Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies

The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome, affectionately known as the "Centro," was founded in 1965 by Professor Brooks Otis of Stanford University, a distinguished scholar of Latin literature. Since then the Centro has evolved into the premier North American center for the study of the classical world in Italy. Over 3000 students h... ave attended the Centro since its inception. Course offerings at the Centro have evolved in our nearly fifty year history. Our program of study is based on a comprehensive course, The Ancient City, which integrates the topography of ancient Rome with its social history, literature, and culture. Because of its intensity and requirement of time, this course is the equivalent of two semester courses. The program includes many visits to archaeological sites and museums, both in Rome and its vicinity (e.g. Ostia, Cosa, and Hadrian's villa at Tivoli) and two longer field trips, one to the Bay of Naples (Pompeii, Herculaneum, Cumae) and the other to the temples, villas, and museums of Sicily. The study of ancient languages is also a central part of the curriculum. Students must take courses in either (or both) Greek or Latin at the intermediate or advanced levels. In addition, courses are offered in the Italian language at the introductory level, and in Renaissance and Baroque art.Read More