classics singular or plural

[djdjdj]

In unit Two,the noun(classics)takes a singular or a plural verb?In the student's book page seven, it takes a singular verb but in the longman or Oxford dictionary it is a plural noun. I want an indication.Thanks,

[جواد عوض]

classics (functioning as singular) ancient Greek and Roman culture considered as a subject for academic study

[كلمتين وبس]

excellent mr. Gawad