Classical Studies
Classical Studies encompasses all the social, material, and intellectual culture of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, as they can be studied both in the original languages and in English.
The department offers courses under three headings, including (1) elementary and intermediate courses in Latin and Greek, designed to teach a student to read the languages; (2) courses in Greek and Roman literature, history, art and archaeology, society, and culture, 鈥� including Core (Literature, History I, Cultural Diversity, and Fine Arts) courses, taught in English and designed to acquaint a student broadly with the world of classical antiquity; (3) advanced reading courses in ancient authors and genres taught in the original languages and advanced cultures courses in English. Courses related to antiquity are also available in other departments.
Major Requirements
The major includes courses in Latin and/or Greek language and literature, from the elementary to the advanced level, and courses in ancient civilization and culture. Readings in the latter courses are in English. There are two tracks within the major: Classical Language and Classical Cultures. The former emphasizes the study of the ancient world through Latin and Greek while the latter foregrounds the interdisciplinarity of Classical Studies, drawing on the study of ancient literature, art, performance, science, and more. The program is designed to be flexible in response to the interests and prior experience of individual students. Requirements, totaling a minimum of ten courses (or 30 credits), fall under three headings:
- Two courses or 6 credits (minimum) from the following foundational courses: Classical Mythology, Greek Civilization, Greek History, Roman History, and City of Rome.
- Three courses or 9 credits (minimum) of advanced courses. For the Language track, these are courses in Latin and/or Greek at the 3000 level. For the Cultures track, these are courses in English at the 4000 level.
- Five courses or 15 credits (minimum) consisting of any course the department offers or any of the approved electives from other departments.
- All seniors must participate in the Senior Colloquium
Notes
- Students who may think of going on in Classics are strongly advised to study both languages and to take as many advanced courses as possible. They should also discuss their interest with a faculty member at the earliest opportunity.
The Minor in Ancient Civilization
The interdisciplinary minor in Ancient Civilization is designed to make the study of the ancient world available to students without the requirement of learning Latin or Greek. Students learn about the history, literature, art, and culture of antiquity in courses that emphasize the study of primary texts in English translation. As a minor, it naturally looks to students whose main interests lie in other areas, but who are curious about the ancient world and who seek a program that is at once structured and interdisciplinary. It makes a good complement in particular to majors in English, History, Art, Art History, and Film, Philosophy, and Theology but is available to everyone regardless of major. A list of the courses that are available each semester from the various departments and that count for the minor will be available at registration time. A program consists of six courses under three headings:
- One course in Greek History (CLAS2205) or Greek Civilization (CLAS1186). As a rule, one or the other of these courses will be taught each year.
- One course in Roman History (CLAS2206) or Roman Civilization (CLAS2262). Again, as a rule, one or the other of these courses will be taught each year.
- Four electives taught in Classics and other departments, chosen from various offerings in ancient culture, for instance, in the areas of literature, philosophy, religion, history, art, and archaeology.