Honors Ancient and Modern Classics 

Dive into the great books and discover a bigger world!

The Honors Ancient and Modern Classics Cohort (AMC) is an elite classical great books study program that immerses students in paradigmatic works by some of history’s most brilliant authors, philosophers, scientists, musicians, and more. A group of 25 exceptional undergraduates progress together through seminar-style classes framed around some of the most compelling books ever written. The program culminates with a study abroad experience during the summer semester following freshman year. 

The Honors Ancient and Modern Classics program aims to draw avid readers from all disciplines together to study ancient and modern classical literature. 

  1. A classic work poses a fundamental question of the human experience.
  2. A classic work is foundational for the thinking that follows it.
  3. A classic work has withstood the test of time.

This is a structured first-year program in which students take small Honors sections of general education classes as well as Socratic-style seminars called Honors Colloquia. The books used in all Ancient and Modern Classics courses are not the standard textbooks. Rather, AMC classes are taught using primary texts - books which are essential to our global civilization, and which have successfully withstood the test of time.

Program Benefits

  • Participate in a unique study abroad experience to Europe.
  • Be a part of a unique cohort community centered on a passion for reading classic texts.
  • Live alongside your cohort peers in the Honors living-learning community.
  • Earn a $1000 scholarship from the KSU Journey Honors College. 
  • Earn a minor in Ancient and Modern Classics that will help you stand out in the job market. 
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the KSU Journey Honors College; including, priority registration, access to Honors lounges, and scholarship opportunities. 
     

 

 

 

Take Your Passions Abroad: Study Abroad at Harlaxton, UK

Four-photo collage featuring AMC Honors students studying abroad at Harlaxton Manor in England, with scenes of students dining together, Harlaxton Manor, London landmarks, and a group photo outdoors.

Challenge your understanding of modern classical literature and political thought in the heart of the United Kingdom. Situated just one hour outside of London, in scenic Grantham, Harlaxton Manor hosts this immersive, 3-week AMC UK Study Abroad program. AMC Classes will take place within Harlaxton Manor's learning facilities and grounds. Students will also enjoy trips to the bustling city of London for performances at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, visits to Hampton Court Palace, the National Portrait Gallery, and beyond. For more information, please visit the Education Abroad website.

 

Students are responsible for study abroad program costs not covered by KSU's Global Learning Scholarship, available to all students who complete the application.

Students in the Ancient and Modern Classics cohort with financial need may also apply for the Barry & Sylvia Hyman Endowed International Education Scholarship or Robin Schmidt Shore Endowed Scholarship that are specifically targeted for students planning to participate in the Ancient and Modern Classics Study Abroad experience. 

Information on scholarships can be found on the Ancient and Modern Classics Travel Scholarships webpage.

 

The Honors Ancient and Modern Classics Minor

Both traditional honors students and first-year cohort students may apply for the minor in Honors Ancient and Modern Classics. Students accepted into the first-year cohort will complete a number of the minor degree's requirements within their first year. All minor classes are offered on the Kennesaw Campus unless otherwise noted in bold below. The curriculum is as follows:

 

Proposed AMC Minor – 15 hours
    • HON 1100
    • HON 1200*
    • HON 3497*
    • HON 3010: Ancient Classics I (1 credit hour)
    • HON 3020: Ancient Classics II (1 credit hour)
    • HON 3030: Modern Classics I (1 credit hour)
    • HON 3040: Modern Classics II (1 credit hour)
    • HON 4495: AMC Capstone Project (1 credit hour)
    • HON 3010: Ancient Classics I (1 credit hour)
    • HON 3020: Ancient Classics II (1 credit hour)
    • HON 3030: Modern Classics I (1 credit hour)
    • HON 3040: Modern Classics II (1 credit hour)
    • HON 4010: Dante's Italy (Montepulciano, Italy)
    • HON 4020: Modern Classics of the British Isles & Commonwealth (Harlaxton, UK)
    • HON 4030: British Classics of Modern Democracy (Harlaxton, UK)
    • HON 4495: AMC Capstone Project (1 credit hour)
    • HON 4440: Honors Directed Study (1-3 credit hours)*
    • ENGL 4380: World Literature Before 1800*
    • POLS 4423: Great Political Thinkers*
    • ITAL 4266: Dante’s Inferno* 

