Classics
Director of undergraduate studies: Jessica Lamont; 304 Phelps Hall; classics.yale.edu
The Department of Classics offers a major in Classics, concentrating in either Greek or Latin literature, or in both literatures; a major in Classical Civilization; and, in conjunction with the Hellenic Studies program, a major in Ancient and Modern Greek. The diversity of subject matter covered by these majors makes Classics an excellent partner in interdepartmental major programs. Programs for all majors must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUS).
Course numbering
All CLCV courses are taught in translation, with no knowledge of Greek or Latin required. CLCV courses numbered 0001–0999 are First-Year Seminars, with enrollment limited to eighteen. CLCV courses numbered at the 1000-level and 2000-level are primarily introductory, lecture-style courses, which may or may not include a discussion-section component. CLCV courses numbered at the 3000-level and 4000-level are primarily intermediate and advanced discussion-oriented seminars, with enrollment limited to eighteen. The second digit of CLCV course codes indicates their subject: 1 designates Greek literature; 2 designates Latin literature; 3 designates general literature; 4 designates Greek history; 5 designates Roman history; 6 designates general history; 7 designates history of art; 8 designates archaeology; and 9 designates philosophy.
For language courses in Ancient Greek (GREK) and Latin (LATN), those at the 1000-level and 2000-level are introductory and intermediate courses (L1, L2, L3, and L4) designed to be taken in the first and second years for students with no prior knowledge. Those at the 3000-level are “bridge” courses designed to transition students from intermediate to advanced reading courses (L4 to L5). Those at the 4000-level are advanced seminar-style courses (L5). The final digit of each language course conveys what language designation it confers (e.g., GREK 2003 confers L3, LATN 4215 confers L5, etc.). The second and third digits order courses chronologically by latest author.
Placement Procedures
Students are encouraged to take courses as advanced as they can handle with profit and pleasure. The department, recognizing the great variety of preparation in ancient languages, wishes to accommodate incoming students in as flexible a manner as possible. Students who plan either to begin or to continue the study of Greek or Latin should consult the DUS and Classics Language Program Director as soon as possible.
Students who have had the equivalent of two years of college-level instruction may try a 4000-level course, though the faculty may recommend a 3000-level course instead. It is possible to take GREK 2004 or LATN 2004 after a 4000-level course or to be admitted to a 4000-level course after completion of GREK 2003 or LATN 2003.
Requirements of the Major in Classics
See Links to the attributes indicating courses approved for the Classics major requirements.
The major in Classics is primarily a liberal arts major. It provides a rigorous interdisciplinary education in the literature, material culture, and history that underlie Western civilization and other humanities disciplines; it can also provide foundational disciplinary expertise for students who wish to do professional graduate work. Students develop a mastery of the classical languages, become acquainted with important periods and major authors in Greek and Roman literature, and develop the linguistic, historical, and theoretical interpretative tools to analyze classical antiquity and its relevance in the modern world. All courses in the department emphasize a combination of precise analysis, original thought, creativity, and breadth of historical inquiry. Courses in other literatures, in history, in history of art, and in philosophy are strongly recommended for students enrolled in the Classics major.
The department recognizes three concentrations for this major: one aiming at knowledge of both ancient literatures, Greek and Latin; a second concentrating on Greek literature; and a third concentrating on Latin literature.
The concentration in two literatures requires no fewer than twelve term courses (including the senior requirement). These include six language courses in both Greek and Latin at the level of 3000 or above, of which no fewer than two must be taken in each language. These six courses must include GREK 4995 or LATN 4995. Also required are one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece (CLCV at the 1000- or 2000-level), one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome (CLCV at the 1000- or 2000-level), one course in a related field in ancient history, and one course in a related field in ancient history, ancient philosophy, classical art and archaeology, or classical civilization.
