Courses of Study

See course descriptions for this department 

The Classics Department offers courses listed in this catalogue under “Ancient History,” “Classics,” “Greek,” and “Latin.”

Chair, Professor Joseph Roisman
Professors Hanna Roisman and Joseph Roisman; Associate Professor Kerill O’Neill

The Department of Classics encourages the study of the civilizations of Greece and Rome. The study of classics and classical civilization is an interdisciplinary endeavor based on courses in languages, literature, history, archaeology, philosophy, political science, religion, and art. Classics and classical civilization hold an important place at the heart of a liberal education by examining humanistic values of the ancient world and their impact on the premodern and modern ages. Students find the study of the classics beneficial in developing methodological and analytical thinking and most advantageous in pursuing careers in higher education, law, management, medicine, government, art, teaching, and other fields. We are committed to enhancing our students' abilities to speak persuasively, write convincingly , and think analytically.

The department offers majors and minors in classics and classical civilization, as well as majors in classics-English, classical civilization-English, and classical civilization-anthropology.

Students majoring in classics may concentrate in one of the following: Greek literature, Latin literature, a combination of both, or in classical civilization. There is also the opportunity to study in Greece or Italy in programs especially designed for American students, as well as occasion for experiencing field archaeology through arrangement with other institutions.

A student majoring in classics may concentrate in either Greek or Latin: it is recommended, however, that students planning to pursue the study of classics in graduate school study both Greek and Latin, electing a schedule of courses approved by the department.

The major consists of at least 10 courses, at least six courses in language including three courses numbered 200 or higher in Greek and/or Latin and four additional courses selected from at least two of the following categories:
 

1. Additional courses in either language.
2. Two courses in ancient history.
3. Two courses elected from courses that require no knowledge of Greek or Latin offered by the Classics and other departments: Classics 133, 138, 145, 151, 234, 236, 242, 244; Art 311; Philosophy 231; or equivalent courses selected in consultation with the major advisor.

(No knowledge of Latin or Greek is required.)
The major in classical civilization consists of at least 10 courses as follows:
 

1. Three courses selected from the following: Classics 133, 138, 231, 236, 242, 244.
2. Ancient History 154, 158.
3. One course at the 300-level offered by the Classics Department.
4. Four additional courses selected from the following: Classics 133, 138, 145, 151, 231, 234, 242, 244; Ancient History 356, 398; Greek 111, 112, 131; Latin 111, 112, 131; Art 311; Philosophy 231; or equivalent courses selected in consultation with the major advisor.

In classics: six semester courses of Greek or Latin, three of which are numbered 200 or higher.
In English: 172, 271, two period or survey courses, and two electives.

In classics: six semester courses approved by the departments.
In English: 172, 271, two period or survey courses, and two electives.

In classics: either Ancient History 154 or 158; Classics 133, 138, 236, or 244; a seminar at the 300 level offered by the Classics Department; and three elective courses selected in consultation with the classics advisor.
In anthropology: Anthropology 112, 113, 313, 333, and three elective seminars selected in consultation with the anthropology advisor, at least two of which should be at the 300 or 400 level.

The point scale for retention of each of the above majors applies to all courses that may be credited toward the major. No requirement for a major may be taken satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

The minor (concentrating in Greek, Latin, or combination of both) consists of seven courses: Greek 111, 112, 131, or Latin 111, 112, 131; two courses in Greek or Latin numbered 200 or higher (in the case of a combination of both languages, courses in the other ancient language will be counted towards the requirement, but the minor must include at least one course numbered 200 or higher in either language); two courses selected from the following categories:
 

1. Additional course numbered 200 or higher in either language.
2. One course in ancient history.
3. One course numbered 200 or higher in the other ancient language.
4. Two courses selected from courses in translation offered by the Classics Department.

The courses are selected in consultation with the advisor.

The minor consists of seven courses: one course each from categories (a) - (d) and three courses from category (e). 

No knowledge of Latin or Greek is required.

 

1. One of the following: Classics 133, 138, 236, or 244.
   
2. One 200-level course in translation offered by the Classics Department.
3. Ancient History 154 or 158.
4. One 300-level course offered by the Classics Department.
   
5. Three additional courses selected from the following: Greek 111, 112, 131; Latin 111, 112, 131; Classics 133, 138, 145, 151, 231, 234, 236, 242, 244; Ancient History 154, 158; Art 311; Philosophy 231; or equivalent courses selected in consultation with the advisor of the minor.

The point scale for retention of each of the above minors applies to all courses that may be credited toward the minor. No requirement for a minor may be taken satisfactory/unsatisfactory.