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2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Arts in Classics

Requirements for a Major in Classics

Students majoring in classics are required to complete at least 30 credits. They must satisfy the cultural core and language core requirements and select one of three emphases: classical languages, classical studies, or Latin secondary education.

Core Requirements

There are six to nine credits required. Six credits in cultural core and zero to three credits in language core are required beyond fulfillment of the Bachelor of Arts degree requirement.

Cultural Core Requirement (including Capstone)

Students majoring in classics complete six credits of instruction in a sequence of courses intended to introduce them to the interdisciplinary dimension of classics and to provide detailed instruction in selected methods of inquiry and particular aspects of Greco-Roman civilization.

All classics majors take:

Language Core Requirement

  • Students majoring in classics complete intermediate language study in either ancient Greek or Latin, typically by taking GRK 202 - Intermediate Ancient Greek II (3 credits) OR LAT 202 - Intermediate Latin II (3 credits). Those commencing language study typically fulfill the Bachelor of Arts degree requirement through three semesters of study in GRK/ LAT 101, LAT 102, LAT 201 (12 credits). Others may satisfy the requirements through language placement administered by the Department of Classics; they must complete the 30-credit minimum through additional coursework in the major.

Emphases

Classical Languages Emphasis

A minimum of 21 credits are required beyond completion of the core requirements.

The classical languages emphasis offers a course of undergraduate study in classics that stresses the languages and literature of the classical world. Students electing the classical languages emphasis ordinarily study one language (either ancient Greek or Latin) to an advanced level and the other language to at least the intermediate level.

Requirements in addition to core requirements:

  • At least 18 credits of instruction in ancient Greek (GRK) and Latin (LAT), including at least six credits in one language at the 300-level or above.
  • At least three credits of instruction in any course in Classics (CLA), in HNR 222 - The Worlds of Greece and Rome 4 (3 credits), or in an approved substitute.

Classical Studies Emphasis

A minimum of 21 credits are required beyond completion of core requirements.

The classical studies emphasis offers a course of undergraduate study in classics that investigates Greco-Roman civilization from a range of perspectives and subject areas. Students electing the classical studies emphasis select courses at an advanced level across the program curriculum.

Requirements in addition to core requirements:

Latin Secondary Education Emphasis

A minimum of 21 credits are required beyond completion of core requirements.

The Latin secondary education emphasis offers prospective Latin teachers' preparation in Latin comprehension and instruction and in classical civilization at a level consistent with state and national norms. These students work within both the Department of Classics and the College of Education and Community Innovation. While the College of Education and Community Innovation is ultimately responsible for overseeing the certification process for students, the Department of Classics is responsible for overseeing the major and for recommending qualified students for admission to the College of Education and Community Innovation.

Students with a baccalaureate degree and a major in classics from another institution can be certified to teach by earning at least three credits of instruction in Latin in the classics department and completing the professional education requirements of the College of Education and Community Innovation. The required courses in Latin must be approved by the department chair or designee.

Requirements in addition to core requirements:

Suggested Order of Coursework

The major (B.A. in classics) is designed to be flexible. Declaring classics as a double major or a minor is an effective way of enhancing one's transcript and drawing the attention of employers and postgraduate programs.

To ensure timely progress toward graduation, commencing study in either ancient Greek or Latin at an early stage is key. Prospective majors are encouraged to contact the Department of Classics to receive individualized advising. The following is merely a suggestion. Consult your advisor about completing required basics skills and general education requirements.

Year One

Year Two

Year Three

  • Classics majors are strongly encouraged to consider spending a semester or academic year in a study abroad program.
  • CLA 395 - Research Methods in Classics (2 credits)
  • Honors students
    • Many CLA 300+ courses are cross-listed as honors junior seminars.
  • Classical languages emphasis: Continue third year of language study (GRK 300+ or LAT 300+); continue second year of study in the second classical language.
  • Classical studies emphasis: Select elective courses (CLA 300+; three credits; many fulfill general education Issues and other requirements).

Year Four

  • Classics majors are strongly encouraged to explore opportunities for undergraduate research projects.
  • CLA 495 - Notions of the Classics (Capstone) (3 credits)
  • Classical languages emphasis, or majors contemplating postgraduate study in Classics: Continue language study (GRK 300+/400+ or LAT 300+/400+ three credits).
  • Classical studies emphasis: Select elective courses (CLA 300+; three credits many fulfill general education Issues and other requirements).
  • Honors student
    • Senior project

Classics Program Description

Click here for the program description.


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