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Classical Studies

Why a minor in Classical Studies?

By Classical Studies or “Classics” we mean the language and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. Classical culture has had an enormous influence upon our Western civilization, in fields as varied as philosophy, literature, law, politics, and mathematics, to name but a few. But recognition of the fundamental role of the Classics has gradually faded over the years, to the point that many if not most people find it hard to justify the usefulness of studying Classics at all.

With the Minor in Classical Studies you will be able to rediscover some of that glorious heritage! You’ll have the opportunity to further your interest in ancient Roman and/or Greek civilization, by taking elective courses in classical literature, history, and philosophy, as well as gaining proficiency in the Latin language.

The minor in Classical Studies combines naturally with a major in (for example) history, philosophy, Biblical Studies, or English; we have even had a biology major with a Classics minor.

Students planning to apply to graduate school in the humanities will find that a Classics minor is helpful for those looking at History, English, Foreign Languages, and Philosophy, to name a few. And of course a solid knowledge of the Latin language is invaluable for one’s command of good English grammar, vocabulary, and style.


Requirements for the Classics Minor

The program requires four semesters of Latin language (16 credits), along with two elective courses (8 credits). Students with previous experience may be able to test out of the first one or two semesters of Latin.

  1. Latin 101 and 102 cover essential grammar and vocabulary; Latin 201 covers more advanced grammar and the reading of prose texts, while Latin 202 gives students the opportunity of reading original Latin texts relating to their particular area of interest. In the past students have chosen to read such authors as Ovid, Catullus, Livy, Caesar, St. Augustine, and the Latin Bible (Vulgate).
  2. Students will choose two of the elective courses listed below:

English:
ENG 262  Classical Literature (offered every fall)

History:
HIS 214  History of Ancient Greece
HIS 315  Ancient Belief and the Early Church
HIS 216  History of Ancient Rome
HIS 291  History of Ancient and Modern Greek Culture and Christianity in the Aegean. (This involves a trip to Greece.)
HIS 495/496  Ancient History I/II (special seminar topics)

Philosophy:
PHI 202  History of Philosophy I 

For further information or if you have any questions about the Classics Minor, please contact Professor Graeme Bird:

Graeme Bird
Associate Professor of Linguistics and Classics
p: 978.867.4352