Data | Steven Hunt Classics

The Why and What and How of Classics Education?

Why?

Here are links to arguments for (and occasionally against) Classics Education.

The author Steven Hunt bears no responsibility for the functioning or accuracy of the links provided here.

Jorge Aguilar suggests Latinists make excellent computer programmers.
Mary Beard was honoured by the Paideia Institute with the third Arete Award at a gala dinner at the University Club in New York City in 2024.
Jaspreet Singh Boparai writes about Dan‑el Padilla Peralta, a prominent American classicist, who has emerged as the face of radical critique in the academy – but his approach threatens to dismantle the field rather than rejuvenate it.
Frank Breslin is a retired Latin teacher.
Paige Dewbrey writes for the CA Blog. Against Justification: The Unruly Necessity of Classics
Solveig Lucia Gold & Joshua T. Katz write for Antigone Journal: An Apology for Philology.
McGuire I. Classics: consigned to the past, or the key to the future? In defence of a classical curriculum. Journal of Classics Teaching.
Hodgkinson D. Classics for the Future: A Time for Reflection. Journal of Classics Teaching. 2021;22(44):106-108.
Lee L B. Why is classics important? Journal of Classics Teaching.
Jimmy Mulville is an English comedian, comedy writer, producer and television presenter. He is best known for co-founding the British independent television production company Hat Trick Productions. [YouTube video]
Mai Musié is a historian of antiquity and expert in public engagement. She focuses on race and ethnicity in antiquity, Ge’ez manuscripts, and interconnectivity between the ancient Mediterranean world and North-East Africa
Perry, G. (2026). 'Why I hate Classical Civilization' Sir Grayson Perry questions the legacy of classical civilisation at Rumble Fund Lecture.
Pike M. Latin in the 21st Century. Journal of Classics Teaching. 2016;17(33):6-7.
Sawyer B. Latin for All Identities. Journal of Classics Teaching. 2016;17(33):35-39.
Ryan Sellers (University of Memphis) gives a TED Talk.
Ffion Shute blogs for the LSA Classical Association. The Parable of Flotillus: The Future of Classics?
Mateusz Stróżyński writes 'When I’ve been observing in the last couple of years – and rather attentively – how Classics as a discipline is being viewed and depicted within the English-speaking world, I’ve become increasingly aware of an interesting paradox...' Antigone.
Robert Thornett: Why Classical Education Excels at Civic Education.
Walker AE. Why is Classics important? Journal of Classics Teaching. [I'm not sure I agree with his arguments about 'cognitive gain'].

What and How?

Here are links to discussions about Classics Education.

Holmes-Henderson, A., Hunt, S. and Musie, M. (2018). Forward with Classics. London: Bloomsbury.
Hunt, S. (2023). Starting to Teach Latin. London: Bloomsbury.
Hunt, S. and Bulwer, J. (2025). Teaching Classics Worldwide. London: Bloomsbury.
Leonhardt, J. (2009). Latin: Story of a World Language. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Lloyd, M. and Hunt, S. (2021). Communicative Approaches for Ancient Languages. London: Bloomsbury.
Morley, N. (2018). Classics. Why it matters. London: Polity Press.
Natoli, B. and Hunt, S. (2019). Teaching Classics with Technology. London: Bloomsbury.
Waquet, F. (2002). Latin; or the Empire of a Sign. London: Verso.