A major in Classical Studies — Classical Civilization, Latin, or ancient Greek — provides a well-rounded knowledge of Western culture and traditions. Classical Studies minors (also available in all three fields) can add vital depth to a student's liberal arts education. Both majors and minors are excellent preparations for pre-law or pre-medical programs, business, and other careers: Classical Studies students learn to apply their learning in cross-disciplinary, integrative ways that enable them to capitalize on multidimensional understanding of whole cultures. For more information about career opportunities, visit our Career Resources page and Beyond the B.A.

Students who wish to pursue Classics at the graduate level should take courses in both languages and major in Latin and/or Greek. We have an excellent record for placing our majors in highly ranked graduate programs nationwide. A major or minor in one of the ancient languages is also good preparation for graduate work in related disciplines such as Theology, Ancient History, Philosophy, and Classical Art & Archaeology, or for a career in high school teaching.

In addition to the senior-year capstone course, Humanism of Classical Antiquity, all majors (Classical Civilization, Latin, or ancient Greek) must complete a portfolio that highlights their best work and reflects upon their growth in the program. Contact Dr. Mannering, Undergraduate Programs Director, for more information. 

Majors, minors, and degree distinction in the Department of Classical Studies:

• the major and the minor in Classical Civilization
• the major and the minor in Ancient Greek
• the major and the minor in Latin
• the Classics bachelor's degree distinction

We also support several associated interdisciplinary programs.

 

The Major and Minor in Classical Civilization

Subjects are offered in a wide variety, including Classical mythology, literature, art, archaeology, law, religion and gender studies. Students may select courses for their major in Classical Civilization from three disciplinary angles-- ancient literature and languages, art and archaeology, history and culture -- so as as to achieve breadth of experience with and comprehension of the different facets of ancient Greek and Roman civilization. Course materials for this major are presented in English, but students have the option of substituting up to four courses (12 credit-hours) of coursework in ancient Greek or Latin at any level. In all, the major requires a total of 30 credit hours: eight elective courses, plus a year-long senior capstone course, "The Humanism of Antiquity" (CLST 383, 384).

The minor in Classical Civilization requires 18 credit hours, which may include the year-long senior capstone at students' option. Students pursuing the minor also have the option of substituting up to four courses (12 credit hours) of coursework in ancient Greek or Latin at any level for coursework presented in English. As with the majors, breadth of disciplinary experience is recommended, but not required.

Upon successful completion of their program, Classical Civilization students will

• understand the culture, ideas, and values of the ancient Greeks and Romans
• analyze written, visual, and material objects in accordance with the methodologies of the relevant disciplinary stream (literature & languages, art & archaeology, history & culture)
• formulate valid connections between the ancient world, its later receptions, and the problems and questions of the 21st century

For more information, please contact us.

 

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This page last updated 19 March 2018 by lgawlinski@luc.edu.