FROM STUDY TO SKILLS
All academic programs offered at the UM help students develop valuable transferable skills. So why study ancient cultures and languages? Because the works and thoughts of the Greeks and Romans provide historical perspective to questions that are still sharply debated. The questions pondered by the ancients are timeless —the nature of fate, identity and gender, the individual and society, responsibility of the individual, the best form of government, definitions of justice and law, the meaning of heroism, the function of sport and spectacle in society, the origins of imperialism, etc. In addition, the ancient languages influenced every modern European language, especially Modern Greek, Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
We encourage students to use the Department’s many resources and provide many opportunities to pursue research, fieldwork, and study abroad.
Related fields include History, Philosophy, History of Art, Comparative Literature, Linguistics, Archaeology, Near Eastern Studies, Ancient Civilizations, and Biblical Studies.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Language Skills
Reading for tone and attitude
Perceiving word patterns and structures
Interpreting historical ideas in a modern context
Evaluating styles of writing
Using and recognizing precise language
Evaluating translations and original texts
Research and Analytical Skills
Understanding the importance of detail
Compiling and organizing information
Evaluating ideas / theories /evidence
Observing people and things
Reasoning logical solutions to problems
Communication Skills
Writing clearly
Listening critically
Presenting and debating arguments
Persuading people / groups
Editing / proofreading materials
Reading for hidden meaning
Social and Intercultural Skills
Understanding ideas
Understanding and interpreting other cultures / beliefs
Developing sensitivity to cultural viewpoints
Clarifying others’ thoughts and ideas
Appreciating continuity and change within a historical perspective
BUILDING YOUR SKILLS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Employers seek out individuals who can demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Classical Studies offers students numerous opportunities to engage in departmental life to help build these skills. The small size of many language classes and upper level courses fosters a true sense of community, enhanced by faculty and staff mentorship and lively activity of several student groups. Student organizations and campus employment offer other valuable opportunities to add to the skills you are developing in your classes. Other options include study abroad, off-campus employment or volunteering in the community. Finally, a summer internship may be the best way of all to test out a career field and develop marketable skills.
FROM SKILLS TO CAREER
Classics concentrators develop both general and technical skills applicable to a wide range of careers. For example, the ability to organize and compile large amounts of data may be equally useful whether working as a museum curator, a freelance writer, or an attorney.
Many of our concentrators go on to graduate or professional school. The list below is a sample of careers undertaken by Classics graduates.
Language Skills
Teacher, Greek and Latin
Interpreter
Translator
Tour planner / tour guide
International trade representative
Research and Analytical Skills
Archivist 
College professor
Archaeologist
Research associate
Museum curator
Medical researcher
Financial analyst
Policy analyst
Foundation director
Librarian
Communication Skills
High school teacher
Study abroad advisor
Lawyer
Editor (textbook, journal, newspaper, web)
Advertising copywriter
Promotional advertiser
Public relations specialist
Freelance writer
Arts reviewer
Social and Intercultural Skills
Minister
Foreign service officer
Press secretary
Legislative assistant
Labor relations manager
Human resource officer
= Further Study Required
For more career information, see O*Net at http://online.onetcenter.org/
CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS
The Department offers the following concentration and minor programs:
Archaeology
Ancient Greek and Latin
• Classical Language and Literature
• Greek
• Latin
• Latin Teaching Certification
Classical Civilization
Modern Greek
Descriptions of the various concentration requirements are set forth in the LSA Bulletin and can be found on the departmental website. The Classical Studies concentration advisors welcome the opportunity to discuss the department’s program with any prospective concentrators. In addition, an Honors concentration is available in each concentration. Classics concentrators are eligible to spend a semester abroad at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome, where students gain firsthand exposure to the major sites and monuments of ancient Greece, Sicily, and Roman Italy.
Department of Classics
2160 Angell Hall
435 S. State Street
734-764-0360
www.lsa.umich.edu/classics
Newnan Advising Center
1255 Angell Hall
734-764-0332
www.lsa.umich.edu/advising
NEXT STEPS / RESOURCES
To begin exploring opportunities for overseas study and work, go to: http://lsa.umich.edu/cgis/ or
http://globalportal.umich.edu/study.php
To begin connecting to professionals in fields that interest you, create your own LinkedIn account:
www.careercenter.umich.edu/article/getting-started-linkedin
To identify internships or job opportunities, visit Handshake: https://careercenter.umich.edu/article/handshake
On-campus jobs (work-study and non work-study jobs) are listed at:
https://studentemployment.umich.edu/JobX_Home.aspx
Maize Pages list hundreds of organizations for students to get involved in: http://studentorgs.umich.edu/maize
The Career Center
3200 Student Activities Building
734-764-7460
www.careercenter.umich.edu
www.facebook.com/careercenter.umich
http://twitter.com/careercenter
The Career Guide series was developed by the University of Michigan Career Center, Division of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. ©2011 Regents of the University of Michigan