Department of Classical Languages and Literatures
Faculty in the Department of Classical Languages and Literatures: Jeremy Hartnett (chair), David Kubiak, and Bronwen Wickkiser.
The Classics Department offers students two approaches to the study of the ancient world. First, students can emphasize the study of Greek or Latin language and literature. Second, students can explore Greece and Rome in non-language courses falling into the broad categories of ancient literature, ancient history, and art and archaeology. If students wish to pursue their studies of the ancient world more deeply, they can major or minor in any of three areas: Latin, Greek, and Classical Civilization, according to the schemes described below. The Classics Department encourages students interested in Greece and Rome to experience its physical remains directly through study abroad or immersion trips.
Courses in the Classics Department seek to help students to:
(Latin and Greek courses)
• Gain an understanding of an ancient literature and culture through the study of its language
• Develop a better understanding of English by studying its Greek and Latin roots
(All courses)
• Appreciate and enjoy aspects of Greek and Roman culture
• Gain a broad sense of Greek and Roman culture by studying literature, mythology, art, architecture, and social and political history
• Develop perspective on their own beliefs by discovering how Greeks and Romans struggled with questions about divinity, life and death, sexuality and gender, social and political justice, and the like
• Study the historical contexts out of which there developed such fundamental Western institutions as the Christian religion and representative democracy
• Learn skills of critical thinking such as reading and interpreting difficult texts, generating information about them through research, solving problems about them and answering questions they raise, and presenting findings to others orally and in writing
Requirements for the Classical Civilization major are: A major in Classical Civilization emphasizes the study of Greek and Roman civilizations and requires appreciably less work in language than the Greek or Latin majors. Students choosing this major might focus on Art and Archaeology, Ancient History, Greek and Roman Literature, or Philosophy. The major will consist of at least seven courses: one course in Greek or Latin at or above the 200 level; one course in Classics at or above the 200 level; four additional courses (Latin and Greek courses beyond the 102 level may count as part of these four courses); CLA 400. Courses in ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy, Ancient Rhetoric, Ancient Political Theory, and Ancient Religions also count toward the major.
Requirements for the Classical Civilization minor are: Five courses, at least one of which must be at or above the 200 level. Minors in Classical Civilization should consult with the department chair as soon as possible to discuss the coherence of their minor. Greek or Latin courses at the 102 level and above also count toward the minor.
Requirements for the Greek major will consist of at least seven courses: Four Greek courses beyond the elementary (GRK 101, 102) level, two courses in Latin beyond the elementary (LAT 101, 102) level, and GRK 400. Majors in Greek should also consider taking some related courses, which are not required but provide a broader context for students’ studies of ancient language and literature: HIS 211, 310, CLA 101, 103, 105, 111, 112, 113, 211, 212, 213, PHI 140, 249, PSC 330, and RHE 320. CLA 103 and 105 are especially encouraged because of their emphasis on chronology.
Requirements for the Greek minor: Five courses in Greek.
Requirements for the Latin major will consist of at least seven courses: Four Latin courses beyond the elementary (LAT 101,102) level, two courses in Greek beyond the elementary (GRK 101, 102) level, and LAT 400. Majors in Latin should also consider choosing some of the following related courses, which are not required but provide a broader context for students’ study of ancient language and literature: HIS 212, 310, CLA 104, 106, 111, 112, 113, 211, 212, 213, PSC 330, RHE 320. CLA 104 and 106 are especially encouraged because of their emphasis on chronology.
Requirements for the Latin minor: Five courses in Latin.
Comprehensive Examinations in the Classics Department examine students in the three areas (Classical Civilization, Greek, or Latin) in which they choose to major within the department. The examinations are made up by the department after consulting the range of courses each student presents for his major, and test both general knowledge in the area he chooses and specific knowledge over the selection of the courses he presents.
Secondary Licensure Program: The Department of Education Studies offers a minor in Education Studies, and an additional licensure preparation program for students interested in becoming licensed to teach at the secondary level (middle and high school grades 5-12). With a major in this department and a minor in Education Studies, students may also choose to complete the licensure preparation program by applying in the spring of the junior year. For more information about the licensure program, students are advised to meet with faculty in the Department of Education Studies. Requirements for the minor and licensure preparation program are outlined in the Department of Education Studies section of the Academic Bulletin.