Classics focuses on the languages, literature, history, and culture of Greco-Roman antiquity. It provides specialized training for students intending to enter graduate school, and a broad liberal education for those with more general interests. Students may choose to study beginning to advanced levels in Ancient Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, or Modern Greek and gain knowledge in literature, mythology, ancient history, philosophy, and religion. Additionally, each semester our department offers a number of courses that require no knowledge of the ancient languages. Concentrators are strongly encouraged to integrate their studies in various fields of Classics by writing a senior thesis, participating in seminars, or undertaking a senior capstone project.
Concentration in Classics
Programs of concentration may be arranged with emphasis on the ancient languages and literature or on ancient history and culture. Students may either pursue the standard Classics concentration - the most popular choice - or they may pursue one of the several optional tracks: Greek, Latin, Greek and Latin, South Asian Classics, Sanskrit, Greek and Sanskrit, or Latin and Sanskrit. Beginning with declarations submitted after September 1, 2018, all tracks except "Greek and Latin," "Greek and Sanskrit," and "Latin and Sanskrit" require the satisfactory completion of nine courses as described below. The introductory courses in Greek and Latin may not usually be counted toward a concentration, but those in Sanskrit may be counted toward the concentration requirement in some of the tracks. Students should always consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies regarding their path toward fulfilling requirements and choosing electives.