 

 

AMC Cohort Curriculum

  • HON 1100: Honors Foundations
  • POLS 2401: Global Issues
  • HON 3010: Ancient Classics I
  • HON 1200: Honors Connections
  • HON 3020: Ancient Classics II
  • Optional: ENGL 1102: English Composition II
  • Study Abroad in Harlaxton, U.K.

 

Important Note: AMC students must complete at least two of the aforementioned classes per semester to participate in the cohort. While credit from AP and/or Dual-Enrollment courses will be acknowledged, it is critical to the cohort model that students complete at least two AMC courses together each semester. For eligibility questions, please email honors@kennesaw.edu.

 

  • AMC students must enroll in specified AMC cohort classes in the Fall and Spring semesters in addition to the study abroad travel with the AMC cohort to Montepulciano, Italy in Summer term.

    AMC students must remain in Good Standing with KSU Journey Honors College:

    • AMC students must maintain a minimum KSU Institutional GPA of 3.25
    • AMC students with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.25 will be on probation with AMC and the KSU Journey Honors College.
    • AMC students with a GPA below 3.0 GPA OR those who do not remain in good standing with the KSU Journey Honors College will not be permitted to attend trips abroad and will forfeit any trip deposit already paid.

 

 

How to Apply

The Honors Ancient and Modern Classics Cohort is open to incoming first-year students accepted on or before December 15, 2026, into the KSU Journey Honors College.  

 

ELIGIBILITY

  • Be qualified for the KSU Journey Honors College (3.5 KSU-calculated GPA or 25 ACT/1200 SAT) 
  • Enter KSU as a traditional first-year student with a fall 2027 start date  
  • Demonstrate your passion for reading
  • Be eligible to complete the cohort curriculum listed on the website  
     

APPLICATION

  • Indicate interest in the KSU Journey Honors College on your KSU application. 
  • Select the Ancient and Modern Classics Cohort within the Honors application and complete the essay prompt. Resume submission is also highly encouraged. 
  • Complete your application by the  application deadline of December 15, 2026. 
  • If invited, attend  Honors Interview Day  on campus in Spring 2027 to interview for one of the Fall 2027 Ancient and Modern Classics Cohort seats. Invitations will be sent out via KSU student email. 
     

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

  • For consideration, you must be accepted to both Kennesaw State University and KSU Journey Honors College on or before December 15, 2026.
  • Students accepted to Kennesaw State University and KSU Journey Honors College after December 15 will not be considered for the Ancient and Modern Classics.

 

FALL 2027 COHORT APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN

APPLY TO KSU AND HONORS VIA COMMONAPP

 

Already accepted to Kennesaw State? 

Apply for the KSU Journey Honors College below. 

APPLY TO THE KSU JOURNEY HONORS COLLEGE

 

 

 

Ancient and Modern Classics Program Coordinators

Name
Position

  • Associate Professor of English

    tharper@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-3619
    Kennesaw Campus, 440 English Building, Room 238

  • Dean of the Keeping Sights Upward (KSU) Journey Honors College and Professor of English

    kkornwei@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2364
    Kennesaw Campus, 480 Academic Learning Center, Room 5552

  • Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Keeping Sights Upward (KSU) Journey Honors College and Professor of Political Science

    jellio82@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-4470
    Kennesaw Campus, 480 Academic Learning Center, Room 5525

  • Professor of Political Science

    jmoran@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6452
    Kennesaw Campus, 402 Social Sciences Bldg, Room 5050