Classics, B.A.

Courses in classical studies are offered by the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Cultures.  The department offers major programs in classical languages and classical studies, as well as a minor in classical studies and a variety of individual courses that may be used to fulfill Core requirements or taken as electives.

Classics is an interdisciplinary field, encompassing the languages, literature, art, archaeology, history, philosophy, mythology, and religious lives of the Greeks and Romans in the broader ancient Mediterranean world.  We offer Latin and ancient Greek languages from the introductory to advanced levels.  In the introductory sequence, students build vocabulary and language skills and explore ancient cultures.  In the upper-level Latin and Greek classes, students read literature by many authors, from Homer to St. Perpetua. For courses in Latin and Greek see the Course Descriptions section.

Courses with the CL designation are offered in English, with no knowledge of Latin or Greek required.  Classics courses examine the Athenian democratic experiment, the Roman Republic, Greek art, ancient drama, mythology, and even barbarians.  Many of these courses also may be used to fulfill Core requirements.

By helping students build strong thinking, writing, and speaking skills, a degree in classics prepares them for any career: law, medicine, teaching, politics, business, and more.

Program Learning Goals in Classics

Students will:

1. Communicate skillfully and effectively in both English and either Greek or Latin:

   • engage in effective interpretive reading;

   • engage in effective presentational speaking (English only);

   • engage in effective presentational writing.

2. Demonstrate knowledge about ancient Mediterranean societies and their cultural products:

   • demonstrate knowledge of ancient Mediterranean cultural products such as art, literature, music, popular culture, tradition, and customs.

   • demonstrate knowledge of how the history, politics, religion, or geography of ancient Mediterranean societies relate to their cultures and connect to each other.

   • read and analyze ancient Mediterranean cultural texts.

3. Demonstrate emerging intercultural competence:

   • demonstrate an awareness of the interplay of personal identity and culture.

   • interpret an event, cultural product, or issue from the perspective of a worldview outside their own.

Major Requirements

36 credit hours in either concentration.

Classical Languages Concentration:

Subtotal: 36

Classical Studies Concentration:

One of the following:

or another approved literature course;

AND two of the following:

or another approved CL or HS course;

AND two of the following:

or another approved PL or TRS course

Two courses on the ancient world

Required Course

Subtotal: 36

CL 410 fulfills the capstone requirement for either track in the major and should be completed during the student’s junior or senior year.