Classics Major

Requirements for the Major in Classics

The department offers two options for the major. The option in Classical Languages and Literatures is designed for students who want to study classical languages in depth and is appropriate for students who want to go on to graduate study in Classics or related fields. The option in Classical Studies is designed for students who want a background in classical civilization while they plan a career in law, medicine, business or other pursuits for which a liberal arts education is appropriate. Under the Classical Studies option, students may emphasize classical literature (including mythology), Greek, Latin, ancient art and archaeology, ancient history, ancient philosophy or ancient political theory.

Students pursuing either option are encouraged to study abroad in Athens or Rome.

Classical Languages and Literatures

To complete the option in Classical Languages and Literatures, a student is required to

Complete the Senior Seminar (CLAS 190 PO ) and either the Senior Thesis (CLAS 191 PO ) or the Senior Project (CLAS 192 PO ).
Complete at least 10 additional Classics courses, including the following:
- Seven full-credit language courses, all of which must be either in Greek and/or Latin.
  - A student may take Classical Hebrew in place of Greek or Latin, but at present it is not regularly offered at the Colleges.
  - LATN103 PO - Medieval Latin Translation and GREK104 PO - Readings in Koine Greek are half-credit courses; these courses may be repeated for course credit but no more than two instances of the same course (totaling one full course credit) may count towards the language requirement for the major. LATN 103 PO and GREK 104 PO cannot be combined to satisfy one of the language requirement courses.
- Two survey courses selected from the following:
- One Research Seminar selected from the following and taken either in the sophomore or junior year
  - Appropriate course from the HIST101 PO series
  - Appropriate topic offered as CLAS 150 PZ
  - CLAS164 PZ - Pompeii and the Cities of Vesuvius
  - HIST183 CM - The Fall of Rome and the End of Empire

Students who intend to pursue graduate study in Classics or in related fields are further advised to take courses in French, German, and/or Italian.

Classical Studies

To complete the option in Classical Studies, a student is required to

Complete the Senior Seminar (CLAS 190 PO ) and either the Senior Thesis (CLAS 191 PO ) or the Senior Project (CLAS 192 PO ).
Complete at least 10 additional Classics courses, including the following:
- Three full-credit Language courses all of which must either be in Greek and/or Latin.
  - A student may take Classical Hebrew in place of Greek or Latin, but at present it is not regularly offered at the Colleges.
  - LATN103 PO - Medieval Latin Translation and GREK104 PO - Readings in Koine Greek are half-credit courses; these courses may be repeated for course credit but no more than two instances of the same course (totaling one full course credit) may count towards the language requirement for the major. LATN 103 PO and GREK 104 PO cannot be combined to satisfy one of the Language requirement courses.
- Two survey courses selected from the following:
- One Research Seminar selected from the following and taken either in the sophomore or junior year
  - Appropriate course from the HIST101 PO series
  - Appropriate topic offered as CLAS 150 PZ
  - CLAS164 PZ - Pompeii and the Cities of Vesuvius
  - HIST183 CM - The Fall of Rome and the End of Empire

The remaining courses may be selected freely from the offerings of the Classics Department.

Each student’s program should be designed, with a view to coherence and depth, as early as possible in the student’s career and in consultation with the student’s academic advisor in the Classics Department. Students are strongly encouraged to take courses in related fields.