The major trains students to read the ancient Greek and/or Latin languages and acquaints them with the major works of Greek and/or Roman literature. Classical languages students learn about the history of ancient Greece of the eighth through the fourth centuries B.C.E., where most of the modern Western notions of political, artistic, and social life are rooted. They also develop an understanding of the Roman republic and empire, when Rome established its hegemony over the Mediterranean basin, laid the foundation of law for the Western World, and spread Greece's culture to the West.

In addition to completing required course work, students maintain a required portfolio detailing their progress toward the major, which they must complete before graduation; see "Major Portfolio" below.