Classical Languages and Literature

In addition to the learning goals for all majors, each of the three language tracks asks students to:

• attain a sophisticated understanding of the ancient language(s) and a deepened understanding of how language constructs meaning
• attain a deep familiarity with foundational literary works and genres through close reading and critical analysis of the content and structure of texts in the original language(s)
• understand the ancient language(s) as the source for the terminology of medicine, law, and the sciences
• understand the wide-ranging influence of classical literature from antiquity to the modern era on cultural and creative enterprise
• draw on the rhetorical and narrative strategies of classical literature to strengthen and refine skills in writing clearly and persuasively

Our department provides free "drop-in" tutoring available to all students in Elementary Latin and Greek courses.

Effective Winter 2023:

Requirements (Minimum Credits for Major: 27)
This major requires study of both classical Greek and Latin; the student chooses one language as the primary language for the purpose of determining requirements. The student takes a minimum of nine courses (of at least three credits each) including: 

1. In the primary language, at least three courses at the 400-level or above.
2. In the secondary language, at least one course at the 400 level or above (300 level courses can’t be used in the secondary language).
3. At least 3 additional upper level language courses (300 level count in the primary language only; courses in the secondary language must be at the 400 level or above).
4. One introductory courses selected from CLARCH (221 or 222), CLCIV (202 or 302), or HISTORY (200 or 201).
   
5. At least one upper-level (300- or 400- level) course in Greek or Roman civilization, archaeology, or history.  Minimum of three credits.

Three credits of Independent Study (GREEK 499 and LATIN 499) may be used with written approval of the department advisor.

Honors Major

In addition to the major requirements stated above, Honors candidates must take one course, at or above the 420-level, in either Greek or Latin. Honors students receive six credits during their senior year for researching and writing an Honors thesis (Greek or Latin 495); this thesis must be based upon texts in the original ancient languages; the thesis should be a minimum of 40 pages in length. Candidates must offer an oral defense of this work, in a form to be agreed upon with their thesis advisor. Interested students who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 should contact their major advisor no later than the winter term of their junior year. For additional information see the Senior Honors Thesis section.

Download the Checklist for your major!