Classics, B.A.

Courses in classical studies are offered by the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Cultures.  The department offers the Classics major program with concentrations in Classical Languages, Classical Studies, and Teaching Latin as well as a minor in classical studies and a variety of individual courses that may be used to fulfill Core requirements or taken as electives.

Classics is an interdisciplinary field, encompassing the languages, literature, art, archaeology, history, philosophy, mythology, and religious lives of the Greeks and Romans in the broader ancient Mediterranean world.  We offer Latin and ancient Greek languages from the introductory to advanced levels.  In the introductory sequence, students build vocabulary and language skills and explore ancient cultures.  In the upper-level Latin and Greek classes, students read literature by many authors, from Homer to St. Perpetua. For courses in Latin and Greek see the Course Descriptions section.

Courses with the CL designation are offered in English, with no knowledge of Latin or Greek required.  Classics courses examine the Athenian democratic experiment, the Roman Republic, Greek art, ancient drama, and mythology.  Many of these courses also may be used to fulfill Core requirements.

By helping students build strong thinking, writing, and speaking skills, a degree in classics prepares them for any career: law, medicine, teaching, politics, business, and more.

Program Learning Goals in Classics

Students will:

1. Communicate skillfully and effectively in both English and either Greek or Latin:

   • engage in effective interpretive reading;

   • engage in effective presentational speaking (English only);

   • engage in effective presentational writing.

2. Demonstrate informed interpretations of features of the culture of the ancient Mediterranean (such as art, literature, tradition, and customs) in the context of its history, politics, religion or geography.

3. Demonstrate emerging intercultural competence:

   • demonstrate an awareness of the interplay of personal identity and culture.

   • interpret an event, cultural product, or issue from the perspective of a worldview outside their own.

4. [for concentration in Teaching Latin only] Understand and apply current best practices in teaching world languages:

   • understand key principles and concepts of second language acquisition;

   • explain key components of the World-Readiness Standards for Foreign Language Learning;

   • apply the World-Readiness Standards for Foreign Language Learning to select and integrate authentic texts, use technology, and adapt and create instructional materials.

Major Requirements

35-36 credit hours

Classical Languages Concentration:

Subtotal: 36

Classical Studies Concentration:

AND one of the following:

or another approved literature course;

AND two of the following:

or another approved CL or HS course;

AND two of the following:

or another approved PL or TRS course

AND two courses on the ancient world:

Required Courses:

Subtotal: 36

course fulfills the capstone requirement for the Classical Languages and the Classical Studies concentrations in the major and should be completed during the student’s junior or senior year.

Teaching Latin Concentration:

This concentration is intended for those students who wish to become Latin teachers. Students pursuing Multi-Age licensure in World Languages (Latin) will take a second major in Education, the program major, along with the Teaching Latin concentration within the Classics major. Careful planning is required to complete these degree requirements, so students should consult in a timely fashion with the Department of Education and their academic advisor.

Subtotal: 36

*IC 3010 will fulfill the capstone requirement for this concentration.

All majors in the Humanities and Social Sciences complete a 0 credit course, CE 2001, “CAS Professional Development Program,” as one of their degree requirements. In this course, students are introduced to resources and strategies for finding internships, articulating transferable skills, and preparing for employment or graduate/professional schools after college. Students typically complete this course in their sophomore year. Opportunities for ongoing Professional Development will be provided within the major, in collaboration with Career Services.