Classical Studies Major

The Classical Studies major offers instruction in the Greek and Latin languages, in Greek and Roman literature (studied in the original and in translation), in the classical civilizations surveyed as a whole, and in particular themes, genres, and periods of classical culture and its influence through subsequent ages.

We recognize that students come to the study of ancient Greece and Rome with a whole spectrum of different kinds of interest. Some will want to concentrate on learning the ancient languages and reading the classical texts in the original Greek or Latin. Others will desire a broader introduction to the cultures of Greece and Rome and their legacy. Still others will be looking for some combination of these two approaches. With this in mind, the Classical Studies major provides maximum flexibility without sacrifice of focus. We cater to students who wish to prepare for graduate school in Classics, and also to students who are interested in Greek and Roman culture for other reasons, and who wish to take a less specialized approach.

As such, the Classical Studies department offers two tracks to satisfy the requirements for a BA. The Classical Languages track emphasizes the ancient languages and reading classical texts in the original; the Classical Civilizations track allows for a broader set of approaches and does not include a language requirement.

For the Classical Languages track, students must complete 30 semester hours (10 courses) listed under Greek, Latin, or Classics, including at least 2 of the following 3 courses: Clas 107 Greek Civilization and its Legacy; Clas 108 Roman Civilization and its Legacy; and Clas 235 Classical Mythology. They must also complete at least: a) one course in Greek at the 200 level or higher; b) one course in Latin at the 200 level or higher; and c) two courses in Greek or Latin at the 300 level or higher. Any course that satisfies c) also satisfies a) or b).

For the Classical Civilizations track, students must complete 30 semester hours (10 courses) listed under Greek, Latin, or Classics, including at least 2 of the following 3 courses: Clas 107 Greek Civilization and its Legacy; Clas 108 Roman Civilization and its Legacy; and Clas 235 Classical Mythology.

In addition to courses listed under "Classics," some courses offered by the departments of Art History, History, and Philosophy also satisfy requirements for the Classical Studies major. For advice about which ones, consult any member of the Classical Studies faculty.

Note: the requirements for the Classical Studies major have changed. The new requirements (above) will be effective for students declaring a Classical Studies major in 2009-2010 or later. Others should consult the General Announcements for 2008-2009, or talk to the undergraduate advisor.

Classical Studies majors will also, if they wish, have the opportunity to engage in research. In the final semester of study, a student majoring in Classical Studies may enroll in Classics 493, in which the student writes a senior thesis on a topic of the student’s choice and in close consultation with a particular faculty member. Further information on the Classical Studies major is available from faculty members. Faculty also help students arrange travel to Greece or Italy , whether to work on a dig or to study at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome. For more information on study abroad, see below.

 

Classical Legacy Program

The Classical Studies department also offers a program in the Classical Legacy. Using courses in translation, this program makes classical antiquity accessible to a wide range of students and offers those students basic knowledge of major trends in Western intellectual and cultural history. Courses offer grounding in classical literature, art, thought, and history and relate classical culture to later attempts in post classical and contemporary cultures to assimilate, emulate, and recreate classical models. A highlight of the Classical Legacy program is CLAS 321, a 2-week study-trip to Rome at the end of the spring semester, organized and run by Rice professors for Rice students.