Classics Requirements

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

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. As fields that examine the humanistic values of the ancient world and their impact on the premodern and modern ages, classics and classical civilization hold an important place at the heart of a liberal education. Students find the study of the classics beneficial in developing methodological and analytical thinking and most advantageous in pursuing careers in medicine, law, higher education, management, government, publishing, art, teaching, and other fields. We are committed to enhancing our students’ abilities to think analytically, speak persuasively, and write convincingly.

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 Greek literature, Latin literature, or a combination of both.

Students majoring in classical civilization do not have to take the ancient languages. Rather they focus on Greek and Roman literature (in English), drama, myth, ancient history, and courses in archaeology, classical art, religion, philosophy, politics, ancient science, and ancient medicine.

Our joint majors are designed for students whose interests range from the classical world to English literature and anthropology.

All of our majors may spend a semester in Greece or Italy in programs specially designed for Americans. They can also experience field archaeology through summer programs offered by other institutions. Courses taken outside the department may count for the major only when pre-approved by the department advisor.

Chair, Professor Kerill O’Neill

Professor Kerill O’Neill, Associate Professor James Barrett, and Assistant Professors Kassandra Miller and James Taylor

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, selecting courses in consultation with their Classics Department advisor.

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 offered by the department or approved by the student’s Classics Department advisor.

(No knowledge of Latin or Greek is required.)

The major in Classical Civilization consists of at least 10 courses offered by the department or approved by the student’s Classics Department advisor. At least one course must be among those offered by the department at the 300-level.

In classics: six semester courses of Greek or Latin approved by the student’s Classics Department advisor, three of which are numbered 200 or higher.

In English: 172 or 200, 271, two period or survey courses, and two electives.

In classics: six semester courses approved by the student’s Classics Department advisor.

In English: 172 or 200, 271, two period or survey courses, and two electives.

In classics: six semester courses approved by the student’s Classics Department advisor.

In anthropology: Anthropology 112, 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 consists of six courses (with at least five in Greek, Latin, or a combination of both, including two courses in Ancient Greek or Latin numbered 200 or higher. Additional courses to be chosen in consultation with the student’s Classics Department advisor.

The minor consists of six courses chosen in consultation with the student’s Classics Department advisor, one of which must be among those offered by the department at the 300-level. No knowledge of Ancient Greek or Latin is required.

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.