Degrees in Classics

A degree in Classics will acquaint students with the major languages, the chief literary figures, and the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome.

In addition to their study of these ancient civilizations, Classics majors also learn about the important role that the Classical tradition has played in shaping the literature, arts and general culture of Western civilization. Through its focus on the classical world, the program gives particular attention to the skills necessary for success in the information age:

• oral and written communication
• independent and critical thinking
• the management and evaluation of information

Students also have the opportunity to participate in archaeological excavations at various sites in the Mediterranean region under the auspices of the Center for Classical Archaeology and Civilizations, which is housed in the Department of Classics and Letters. 

Majors

The Classics program offers students two degree options.

In the major in Classical Languages [degree checksheet], students pursue a more traditional curriculum that emphasizes the study of the Greek and Latin languages.

This option is ideal for preparing students to enter upon advanced study in graduate school or seminary, but it will also benefit those desiring solid training in the liberal arts for a variety of careers, such as law, medicine, business, education and government. Students who select this option study both Greek and Latin literature in the original languages and in translation, and they also take courses on all aspects of the ancient world.

To fulfill the requirements of a major concentration in Latin and Greek, students must earn 56 hours of credit in Latin, Greek and Classical Culture courses including at least 18 hours numbered 3000 and above. Courses taken in related subjects must have prior approval of the Classics and Letters Department in order to be counted as major work. Advanced Standing, Advanced Placement, CLEP, or similarly recognized credit for work prior to matriculating to the University may be counted toward the fulfillment of these requirements, up to a maximum of 16 credit hours.

The second degree option, Classics: Latin [degree checksheet], is intended for those who wish to teach Latin at the high school level.

To fulfill the requirements of a major concentration in Latin students must earn 46 credit hours in courses in Latin and Classical Culture including at least 24 hours numbered 3000 and above. Courses taken in related subjects must have prior approval of the Classics and Letters Department in order to be counted as major work. Advanced Standing, Advanced Placement, CLEP, or similarly recognized credit for work prior to matriculating to the University may be counted toward the fulfillment of these requirements, up to a maximum of 16 credit hours.

 

Minors

Students wishing to minor in Classical Culture [checksheet] will be required to earn 15 credit hours of work in classical culture courses. Twelve hours must be earned in classical culture courses numbered 3000 or above.

Three hours of credit in ancient history or ancient philosophy may be substituted for work in classical culture with the permission of the chair of the department. Classical Culture 1412 and 2412 may not be counted towards the minor.

Students wishing to minor in Greek [checksheet] will be required to earn 15 hours in Greek courses numbered 2000 and above. Six hours of work in classical culture courses numbered 3000 and above may be substituted for six hours of work in Greek. A minimum of nine hours of the Greek minor must be at 3000 level or above.

Students wishing to minor in Latin [checksheet] will be required to earn 15 hours in Latin courses numbered 2000 and above. Six hours of work in classical culture courses numbered 3000 and above may be substituted for six hours of work in Latin. A minimum of nine hours of the Latin minor must be at 3000 level or above.