The Classics’ Enduring Relevance Done

Studying the ancient world uncovers truths about our modern world.

The Classics program, led by Dr. Barber, Ms. Rizzo, and Mr. Miller, teaches a branch of foreign languages in our curriculum that is often overlooked. Some may consider Latin and Greek outdated, uninteresting, or far less applicable to our lives than other modern languages. However, students and teachers of the Classics alike share an entirely different sentiment. 

Dr. Barber credits his lasting enthusiasm for the Classics to the “nice community where everyone was sharing the challenge and the curiosity” that came with transcribing the literary aspects of Latin and Greek. 

Ellie McCalmon ‘26, who is currently studying AP Latin and Greek 40, remarks that her classes are always “fun, engaging, and enriching.” Her fascination with the languages has even inspired her interest in pursuing “a career in classics and in academia.” 

Sofie Raytchev ‘28, who joined Latin 10 this year, shares that she greatly enjoys reading and translating with her classmates.

For many, the appeal of the Classics also lies in its mythology and stories. Ms.Rizz recalls that her own love of the subject began when she read the Latin poem Carmen 64. “When my teacher showed us how intricate and layered every line of the poem was, all in meter, it blew my mind,” she exclaimed. 

Milani Clover ‘27 credits Ms.Rizz for bring her “into the amazing world of classics.” She finds her Latin and Greek classes to be “the most fun,” adding that the content always teaches her “so much about life.” 

Both Dr. Barber and Ms.Rizz conclude that studying ancient literature assists in the development of a person’s education farther than any modern language can. Ms.Rizz lauds both Latin and Greek for being able to provide students the ability to “analyze any text in detail with an appreciation for language and a healthy skepticism for authorial bias.” 

This analytical rigor fosters critical thinking skills far beyond the classroom. Dr. Barber adds that “sustained attention and care is something we are losing as a society when it comes to reading.” As such, he strongly believes that building the skillset to have the “careful, patient way in working through a sentence” in Greek and Latin is an invaluable skill. Understanding the distinct syntax of Latin and Greek is just as important as understanding grammar rules. 

In his Greek 30 class, Dr. Barber introduces themes that resonate deeply with contemporary issues. His students are currently reading Plato’s Phaedrus, which explores Plato’s opinions on “the new educational technology and whether it’s beneficial and harmful to students, and the uses of it in society as a whole.” Dr. Barber compares Plato’s thinking with the current rise of artificial intelligence. Plato’s works transcend many millenia. “It is valuable,” he says, “for individuals to learn about our world through the lens of antiquity.” 

The Classics Department at Middlesex offers students not only a welcoming and intellectually vibrant community but also an opportunity to develop their linguistic abilities through the study of Latin and Greek — languages that, far beyond dead, continue to deepen our understanding of the modern world.

Olivia Zhang ‘28

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