Students concentrating in one literature (Greek or Latin) are required to take no fewer than twelve term courses (including the senior requirement). These include six language courses in that literature at the level of 3000 or above and must include GREK 4995 or LATN 4995. Also required are one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece (CLCV at the 1000- or 2000-level), one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome (CLCV at the 1000- or 2000-level), a course in ancient history related to the chosen literature, and an additional course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, ancient philosophy, or classical civilization. Students are encouraged to do some work in the second language and may substitute two terms at the intermediate level (2003 and 2004) or higher in the second language for two 3000-level or 4000-level courses in the major literature.
Credit/D/Fail No course taken Credit/D/Fail may be applied toward the requirements of the major.
Outside credit Courses taken at another institution or during an approved summer or term-time study abroad program may count toward the major requirements with DUS approval.
Senior Requirement
Students must enroll in one or two semesters of the Classics Senior Tutorial (either CLSS 4998 or CLSS 4999, or both CLSS 4998 and CLSS 4999). The Senior Tutorial is designed to accommodate a range of culminating experiences in the field of Classics: an original work of scholarly research, an intensive study of language and literature based on a customized reading list, or an alternative creative project. A faculty advisor should be selected and a brief proposal submitted for approval by the end of the junior year. Students who elect the one-term Senior Tutorial must take one additional course to fulfill the requirements of the major; this can be any course designated CLCV, CLSS, LATN, or GREK; or—with approval of the DUS—a relevant course in another field of study.
Combined B.A./M.A. degree Exceptionally able and well-prepared students may complete a course of study leading to the simultaneous award of the B.A. and M.A. degrees after eight terms of enrollment. See Academic Regulations, section L, Special Academic Arrangements, “Simultaneous Award of the Bachelor's and Master's Degrees.” Interested students should consult the DUS prior to the sixth term of enrollment for specific requirements in Classics.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites None
Number of courses 12 term courses (incl senior requirement)
Specific courses required GREK 4995 or LATN 4995
Distribution of courses All concentrations—1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece, and 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome; 1 addtl course in ancient hist, classical art and archaeology, ancient philosophy, or classical civ; Two literatures concentration—6 courses in both langs at level 3000 or above, with one of those being GREK 4995 or LATN 4995; 1 course in ancient hist; One literature concentration—6 courses in lit at level 3000 or above, with one of those being GREK 4995 for the Greek major and LATN 4995 for the Latin major; 1 course in ancient hist related to lit of major
Substitution permitted One literature—2 courses in the other literature numbered 2003 and 2004 or higher for 2 courses in the major literature at the 3000-level or 4000-level
Senior requirement Two terms of Senior Tutorial (CLSS 4998 and CLSS 4999) or one-term of Senior Tutorial (CLSS 4998 or CLSS 4999) and an additional course
Requirements of the Major in Classical Civilization
See Links to the attributes indicating courses approved for Classical Civilization major requirements.
The major in Classical Civilization is designed to offer students an opportunity to study an entire Western civilization in its many diverse but related aspects. The literature, history, philosophy, religion, art, archaeology, and other aspects of Greek and Roman antiquity from the earliest beginnings in Greece to the Middle Ages are studied for their intrinsic artistic value, their historical significance, and their power to illuminate problems confronting contemporary societies. Each year, the department offers courses that focus on ways that subsequent ages have used and made sense of classical antiquity. Ancient texts are studied primarily in translation under the guidance of instructors who have expertise in Greek and Latin.
Candidates for the major complete at least twelve term courses (including the Senior Tutorial) in Classics and related departments. Of these, two must be in ancient history and/or classical art and archaeology, and two must be in Greek or Latin, or both, numbered 2003 or higher (the latter courses should be completed by the end of the junior year). Students must also take one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece (CLCV at the 1000- or 2000-level) and one term course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome (CLCV at the 1000- or 2000-level). It is strongly recommended that candidates elect one course each in the general areas of ancient epic, drama, philosophy, Roman civilization, and the classical tradition. Candidates for the major are encouraged to take related courses in other departments.
Credit/D/Fail Courses taken Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.
