Latin at Samford: Language, History and Cultural Legacy
Samford University offers an exceptional education in Latin, providing students with a deep understanding of the language, literature and cultural legacy of the ancient world. Our program emphasizes both prose and poetry, allowing students to engage with foundational texts that have shaped Western civilization.
Through studying works by authors such as Cicero, Vergil, Ovid, Livy and Tacitus, students develop advanced language skills while exploring themes of rhetoric, philosophy, mythology, history and politics. Courses focus not only on linguistic mastery but also on the historical and cultural contexts that shaped these texts, making Latin study relevant to disciplines such as history, philosophy, law, theology and the sciences.
The program also explores the lasting influence of Latin on the modern world, from its foundational role in legal, medical and scientific terminology to its continued presence in literature, theology and linguistic studies. By bridging the past and present, students gain a broader perspective on how classical ideas continue to shape contemporary thought and culture.
Through small class sizes and individualized instruction, students benefit from a personalized learning experience, ensuring they develop strong analytical, linguistic and critical thinking skills. Whether pursuing careers in education, law, medicine, ministry or research, Latin students graduate with a unique and highly transferable skill set.
Objectives and Curriculum
As a Latin major you can travel to Italy with experienced faculty guides, develop the language skills to explore the ancient world through the words of its original chroniclers and engage with the ideas that are the foundation of western culture.
Is This Program for Me?
Latin majors are curious about how the ancient past created our present. They have aptitude in language. They love to explore other countries and cultures. They recognize that study of Latin and ancient cultures provides significant advantages in many careers.
What Makes Us Different?
Samford’s Latin professors are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience, and work closely with you in small classroom settings and in the field, exploring the remains of ancient Rome and revealing how that culture continues to shape our own. They are uniquely qualified to explain the influence of ancient cultures on the development of Christianity, providing an essential historical foundation for personal faith and professional calling to ministry. Because travel is essential to the complete classics education, we offer the Mae E. Flynt Travel Scholarship to help students participate in Classics Department programs in Greece and Italy.
Career Preparation
Market Ready
The Latin major’s emphasis on language, history, travel and the foundational ideas and values of western culture is outstanding preparation for careers in medicine, education, ministry, history, archaeology, political science, law, philosophy and religion. You may choose to combine a Latin major with a major in religion, philosophy, pre-law, history, political science or any other undergraduate major to tailor your education to your specific career goals.
Career Opportunities
You will be well prepared to pursue graduate studies and careers in that subject and in classics, language, history, archaeology, political science, law, philosophy and religion.
