Students in this program study classical Latin language, Roman literature and civilization, and principles of Latin pedagogy. The major offers essential knowledge of philology, ancient history, archaeology, biblical studies, and the literary tradition of Western Europe, as well as traditional grounding in the Classics. Students acquire important foreign-language study skills that include careful reading, thoughtful writing, and persuasive speaking. Latin is the mother language not only of Italian, French, and Spanish, but in a real sense of English as well. Its study also enhances one’s understanding of English vocabulary, grammar, and rhetorical structure. The major prepares students for teaching Latin and ancient culture at the secondary level.