Classical Civilization Major

Summary of Requirements

• Minimum of One Introductory Literature Course
• CLAS 103 - History of Greece  
• CLAS 104 - History of Rome  
• Minimum of Two Full Courses in Greek or Latin (students are encouraged to take two semesters of one language)
• Six Additional Full Courses in Classics or Related Courses*
• Distribution Requirement

*Note: Additional courses in the ancient languages will also count towards these six additional courses, but credits for courses from the AP or IB exams will not count towards this requirement.

Entry-Level Course Sequence Suggestions

Students just beginning to approach the classics should begin with Classics 111 (Greek and Roman Epic), Classics 112 (Greek and Roman Drama), Classics 103 (History of Greece) or Classics 104 (History of Rome), or with Latin 101 or Greek 101. Students are encouraged to enroll in any language course for which they are qualified. All entering students who have studied Latin or Greek previously should consult with a member of the department to determine the appropriate level of their entry into the language sequence. Students with four years of secondary-school Latin (including Vergil) will ordinarily be eligible for Latin 201 (Ovid) offered in the first semester. Such students are also strongly encouraged to consider beginning Greek in the fall semester. 

Transfer of Credit

No more than half the hours credited toward the major may be granted for work at other recognized institutions.

Honors

To be eligible for admission to the Honors Program in Classical Civilization, a student must have completed by the end of the junior year:

1. One 300-level courses in Classical Civilization AND two 200 level courses in Classical Civilization or at least four 200-level courses in Classical Civilization
2. Classical Civilization (History of Greece) and 104 (History of Rome)
3. Classical Civilization 111 (Greek and Roman Epic) or 112 (Greek and Roman Drama)
4. At least two courses in either Greek or Latin language
5. Have maintained a major GPA of at least 3.5, and a general GPA of 3.3

The department may invite qualified students to apply at the end of their junior year, but would also welcome applications from interested majors. Admission is based on overall academic distinction and outstanding work within the department.

To be awarded Honors in Classical Civilization, a student must:

1. Complete a major in Classical Civilization 
2. Earned a B+ or better in both History of Greece (CLAS 103) and History of Rome (CLAS 104)
3. Complete satisfactorily a research project designed in consultation with members of the department
4. Pass an oral examination on the reading list and research project; (this examination may be conducted by an outside examiner, who would also pass judgement on the Honors project)

Students participating in the Honors Program should register for Classical Civilization 401F/ H for a total of four units of credit in the relevant semester(s) in which the research paper is written.

Proposals must be submitted by early August of the Academic Year in which the honors project will be undertaken.

Classical Civilization Major Course Lists