The Latin language has left a rich legacy of literary texts that have exerted great influence on Western thought and culture into the 21st century. Latin literature spans multiple ages, from Ancient Rome through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and even into the Enlightenment. This abundant tradition of Latin literature encompasses almost every literary genre, including epic and elegiac poetry, philosophy, history, satire, drama, and comedy. In Latin language courses at Lewis & Clark, students will learn the skills to enable them to read a wide variety of Latin texts, both poetry and prose. Emphasis will be on reading Classical Latin authors, such as Virgil, Ovid, Lucretius, Cicero and Caesar. Full courses are offered through the 201 level of instruction, and directed studies beyond that can be arranged.

Latin language may be used to fulfill the foreign language requirement.