelligence specialist

Your study of Classics can extend well beyond assigned readings and classroom discussion. Individual advising, free language tutoring, placement support, approved study abroad and online research tools can help you strengthen your skills and shape the program around your academic goals. WMU’s Student Success Services also connect students with broader support throughout their undergraduate education. Whether you are beginning Latin, continuing previous study or adding Greek and Classical Studies coursework, these resources can help you move forward with confidence.

Advising and Academic Planning:   For questions about Latin, Greek or Classical Studies coursework, program requirements, language placement or study abroad credit, contact Dr. David Kutzko, the Classics program advisor. Students are encouraged to reach out early when planning future courses, considering study abroad or reviewing program requirements, since appointment availability may vary throughout the semester.

For general questions about course scheduling and degree planning, students can also contact Tom Mills.

Tutoring and Student Success: The Department of World Languages and Literatures offers free tutoring for all 1000- and 2000-level language courses. Tutors can help students work through Latin or Greek grammar, translation, vocabulary, readings and exam preparation.

Students can also connect with Student Success Services for additional academic support and strategies for succeeding throughout their time at WMU.

Placement and Previous Language Experience: Students who have previously studied Latin should follow the department’s placement guidelines before enrolling. Placement helps students begin at the level that best reflects their experience and may also open access to retroactive credit or monitored test-out options.

Study tips:

• Conventiculum Latinum at the University of Kentucky, Lexington: Information about oral Latin summer programs at the University of Kentucky, Lexington.
• Diotima: Materials for the Study of Women and Gender in the Ancient World: Bibliographies and course materials.
• Ephemeris: An online Latin newspaper.
• Nuntii Latini: Der Monatsrückblick auf Latein: World news in Latin broadcast by Radio Bremen, Germany.
• Nuntii Latini from YLE Radio 1, Finland: World news in Latin broadcast by YLE Radio 1, Finland. Also includes links to Latin-language Web forums.
• The Internet Classics Archive: Searchable resource for translations of ancient titles.
• The Perseus Digital Library: Original language resources and online language tools, extensive collection of images.

WMU offers institutional scholarships and grants that can help make a college education more affordable. Students interested in scholarship opportunities should review WMU’s financial aid resources and speak with the appropriate advising office about available options.