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Classical Studies Majors and Minors

Classical Studies

From Homer to Vergil, the Parthenon to the Colosseum, Classical Studies majors and minors study the greatest works of literature and art from the ancient Greek and Roman Worlds. Courses in Classical Studies approach the Greco-Roman world from a variety of humanistic disciplines and analytical methods, including Greek and Latin language and literature, history, philosophy, and art and archaeology. Students learn to critically evaluate literature and material culture, grapple with fundamental questions of human civilization, and appreciate the relevance of the Greco-Roman tradition in the 21st century. In Greek and Latin language courses, students develop logical and creative thought, and explore some of the greatest works of western literature in the original language.

Majors and minors in Classical Studies often participate in Winter Term trips to Italy and Greece (or elsewhere in the Mediterranean) and in semester abroad programs such as the College Year in Athens or the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome. Students interested in Classical Archaeology are also encouraged to participate in summer fieldwork in the Mediterranean World.

Classical Studies provides a good foundation for a wide variety of careers. As they sharpen their skills in linguistic and textual analysis, logical thinking, observation, and argumentation, Classics majors equip themselves with the essential skills for a wide variety of careers, including journalism, medicine, teaching, museum curation, law, theater and the arts, and academia.

Students considering teaching Latin should take as much Latin as possible and consult with the chair of Classical Studies about teaching certification and job opportunities. Students planning to attend graduate school in classics should either double major in Greek and Latin or major in one language and minor in the other. Students planning to attend graduate school in classical archaeology should try to major in one language and minor in Classical Archaeology.

For more information about opportunities in Classical Studies, please see the department web pages.

Course Catalog

Requirements for a major

Classical Civilization

Total courses required Nine
Core courses Two courses in Latin or Greek; one course from CLST 120 , CLST 153 (formerly CLST 253), or CLST 154 (formerly CLST 254); one course from CLST 263, CLST 264, CLST 265, CLST 266 or CLST 267
Other required courses Two courses in Latin, Greek or Classical Civilization (may be approved courses in other departments)
Number 300 and 400 level courses Three (including CLST 454)
Senior requirement and capstone experience The senior requirement usually consists of completion of CLST 454, Senior Seminar, which includes a major paper or project. In exceptional cases, students may opt to complete an independent senior thesis. For both options, students are expected to give a public presentation of their work.
Additional information Up to two courses in allied areas outside the department, such as ancient history, ancient philosophy or ancient religion may count toward the Classical Civilization major.
Writing in the Major

Majors in Classical Civilization complete the writing in the major requirement by compiling a portfolio of their writing from courses they have taken in Classical Studies. The portfolio should include the following items: 1) an analysis of primary evidence; 2) critical engagement with secondary scholarship; 3) a thesis or research paper; and 4) an essay reflecting on their experience as a writer in Classical Studies. Students complete items 1-3 in their normal courses, the only additional writing for the portfolio is item 4. For complete instructions of the requirements, please see the website of the Department of Classical Studies. Students should consult with their advisor for details on the portfolio.

Greek

Total courses required Nine
Core courses Six courses in Greek

CLST 153 (formerly CLST 253) or CLST 263
Other required courses One further course in Greek, Latin or Classical Civilization (may be approved courses in other departments)
Number 300 and 400 level courses Two (in Greek) and CLST 454
Senior requirement and capstone experience The senior requirement usually consists of completion of CLST 454, Senior Seminar, which includes a major paper or project. In exceptional cases, students may opt to complete an independent senior thesis. For both options, students are expected to give a public presentation of their work.
Writing in the Major Majors in Greek complete the writing in the major requirement by compiling a portfolio of their writing from courses they have taken in Latin and Classical Studies. The portfolio should include the following items: 1) an analysis of primary evidence; 2) critical engagement with secondary scholarship; 3) a thesis or research paper; 4) a translation of a Greek text; and 5) an essay reflecting on their experience as a writer in Classical Studies. Students complete items 1-4 in their normal courses, the only additional writing for the portfolio is item 5. For complete instructions of the requirements, please see the website of the Department of Classical Studies. Students should consult with their advisor for details on the portfolio.

Latin

Total courses required Nine
Core courses
  • Six courses in Latin;
  • Either CLST 154 (formerly CLST 254) or CLST 264
    		•
    Other required courses One additional class in Latin, Greek or Classical Civilization is required.
    Number 300 and 400 level courses Two in Latin and CLST 454
    Senior requirement and capstone experience The senior requirement usually consists of completion of CLST 454, Senior Seminar, which includes a major paper or project. In exceptional cases, students may opt to complete an independent senior thesis. For both options, students are expected to give a public presentation of their work.
    Writing in the Major Majors in Latin complete the writing in the major requirement by compiling a portfolio of their writing from courses they have taken in Latin and Classical Studies. The portfolio should include the following items: 1) an analysis of primary evidence; 2) critical engagement with secondary scholarship; 3) a thesis or research paper; 4) a translation of a Latin text; and 5) an essay reflecting on their experience as a writer in Classical Studies. Students complete items 1-4 in their normal courses, the only additional writing for the portfolio is item 5. For complete instructions of the requirements, please see the website of the Department of Classical Studies. Students should consult with their advisor for details on the portfolio.

    Requirements for a minor

    Classical Archaeology

    Total courses required Five
    Core courses At least three from: CLST 161, CLST 263, CLST 264, CLST 265, CLST 266 or CLST 267 (161 is strongly recommended)
    Other required courses One elective in classical archaeology or an elective from Art History, Geology, Geography or Anthropology, as approved by the minor advisor.
    Number 300 and 400 level courses One

    Classical Civilization

    Total courses required Five
    Core courses CLST 153 (formerly CLST 253), CLST 154 (formerly CLST 254) or CLST 120
    Other required courses Individual student program will be approved by the department.
    Number 300 and 400 level courses One

    Greek

    Total courses required Four
    Core courses (there are no core courses for the minor)
    Other required courses Any four courses in Greek.
    Number 300 and 400 level courses One

    Latin

    Total courses required Four
    Core courses (there are no core courses for the minor)
    Other required courses Any four courses in Latin.
    Number 300 and 400 level courses One