Senior Requirement
Students must enroll in one or two semesters of the Classical Civilization Senior Tutorial (either CLCV 4998 or CLCV 4999, or both CLCV 4998 and CLCV 4999). The Senior Tutorial is designed to accommodate a range of culminating experiences in the field of Classics: an original work of scholarly research, an intensive study of language and literature based on a customized reading list, or an alternative creative project. A faculty advisor should be selected and a brief proposal submitted for approval by the end of the junior year. Students who elect the one-term Senior Tutorial must take one additional course to fulfill the requirements of the major; this can be any course designated CLCV, CLSS, LATN, or GREK; or—with approval of the DUS—a relevant course in another field of study.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites None
Number of courses 12 term courses (incl senior requirement)
Specific courses required None
Distribution of courses 2 courses in ancient history and/or classical art and archaeology; 2 courses in Greek or Latin, or both, numbered 2003 or higher; 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece; and 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome
Senior requirement Two terms of Senior Tutorial (CLCV 4998 and CLCV 4999) or one-term of Senior Tutorial (CLCV 4998 or CLCV 4999) and additional course
Requirements Of the Major in Ancient and Modern Greek
See Links to the attributes indicating courses approved for Ancient and Modern Greek major requirements.
The major in Ancient and Modern Greek offers students an opportunity to integrate the study of postclassical Greek language, history, and culture with the departmental program in ancient Greek and classical civilization. The major covers Hellenic civilization from the Bronze Age to the modern day and traces the development of the language and the culture across traditionally drawn boundaries. The study of both ancient and modern Greek allows the student to appreciate how familiarity with one enriches understanding of the other and to chart the development of a language which has one of the oldest continuous written traditions in the world. The literature, history, philosophy, religion, and art of the ancient Greek and Greco-Roman worlds are studied both as ends in themselves and also as a foundation for appreciating later (medieval, Ottoman, and modern) developments in these areas. Students are encouraged to develop a sense of the continuity of Greek language and culture and an understanding of how Byzantine and modern forms relate to their ancient forebears.
The major in Ancient and Modern Greek requires at least twelve term courses. These include four term courses at the level of 3000 or above in ancient Greek, one of which should be GREK 4995, and four term courses consisting of: one term course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece (a course with the designation CLCV at the 1000- or 2000-level), one term course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome (a course with the designation CLCV at the 1000- or 2000-level), one term course in ancient Greek history, and at least one additional term course in the history, history of art, literature, or culture of the Greek-speaking Balkans or the Hellenic diaspora in the medieval, Ottoman, or modern period. Candidates are encouraged to take a wide range of courses in the areas of ancient philosophy, religion, art, and architecture. In addition, no fewer than two term courses in modern Greek (HELN) must be elected at the intermediate level (HELN 1300, HELN 1400) or above.
Credit/D/Fail Courses taken Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.
Senior Requirement
Students must enroll in one or two semesters of the Classics Senior Tutorial (either CLSS 4998 or CLSS 4999, or both CLSS 4998 and CLSS 4999). The Senior Tutorial is designed to accommodate a range of culminating experiences in the field of Classics: an original work of scholarly research, an intensive study of language and literature based on a customized reading list, or an alternative creative project. A faculty advisor should be selected and a brief proposal submitted for approval by the end of the junior year. Students who elect the one-term Senior Tutorial must take one additional course to fulfill the requirements of the major; this can be any course designated CLCV, CLSS, LATN, or GREK; or—with approval of the DUS—a relevant course in another field of study.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites None
Number of courses 12 term courses (incl senior requirement)
Specific courses required GREK 4995
Distribution of courses 4 term courses in ancient Greek numbered 3000 or higher, as indicated, and incl GREK 4995; 4 term courses in Greek and Roman history and lit, as indicated; 2 term courses in modern Greek at the intermediate level
Senior requirement Two terms of Senior Tutorial (CLSS 4998 and CLSS 4999) or one-term of Senior Tutorial (CLSS 4998 or CLSS 4999) and an additional course
Classics Major
