Classics

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Classics focuses on the languages, literature, history, and culture of Greco-Roman antiquity. It provides specialized training for students intending to enter graduate school, and a broad liberal education for those with more general interests. Students may choose to study Ancient Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, or Modern Greek and gain knowledge in literature, mythology, ancient history, philosophy, and religion. Students may either pursue the standard Classics concentration - the most popular choice - or they may pursue one of the four optional tracks: Greek, Latin, Greek and Latin, or Sanskrit. Concentrators are strongly encouraged to integrate their studies in various fields of Classics by writing a senior thesis, by participating in an undergraduate seminar, or by undertaking a senior capstone project.

All tracks except "Greek and Latin" and "Sanskrit" require the satisfactory completion of eight courses as described below. Programs are flexible and students are encouraged to discuss their plans with the concentration advisor. The introductory courses in Greek and Latin may not usually be counted toward a concentration.

 

Classics

One course in Greek or Latin on the 1000-level or above.1
Select one of the following series:2
The History of Greece from Archaic Times to the Death of Alexander
   and The History of Greece from Archaic Times to The Death of Alexander
Roman History I: The Rise and Fall of an Imperial Republic
   and Roman History II: The Roman Empire and Its Impact
Five other courses in classics, including classical archaeology, Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, or related areas to be approved by the concentration advisor.5
Total Credits8

 

Greek

Four Greek courses on the 1000-level or above, at least one of which is to be:4
Early Greek Literature
Fifth Century Survey
CLAS 1210The History of Greece from Archaic Times to the Death of Alexander1
CLAS 1220The History of Greece from Archaic Times to The Death of Alexander1
Two additional courses in classics, including classical archaeology, Greek, Latin, or related areas to be approved by the concentration advisor.2
Total Credits8

 

Latin

Four Latin courses on the 1000-level or above, at least one of which is to be:4
Survey of Republican Literature
Survey of Roman Literature II: Empire
CLAS 1310Roman History I: The Rise and Fall of an Imperial Republic1
CLAS 1320Roman History II: The Roman Empire and Its Impact1
Two additional courses in classics, including classical archaeology, Greek, Latin, or related areas to be approved by the concentration advisor.2
Total Credits8

 

Greek and Latin

Four Latin courses on the 1000-level or above, at least one of which is to be:4
Survey of Republican Literature
Survey of Roman Literature II: Empire
Four Greek courses on the 1000-level or above, at least one of which is to be:4
Early Greek Literature
Fifth Century Survey
CLAS 1210The History of Greece from Archaic Times to the Death of Alexander1
CLAS 1220The History of Greece from Archaic Times to The Death of Alexander1
CLAS 1310Roman History I: The Rise and Fall of an Imperial Republic1
CLAS 1320Roman History II: The Roman Empire and Its Impact1
Total Credits12

 

Sanskrit1

Four 1000-level courses in Sanskrit.4
The requirements for Classics, Greek, or Latin with the provision that courses in Sanskrit beyond the first four may count towards the "five other courses" required of concentrators in Classics, or the "two additional courses" required of concentrators in Greek and of concentrators in Latin.8
Total Credits12

 

1

 Students interested in Sanskrit may compare the concentration in South Asian Studies - Ancient India.

 

Honors

Students may earn honors in the concentration by presenting a satisfactory thesis, for the preparation of which they will ordinarily enroll in the relevant 1970 and 1990 courses; these courses may not be used to satisfy the standard requirements for a concentration. In order to qualify for honors, students must maintain a B average overall.