Gordon Kelly

Gordon Kelly is a Professor with term and Program Chair of Classics. He received a PhD in Classical Studies from Bryn Mawr College in 1999, with a concentration in Ancient History. He has taught courses on Latin and Greek language and literature, Roman and Greek History, Classical Mythology, Roman Law, and the family in the Roman World. Professor Kelly’s research has focused on the connection of politics, law, and social history in the Roman Republic, and he is the author of the book, A History of Exile in the Roman Republic (Cambridge University Press, 2006). He is also interested in how ancient military practices reflect the social ideals of the Greco-Roman world and has served as a rower on the reconstructed ancient Greek warship Olympias during three sea-trials in the 1990s. More recently, Professor Kelly has served on the staff of the Rutgers University Archaeological Field School during summer excavations at an ancient Roman villa in Vacone, Italy. In 2017, The Society for Classical Studies, the main North American professional organization for the study of Greco-Roman antiquity, awarded him its Excellence in Teaching Award at the Collegiate Level.

Specialty

Latin and Greek language and literature, Roman and Greek history

Academic Credentials

PhD 1999, MA 1993 Bryn Mawr College

BA 1991 Rutgers University

BA 1985 Villanova University

Teaching

Spring 2026 Courses

LATN 102: Beginning Latin II
MWF 10:20am - 11:20am
Emphasis on basic vocabulary and grammar necessary to read Latin texts of the classical period.

Prerequisite: LATN 101

GRK 202: Advanced Greek
MWF 9:10am - 10:10am
Advanced readings in the religious and secular literature of the classical periods.

Prerequisite: 201

CLAS 324: Roman Women
MWF 1:50pm - 2:50pm
The lives of women in Roman culture and society from the Early Republic into late antiquity: education, religion, marriage, divorce, family life, reproductive issues, and social status with an emphasis on actual ancient sources such as funeral epitaphs, medical texts, inscriptions, archaeological evidence, letters, historical writings, and poetry.

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing required.