Classical and Oriental Studies

Overview

The Department of Classical and Oriental Studies offers programs in Classics, Russian, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, and Arabic. With over 20 full-time faculty and approximately 20–25 adjunct faculty, the department is able to offer eight BA degrees: Latin, Greek, Latin and Greek, Classical Studies, Classical Archaeology, Russian, Hebrew, and Chinese. In addition, the department offers a three-year sequence in the Japanese language, and a three-year sequence in Arabic language and literature, and―in joint sponsorship with the Kosciuszko Foundation―a wide range of courses in Polish language, literature and culture. The department participates in several interdisciplinary programs, including Religion, Women and Gender Studies, Comparative Literature, and Jewish Studies. All the programs of the department have as their common goal the teaching of the foreign languages and literatures, traditionally viewed as one of the cornerstones of the liberal arts curriculum. This goal is met in several ways. Each of the languages helps fulfill the 12-credit (normally four-semester) foreign-language requirement. The six-credit requirement in literature may be satisfied in part by a course in literature in the original language or by a course in literature in translation. Undergraduate majors are given a solid grounding in foreign languages and literature study in order to prepare them both for careers in which they will use these skills and for further study on the graduate level.

Full list of Programs and Courses in Classical and Oriental Studies

Programs and Courses in Classical & Oriental Studies

What can I do with my degree in Classical and Oriental Studies?

The programs prepare students for further studies in graduate school and professional careers in international trade, education, government service, diplomacy, private business, journalism and related fields. Careers in research, government and education use skills developed in classical studies, and a major in classics provides an excellent foundation for many professional programs such as law. In addition, specialized careers—such as college and high school teaching, museum work, and archival research—are open to professional classicists and archaeologists. Russian majors find employment in U.S. governmental agencies, the United Nations, broadcasting, banking, international commerce, education, library services and other fields

Administration and Faculty

Chair:

Robert Koehl
1442 West
(212) 772-5181
rkoehl@hunter.cuny.edu

Faculty for All Programs in Classical and Oriental Studies

Classical and Oriental Studies Faculty