Classical Studies- Bachelor of Arts
For information, contact the Department of French, Italian, and Classical Studies, 207 Irvin Hall, 513-529-7508.
Classics draws on the study of literature, art, archaeology, philosophy, history, political theory, law, medicine, and religion to understand the societies of ancient Greece and Rome in their broader Mediterranean context. Foundation courses introduce students to classical mythology and Greek and Roman civilization. Upper-level seminars explore topics such as gender and sexuality, ancient religion, race and ethnicity, law and medicine, ancient cities, drama and spectacle. Today concepts in the Classics continue to influence debates about self and state, and appear regularly in modern popular culture. Courses in the department examine topics like the representation of classical antiquity in Hollywood film and the reception of classical thought and literature in Russia and colonial America. This major gives you a broad spectrum of classical culture and humanities courses with the option of an emphasis on study in classical languages.
The study of ancient Greek and Latin has provided the foundation of classical education for centuries. The study of classical languages fosters the development of skills that remain essential for today’s students, including an enhanced ability to process and apply detailed information through memorization and textual analysis. At the same time, reading the work of ancient authors in their own language provides unprecedented access to ancient Greek and Roman culture on its own terms. The study of Latin greatly facilitates students’ acquisition of other Romance languages, while Greek is the language of the Christian Bible. Finally, the study of Greek and Latin expands students’ English vocabulary by introducing them to English word roots, while giving students’ invaluable exposure to key terminology in a range of professions, not least medicine and law.
Students interested in the study of ancient Greek should consult the Department.
Program Requirements
(36-38 semester hours)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses (minimum 6 semester hours) | 6-8 | |
| Option 1: Select 2 of the following (6 hours) | ||
| Greek Civilization in its Mediterranean Context | ||
| Roman Civilization: From City to Empire | ||
| Greek and Roman Mythology | ||
| Option 2: 2 GRK courses OR 2 LAT courses at 100-200 level (6-8 hours) | ||
| Advanced Courses (21 semester hours) | 21 | |
| Select 21 additional semester hours from the following, including at least one CLS course at the 300 level. | ||
Any CLS, GRK, or LAT course 200 or above | ||
| Greek and Roman Sculpture | ||
| Greek and Roman Painting | ||
| Greek and Roman Decorative Arts | ||
| Ancient Philosophy | ||
| Capstone, choose the following: | 3 | |
| Senior Seminar | ||
| Related Hours: | 6 | |
| Choose from such areas as anthropology, architecture, art, history, language, literature, philosophy, and religion to make up an integrated plan of study in Classical Studies. Up to four hours of Greek or Latin at the 100 level may be counted toward this requirement if not counted in Option 2 above. You must obtain the written approval of your Chief Departmental Advisor for any related hours courses. | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 36-38 | |
College of Arts & Science Writing Requirement (CAS-W) can be met with any CLS 300 level course.
By permission of the instructor and provided that they meet the program eligibility requirements, students may also earn up to 3 credits towards the major by serving as an Undergraduate Associate in a 100 or 200-level class. This experience is especially recommended for students considering a career in education. See the CDA for details.
Graduate work in Classics, Greek, Latin or Classical Archaeology requires not only appropriate experience reading Greek and Latin, but a reading knowledge of French or German as well. Students planning to go to graduate school should consult with the department as early as possible to design an appropriate course of study.