Classics
Are you ready to unlock the secrets of the ancient world?
Whether we realize it or not, the world we live in today is shaped by the ideas and cultures of Classical Antiquity. Through the study of Classics, students have a unique chance to dive into the foundational texts, philosophies, histories, and material cultures of ancient Greece and Rome—civilizations that have profoundly influenced modern thought, law, governance, and the arts. You will learn how Classics students gain critical thinking, analytical, and communications skills that are highly valued across all careers. Classics offers a rich, interdisciplinary educational experience, connecting history, philosophy, linguistics, literary study, and archaeology to foster a well-rounded worldview. This program also highlights the versatility of a Classics education: graduates excel in fields such as business, medicine, law, policy and consulting, public history, and museum work. Students will get an exclusive look at UNC’s museums, archival collections, and research spaces, where you’ll explore how Classics students gain hands-on experience interpreting our evidence for the ancient past. You’ll learn about the fascinating topics and valuable skills taught in Classics courses, all while discovering how this ancient field prepares you for a competitive future. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to explore the timeless relevance of Classics!
Instructor: Suzanne Lye
Suzanne Lye is an Associate Professor of Classics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received her Ph.D. from UCLA and her A.B. from Harvard University. She has also been awarded research fellowships from Dartmouth College, Harvard’s Center for Hellenic Studies, UNC’s Institute for Arts & Humanities, and from the Loeb Library Foundation. Her book Life / Afterlife: Revolution and Reflection in the Ancient Greek Underworld from Homer to Lucian (Oxford 2024) examines conceptions of the afterlife in ancient Greek Underworld narratives from Homer to Lucian. Her interests include Homer and Homeric Reception, Greek literature and culture, mythology, ancient religion and magic, ancient representations of gender and ethnicity, rhetoric, pedagogy, and classical reception in film and video games. At UNC, she regularly teaches Classics courses such as intermediate ancient Greek and Latin, classical mythology, ancient Greek civilization, and Ancient Magic & Religion.