The rationale for the establishment of a curriculum in the recently founded University of Sussex, England, which does not offer full programs in classical or medieval studies, is examined in this paper. Intent on developing a program which has as its scope "a general background in European culture", the university offers programs, through its School of European Studies, which combine the study of history, philosophy, and literature. Descriptions of course offerings and options for the student are illustrated by frequent textual reference throughout the commentary. (RL)