Classics

专业详情

The Department of Classics offers a major in Classics, concentrating in either Greek or Latin literature, or in both literatures; a major in Classical Civilization; and, in conjunction with the Hellenic Studies program, a major in Ancient and Modern Greek. The diversity of subject matter covered by these majors makes Classics an excellent partner in interdepartmental major programs. Programs for all majors must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUS).

Course numbering

All CLCV courses are taught in translation, with no knowledge of Greek or Latin required. CLCV courses numbered 001–099 are First-Year Seminars, with enrollment limited to eighteen. CLCV courses numbered at the 100-level and 200-level are primarily introductory, lecture-style courses, which may or may not include a discussion-section component. CLCV courses numbered at the 300-level are discussion-oriented seminars, with enrollment limited to fifteen. 

For courses in Ancient Greek (GREK) and Latin language (LATN), those at the 100-level are introductory and intermediate courses (L1, L2, L3, and L4), while those at the 400-level are advanced seminar-style courses (L5).

Placement Procedures

Students are encouraged to take courses as advanced as they can handle with profit and pleasure. The department, recognizing the great variety of preparation in ancient languages, wishes to accommodate incoming students in as flexible a manner as possible. Students who plan either to begin or to continue the study of Greek or Latin should consult members of the departmental faculty as soon as possible.

Students who have had the equivalent of two years of college-level instruction may try a 400-level course. It is possible to take GREK 141 or LATN 141 after a 400-level course, or to be admitted to a 400-level course after completion of GREK 131 or LATN 131. 

Requirements of the Major in Classics

The major in Classics is primarily a liberal arts major. It provides a rigorous interdisciplinary education in the literature, material culture, and history that underlie Western civilization and other humanities disciplines; it can also provide foundational disciplinary expertise for students who wish to do professional graduate work. Students develop a mastery of the classical languages, become acquainted with important periods and major authors in Greek and Roman literature, and develop the linguistic, historical, and theoretical interpretative tools to analyze classical antiquity and its relevance in the modern world. All courses in the department emphasize a combination of precise analysis, original thought, creativity, and breadth of historical inquiry. Courses in other literatures, in history, in art history, and in philosophy are strongly recommended for students enrolled in the Classics major.

The candidate for the Classics major may elect either the standard or the intensive major. In both of these majors the department recognizes two kinds of concentration, one aiming at knowledge of both ancient literatures, the other concentrating on either Greek or Latin literature.

The standard major The standard major in two literatures requires no fewer than ten term courses. These include six language courses in both Greek and Latin at the level of 390 or above, and must include GREK 403 or LATN 390. Also required are one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), one course in a related field in ancient history, and one course in a related field in ancient history, ancient philosophy, classical art and archaeology, or classical civilization.

Students majoring in one literature (Greek or Latin) are required to take no fewer than ten term courses. These include six language courses in that literature level of 390 or above, and must include GREK 403 or LATN 390. Also required are one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), a course in ancient history related to the chosen literature, and an additional course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, ancient philosophy, or classical civilization. Students are encouraged to do some work in the second language and may substitute two terms at the intermediate level (131 and 141) or higher in the second language for two 400-level courses in the major literature. 

The intensive major Students who desire a larger measure of independence than the standard major offers may elect the intensive major. In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the standard major (in both literatures, in Greek, or in Latin), students in the intensive major write a senior essay under the regular guidance of a faculty adviser. 

Combined B.A./M.A. degree Exceptionally able and well-prepared students may complete a course of study leading to the simultaneous award of the B.A. and M.A. degrees after eight terms of enrollment. See Academic Regulations, section L, Special Academic Arrangements, “Simultaneous Award of the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees.” Interested students should consult the DUS prior to the sixth term of enrollment for specific requirements in Classics.

Credit/D/Fail Courses taken Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.

Senior Requirement 

For the standard major At the end of the senior year the student majoring in both Greek and Latin takes a comprehensive examination in the history of Greek and Latin literature and culture and in translation of both languages; the student majoring in either Greek or Latin takes a senior departmental examination in the history of the literature of the major and in translation of that literature.

For the intensive major Students may write a one-term essay in either the fall or spring (CLSS 492), or they may write a two-term essay (CLSS 490 and 491) starting in the fall of their senior year. A brief prospectus of the essay must be submitted, preferably at the end of the junior year and in no case later than the end of September of the senior year. The candidate must submit two copies of the senior essay to the DUS no later than December 6 (CLSS 492) or April 18 (CLSS 490, 491 or 492) of the senior year.