Classics, B.A.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Requirements for the Major:

At least 12 courses in the department following one of these patterns:

1. Classics (Greek and Latin) Track

Three classes in Latin beyond LAT 103
Four courses in Greek
Three courses in classics:
CLS 121 - The History of Greece to the Death of Alexander the Great
CLS 126 - The Rise of the Roman Republic
CLS 134 - Classical Art and Architecture
CLS 129 - History of the Roman Empire may be substituted for CLS 126
CLS 139 - City of Rome or an equivalent course in art history may be substituted for CLS 134

2. Latin Track

Eight courses in Latin
Two to three courses in classics, including:
CLS 126 - The Rise of the Roman Republic
CLS 134 - Classical Art and Architecture
CLS 129 - History of the Roman Empire may be substituted for
CLS 139 - City of Rome or an equivalent course in art history may be substituted for
Courses in Greek may be substituted for two of the courses in Latin as well as for courses in classics.

3. Greek Track

Eight courses in Greek
Two to three courses in classics, including:
CLS 121 - The History of Greece to the Death of Alexander the Great
CLS 134 - Classical Art and Architecture
CLS 139 - City of Rome or an equivalent course in art history may be substituted for
Courses in Latin may be substituted for two of the courses in Greek as well as for courses in classics.

4. Classical Civilization Track

four courses in one classical language (Greek or Latin)
six to seven courses in classics, including:
CLS 121 - The History of Greece to the Death of Alexander the Great
CLS 126 - The Rise of the Roman Republic
CLS 134 - Classical Art and Architecture
CLS 129 - History of the Roman Empire may be substituted for
CLS 139 - City of Rome or an equivalent course in art history may be substituted for
Courses in Greek and Latin may be substituted for some courses in classics

5. Ancient History Track

four courses in one ancient language (Biblical Hebrew, Greek, or Latin)
four courses in ancient history from:
CLS 110 - Ancient Egypt: History and Religion
CLS 111 - Ancient Iraq: History and Religion
CLS 121 - The History of Greece to the Death of Alexander the Great
CLS 126 - The Rise of the Roman Republic
CLS 129 - History of the Roman Empire
two to three additional courses in an ancient language, classics, or (with the approval of the chair) related disciplines
CLS 134 - Classical Art and Architecture may be substituted for one course in ancient history
CLS 139 - City of Rome may be substituted for one course in ancient history

6. Ancient Religion Track

four courses in one ancient language (Biblical Hebrew, Greek, or Latin)
one to two courses in related areas of ancient history from:
CLS 110 - Ancient Egypt: History and Religion
CLS 111 - Ancient Iraq: History and Religion
CLS 121 - The History of Greece to the Death of Alexander the Great
CLS 126 - The Rise of the Roman Republic
CLS 129 - History of the Roman Empire
CLS 134 - Classical Art and Architecture
three courses in ancient religion from:
CLS 132 - Religion in the Pagan World
CLS 143 - Classical Mythology
CLS 178 - Ancient World Mythology
CLS 230 - Judaism and the Origins of Christianity
CLS 320 - Early Christian Thought
GRK 243 - New Testament Greek
two to three additional courses in an ancient language, classics, religious studies or (with the approval of the chair) related disciplines.
CLS 139 - City of Rome or an equivalent course in art history may be substituted for

Tracks

All tracks include either a senior thesis (two terms) and a public performance or an oral examination based on the thesis; or a senior project on a major author or special topic (one term) and a public performance or comprehensive field examination. Students are strongly advised to take Ancient Philosophy. Students may substitute the following additional courses in Art History for (also AAH-200) Ancient Art & Architecture: AAH-100 Introduction to Art and Visual Culture; Introduction to Art History I (Prehistory to Romanesque); Introduction to the History of Architecture: The Renaissance Tradition, 15th-18th Centuries; The Nude; and The History of Gardens and Landscape Architecture. Those students who intend to do graduate work in Classics should consult the department chair for additional requirements.

Requirements for Honors in Classics:

To be eligible for departmental honors, the student must fulfill the following requirements:

1. A minimum index of 3.35 in departmental courses; completion of one language course at the 230-level or higher with a grade of “B plus” or better.

2. The student must achieve a grade of at least “A minus” on the senior thesis and present a distinctive performance in an oral examination based on the senior thesis. In addition, the student must satisfy College requirements for departmental honors.

Course Selection Guidelines

Course Numbering: Courses in ancient history, classical literature in translation, and ancient civilization have the prefix “CLS.” These courses, including all reading assignments, are conducted entirely in English, and have no pre-requisites. These courses serve as excellent options for students interested in exploring the ancient world, satisfying Common Curriculum (CC) requirements (HUL, LCC, WAC), or building clusters, minors, and majors.

Language Placement: Language courses have their own prefixes: Greek: GRK; and Latin: LAT. Because secondary programs vary, the department is happy to assist students find the proper course level. The department grants AP Latin credit if the student has scored a “4” or better. This credit may be counted toward the major or minor. We also consider IB and other transfer credits on a case-by-case basis.