Program Requirements and Opportunities

GREEK, LATIN, AND CLASSICAL STUDIES  

There are two different tracks for undergraduates who wish to major within our department: Classical Culture and Society (CCAS) and Classical Language (CLAN). Each track has a different set of requirements, but each involves a combination of courses in the ancient languages and courses in translation.  Courses in Greek (GREK) and Latin (LATN) involve the study of the ancient language and reading texts in that language. Courses for which a knowledge of Greek or Latin is not required are listed under Classical Studies (CSTS).

In addition to the sequence of courses specified for each major, all majors are expected to have read through the Classics Reading List before they participate in the Senior Seminar, a required full-year course. In the first term, students refine their ability to read, discuss, and critique Classical texts through engagement with scholarship from various fields of Classics, while laying the groundwork for their senior thesis research.  In the second term, they conduct independent research, culminating in a substantial thesis paper and a presentation to the department.

In addition to completing the course requirements for each type of major (Classical Culture & Society or Classical Languages), every student must fulfill the requisite training in writing within the discipline by taking as part of her major plan two courses that are designated as Writing Attentive or a single course designated as Writing Intensive. The student may count a Writing Attentive or Intensive course that is taught outside the department if it is included in the major plan.

Students, according to their concentrations, are encouraged to consider a term of study during junior year in programs such as the College Year in Athens or the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome.

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CLASSICAL LANGUAGES

The Classical Languages track offers students the opportunity to gain a deeper proficiency in Greek and/or Latin and to explore Classical texts and the literary, historical, and philosophical contexts in which they emerged.

Major Requirements

• Six courses beyond the introductory level in Greek or Latin, of which at least four must be at the 200 level or above.
• Three elective courses. Such courses could include:
  • Any Classical Studies, Greek, or Latin course (including cross-listed and tagged courses offered by faculty in other departments)
  • With advisor approval, courses outside the department that engage with the ancient Mediterranean world or its afterlife; for example:
    • other historical languages
    • Archaeology, Art History, History, Religion, or Anthropology courses on Mediterranean, North African, and Near Eastern cultures
    • courses on the reception of ancient Mediterranean culture, such as Medieval Studies, Comparative Literature, Museum Studies, or courses focused on the classical tradition
• At least one of the above Greek, Latin, or Classical Studies courses must be at the 300 level or above

• Senior Seminar and Thesis (CSTS 398 and CSTS 399)

Minor Requirements

• Six courses in Greek or Latin, including at least two at the 200 level or above.
  • The department may reduce the number of required courses for those who are already beyond the elementary language when they begin the minor.

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CLASSICAL CULTURE AND SOCIETY 

The track in Classical Culture offers students the opportunity to explore life in Classical antiquity in all of its dimensions—from language, to literature, to history, philosophy, archaeology, and more—as well as its impact on later cultural traditions. It is designed to allow students to use a foundation in Greek or Latin as the springboard to chart their own paths through the College's rich offerings in archaeology and art history, history, politics, philosophy and religion, and classical literature and its reception.

Major Requirements

• Two semesters in either Latin or Greek at any level.
• Seven elective courses, including at least two at the 200 level or above, and one at the 300 level or above. Such courses could include:
  • Any Classical Studies, Greek, or Latin course (including cross-listed and tagged courses offered by faculty in other departments)
  • With advisor approval, courses outside the department that engage with the ancient Mediterranean world or its afterlife; for example:
    • other historical languages
    • Archaeology, Art History, History, Religion, or Anthropology courses on Mediterranean, North African, and Near Eastern cultures
    • courses on the reception of ancient Mediterranean culture, such as Medieval Studies, Comparative Literature, Museum Studies, or courses focused on the classical tradition
• Senior Seminar and Thesis (CSTS 398 and CSTS 399)

Minor Requirements

• Six courses drawn from the range of courses counted towards the Classical Culture Major, including:
  • At least two Classical Studies (CSTS) courses at the 200 level or above
  • At least two Greek (GREK) or Latin (LATN) courses at any level

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