Latin Lives On
by Robyn Tellefsen
The Latin language is not dead. It lives on in the English language as well as the Romance languages (French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Spanish), which are derived from Latin.
The Latin major
As a Latin major, you'll study the literature, language, and culture of the Roman Republic and Empire as well as later Latin literature from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. You'll also learn about Roman archaeology, art, history, and religion. A Latin major has connections with the study of Greek and other ancient languages and cultures, as well as with classical civilization, medieval studies, and religious studies.
A linguistic foundation
Knowledge of Latin equips you with the strongest single foundation for mastering Romance languages, modern inflected languages such as German and Russian, and even non-related tongues like Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. Working with Latin broadens your notion of structures possible in languages other than English.
Latin major skills
As you read Latin literature in the original language and explore the literary and historical traditions that influenced ancient writers, you'll develop skills that are essential in any career. These skills include enhanced English vocabulary and grammar; exposure to a wide range of literature; analyzing and critical thinking skills; verbal and written communication skills; and knowledge of cultures and cultural differences.
Further study
Latin majors often pursue a double major. Some choose fields with thematic links to classics, such as English, history, history of art, religious studies, or another foreign language. Others choose a double major with math or science and prepare for medical school or graduate study in the sciences. Some students minor in business to expand their career options.
Careers for Latin majors
Many Latin majors continue on to professional careers in business, law, or medicine. A Latin major also provides excellent preparation for the study of anthropology, archaeology, comparative literature, linguistics, music history, philosophy, or for a career as a minister or priest.
Teaching Latin
In light of the nationwide shortage of high school Latin teachers, the job outlook for Latin majors who plan to teach is excellent. Classics departments at colleges and universities also have a strong history of available entry-level positions for recent Ph.D.s, though the job market is competitive.
When you study Latin, you'll learn a highly sought-after classical language that will live on forever through its linguistic descendants.
The Latin major
As a Latin major, you'll study the literature, language, and culture of the Roman Republic and Empire as well as later Latin literature from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. You'll also learn about Roman archaeology, art, history, and religion. A Latin major has connections with the study of Greek and other ancient languages and cultures, as well as with classical civilization, medieval studies, and religious studies.
A linguistic foundation
Knowledge of Latin equips you with the strongest single foundation for mastering Romance languages, modern inflected languages such as German and Russian, and even non-related tongues like Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. Working with Latin broadens your notion of structures possible in languages other than English.
Latin major skills
As you read Latin literature in the original language and explore the literary and historical traditions that influenced ancient writers, you'll develop skills that are essential in any career. These skills include enhanced English vocabulary and grammar; exposure to a wide range of literature; analyzing and critical thinking skills; verbal and written communication skills; and knowledge of cultures and cultural differences.
Further study
Latin majors often pursue a double major. Some choose fields with thematic links to classics, such as English, history, history of art, religious studies, or another foreign language. Others choose a double major with math or science and prepare for medical school or graduate study in the sciences. Some students minor in business to expand their career options.
Careers for Latin majors
Many Latin majors continue on to professional careers in business, law, or medicine. A Latin major also provides excellent preparation for the study of anthropology, archaeology, comparative literature, linguistics, music history, philosophy, or for a career as a minister or priest.
Teaching Latin
In light of the nationwide shortage of high school Latin teachers, the job outlook for Latin majors who plan to teach is excellent. Classics departments at colleges and universities also have a strong history of available entry-level positions for recent Ph.D.s, though the job market is competitive.
When you study Latin, you'll learn a highly sought-after classical language that will live on forever through its linguistic descendants.
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