Majors and Minors

The Department of Classical Studies offers three closely related major programs: Greek, Latin, classical civilization. Majors in Greek and Latin are based entirely on courses in the original languages while the classical civilization major combines work in the original languages with courses taught in English on the history, literature, society, and material culture of the ancient world. A related, interdepartmental major, classical and Near Eastern archaeology, brings together courses in classical studies with course work in other departments. Classes in Greek and Latin are conducted in English and encourage close analysis of the ancient texts, with emphasis on their literary and historical values.

The major in classical civilization offers the opportunity to explore the ancient world through an integrated, cohesive program of courses worked out by the student and her advisor. Individual programs are tailored to meet students’ specific interests, such as classical literature, ancient theater, ancient philosophy and political theory, ancient religion, and the classical tradition.

A major in Greek provides an opportunity to learn about the ancient Hellenic world directly through the study of ancient language and to examine the authors’ original idiom and expression in historical context.

A major in Latin provides an opportunity to learn about the ancient Roman world directly through the study of ancient language and to examine the authors’ original idiom and expression in historical context.

Directions for Election

Greek and Latin: Students majoring in Greek must complete four units of 300-level work in the Greek language. Students majoring in Latin are normally required to complete four units of 300-level work in the Latin language, and study of Vergil, either in 201 or at the 300 level, is strongly recommended. Eight units are required for each major. Students majoring in Greek or Latin are advised to elect some work in the other language. It should be noted that work in both Greek and Latin is essential for graduate studies in the classics.

Advanced Placement Policies and Language Requirement: A student entering Wellesley must have an Advanced Placement score of 5 to satisfy the foreign language requirement. All students who wish to elect a 200-level or higher Latin course must take Wellesley’s Latin placement examination. AP courses will not be counted toward any major offered by the Classical Studies department.

Classical Civilization: A student who wishes to major in classical civilization should plan with her major advisor an appropriate sequence of courses, which should include one unit each in at least two of the following three areas: (1) literature (2) history, society, religion and philosophy (3) art and archaeology. The major program requires nine units ordinarily including at least four units of work (or two units of 300-level work) in either Greek or Latin, and either CLCV 102 or CLCV 104 and two units at the 300 level, one of which must be classical civilization or Greek or Latin. Programs proposed for the major must be approved by the major advisor and the department chair. Courses in ancient history, ancient art, ancient philosophy, and classical civilization are recommended as valuable related work. Students are strongly encouraged to elect at least one course involving the material culture of the ancient world.

Honors Program: The department of classical studies offers honors programs in Greek, Latin, classical civilization, and classical and Near Eastern archaeology. The only route to honors in the major is writing a thesis and passing an oral examination. To be admitted to the thesis program, a student must have a grade point average of at least 3.5 in all work in the major field above the 100-level; the department may petition on her behalf if her GPA in the major is between 3.0 and 3.5. See Academic Distinctions.

Teacher Certification: Students interested in obtaining certification to teach Latin and classical humanities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should consult the department chair and the chair of the Department of Education.

Related Courses

Attention Called

ARTS 107 Book Arts Studio

For Credit Toward the Majors

ANTH 206 Archaeology (CLCV, CNEA)
ANTH 242 “Civilization” and “Barbarism” during the Bronze Age, 3500–2000 B.C.E. (CNEA)
ARTH 100 Introduction to the History of Art Part I: Ancient and Medieval Art (CLCV, CNEA)
ARTH 100/WRIT 125 Introduction to the History of Art Part I: Ancient and Medieval Art (CLCV, CNEA)
ARTH 241 Egyptian Art (CLCV, CNEA)
ARTH 242 Life, Love, and Art in Ancient Greece (CLCV, CNEA)
ARTH 243 Roman Art (CLCV, CNEA)
HEBR 201-202 Intermediate Hebrew (CNEA)
HIST 229/329 Alexander the Great: Psychopath or Philosopher King (CLCV, CNEA)
HIST 230 Greek History from the Bronze Age to the Death of Philip II of Macedon (CLCV, CNEA)
HIST 231 History of Rome (CLCV, CNEA)
ITAL 263 Dante (in English) (CLCV)
PHIL 201 Ancient Greek Philosophy (CLCV)
POL4 240 Classical and Medieval Political Theory (CLCV)
REL 104 Study of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament (CLCV, CNEA)
REL 105 Study of the New Testament (CLCV, CNEA)
REL 211 Jesus of Nazareth (CLCV)
REL 241 Emerging Religions: Judaism and Christianity 150 B.C.E to 500 C.E. (CLCV)
REL 243 Women in the Biblical World (CLCV)
REL 244 Jerusalem: The Holy City (CLCV, CNEA)
REL 298 New Testament Greek (CLCV) (GRK)
REL 305 Seminar: The Book of Genesis
REL 308 Seminar. Paul’s Letter to the Romans (CLCV)
REL 310 Seminar. Mark, the Earliest Gospel (CLCV)
REL 342 Seminar. Archaeology of the Biblical World (CLCV, CNEA)

• Contact: Pat Bois, pbois@wellesley.edu
• Created By: Rebecca Kayes '07
• Created: June, 2007
• Last Modified: July 2, 2007
• Expires: September 1, 2007