Jul 16, 2024  
Course Catalog 2023-2024 
    
Course Catalog 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Greek Language and Literature Major


The major consists of a minimum of 9 full courses (or the equivalent).

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the major.


arrow View the catalog page for the classics department.  


Students who major in Greek language and literature may also major in Latin language and literature or minor in Latin; however, students may not major in both Greek language and literature and in classical civilization.

Note(s) on Requirements


Learning Goals


The learning goals of the Greek language and literature major are:

  • To demonstrate mastery of ancient Greek and to apply this understanding to the critical judgment of ancient texts written in Greek;
  • To develop knowledge of the main areas of ancient Greek culture: history, literature, religion, philosophy, humanistic values, language, and art;
  • To situate Greek culture within the wider Mediterranean world;
  • To understand and critique the roots of Western culture and its survival in the contemporary world; and
  • To develop the skills of creative thought and critical analysis that make it possible to produce original scholarly work in the discipline of classical studies.

Transfer of Credit Toward the Major


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

Course of Study


Students considering a major in Greek language and literature should include in their first- and second-year planning four semesters of work in the language as well as CLAS 103  and either CLAS 111  or CLAS 112 .

Entry-Level Course Sequence Suggestions


Students beginning to study ancient Greece should begin with CLAS 103 , CLAS 111 , CLAS 112 , or GREK 101 . Students are encouraged to enroll in any language course for which they are qualified. All entering students who have studied Greek previously should consult with a member of the classics department to determine the appropriate level of their entry into the language sequence.

Students who successfully take the Winter Term offering of Introductory Ancient Greek can enroll in GREK 102  in the following spring semester, but should be aware that the Winter Term course will not count toward the completion of the Greek language and literature course requirement.

Honors in Greek Language and Literature


Applying for Admission to the Honors Program

To be eligible for admission to the Honors Program in Greek Language and Literature, a student must have met the following requirements by the end of the junior year:

  • Passed either two 300-level courses in Greek and at least the 102-level course in Latin -or- one 300-level course in Greek and one 300-level course in Latin
  • Passed CLAS 103 - History of Greece  
  • Passed either CLAS 111  or CLAS 112  as well as two additional CLAS courses
  • Maintained a major GPA of at least 3.50, and a general GPA of 3.30

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.

Completing Honors

To be awarded Honors in Greek Language and Literature, a student must:

  • Complete a major in Greek Language and Literature
  • Complete satisfactorily, in the junior or senior year, a reading list devised in consultation with a member of the department that includes primary (ancient) and secondary (critical, historical) readings; this reading list may be completed as part of a course
  • Pass (at the level of B+ or better), at the end of the relevant semester in the junior or senior year, a written translation exam on the primary sources in Greek
  • Complete satisfactorily a research project designed in consultation with members of the department
  • 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 GREK 401F /GREK 401H  for a total of four credits 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.

Detailed Major Requirements


Greek Language and Literature Major Course Lists


Greek Language and Literature Major Elective Courses


Return to the summary of requirements.

Distribution Requirement


Return to the summary of requirements.

Of the three required major elective courses, students must complete at least one course in ancient art and/or archaeology, and at least one course on a relevant topic offered by another department.