“The Greeks,” historian Jacob Burckhardt wrote, are “the representatives of genius on earth . . . if we ignore them we are simply accepting our own decline.” The Classical tradition that started with the Greeks and was refined by the Romans is the basis of Western civilization: to know Classical civilization is to possess the key to our roots and ultimately ourselves.

The Classical Studies Program at California State University Fresno is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge of the Classical tradition. Students can minor in Classical Studies, Greek, or Latin. Mastery of the ancient languages is followed by courses in Greek and Latin authors, and Classical history, philosophy, art, and literature. Whatever a student’s major, the Classical Studies Minor provides an impressive and valuable complement.

Classical Studies offers small classes in which students work closely with professors. The program is particularly helpful in preparing students for graduate studies. Our faculty works closely with students at every step of preparation to make them competitive at the nation’s top programs. Through the generosity of the McClatchy family, every year scholarships are available for those students preparing for graduate school. The Program also hosts the Phoebe Conley Classics Lecture every fall, which brings to Fresno an internationally renowned scholar who meets with students and offers valuable advice on applying to graduate school.