12 courses (for 12 credits), including the senior requirement
Students chose to major in one of three concentrations
- Two literatures
- One literature: Greek
- One literature: Latin
Requirements for all the concentrations
- 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece
- 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome
- 1 additional course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, ancient philosophy, or classical civilization
- 2 terms of Senior Tutorial (CLSS 4998 and CLSS 4999) or one-term of Senior Tutorial (CLSS 4998 or CLSS 4999) and an additional course
Requirements for Two Literatures concentration
- 6 language courses in both Greek and Latin at level 3000 or above, with one of those being GREK 4995 or LATN 4995
- 1 additional course in ancient history
Requirements for One Literature concentration (either Greek or Latin)
- 6 language courses in literature at level 3000 or above, with one of those being GREK 4995 for the Greek major and LATN 4995 for the Latin major
- 1 course in ancient history related to the literature of the major
Classical Civilization Major
12 courses (for 12 credits), including the senior requirement
Requirements
- 2 courses in ancient history and/or classical art and archaeology
- 2 courses in Greek or Latin, or both, numbered 2003 or higher
- 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece
- 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome
- 2 terms of Senior Tutorial (CLCV 4998 and CLCV 4999) or one-term of Senior Tutorial (CLCV 4998 or CLCV 4999) and an additional course
Ancient and Modern Greek Major
12 term courses (for 12 credits), including the senior requirement
Requirements
- GREK 4995
- 4 courses in ancient Greek numbered 3000 or higher, including GREK 4995
- 4 courses in Greek and Roman history and literature
- 2 courses in modern Greek (HELN) at the intermediate level
- 2 terms of Senior Tutorial (CLSS 4998 and CLSS 4999) or one-term of Senior Tutorial (CLSS 4998 or CLSS 4999) and an additional course
The Classics department offers courses in the languages, literatures, and civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. Students may choose to major in Classics, with a focus in both Greek and Latin, in Latin, or in Greek; in Classical Civilization; or in Ancient and Modern Greek.
Students majoring in Classics develop a mastery of classical languages and become acquainted with major authors and genres in Greek and Roman literature, as well as the appropriate cultural and historical contexts for interpreting this literature. During the course of their study, students learn how to interpret Greek and Latin texts from the perspective of audiences and readers in antiquity and to understand the way in which these texts have circulated in subsequent periods. Courses in other literatures, in history, and in philosophy are strongly recommended for students enrolled in the Classics major.
The Classical Civilization major offers students an opportunity to study the ancient Mediterranean, with a focus on ancient Greece and Rome in its many diverse but related aspects. The major spans the literature, history, philosophy, religion, art, archaeology, and other aspects of Greek and Roman antiquity from early Greek history to the early Middle Ages. Each year the department also offers a number of courses that focus on the dialogue between antiquity and modernity, exploring ways in which Greek and Roman literature, art, and thought might illuminate questions and problems confronting contemporary society. Greek and Roman texts are studied primarily in translation under the guidance of instructors who know these texts in the original languages.
The major in Ancient and Modern Greek, offered in conjunction with the Hellenic Studies program, allows students to integrate the study of postclassical Greek language, history, and culture with the departmental program in ancient Greek and classical civilization. The major covers Hellenic civilization from the Bronze Age to the modern day and traces the development of the language and the culture across traditionally drawn boundaries. The literature, history, philosophy, religion, and art of the ancient Greek and Greco-Roman worlds are studied both as ends in themselves and also as a foundation for appreciating later (medieval, Ottoman, and modern) developments in these areas.
Students in all three majors are encouraged to pursue interests in related fields, such as linguistics, history of art, archaeology, history, or philosophy.
There are no placement examinations in Latin or ancient Greek. Students who want advice about what level of course to take should consult the director of undergraduate studies (DUS) and Classics language program director before the start of the fall term.
The introductory courses in ancient Greek and Latin are:
- GREK 1001, Beginning Greek: The Elements of Greek Grammar
- GREK 1002, Beginning Greek: Review of Grammar and Selected Readings
- GREK 1012, Intensive Beginning Greek
- LATN 1001, Beginning Latin: The Elements of Latin Grammar
- LATN 1002, Beginning Latin: Review of Grammar and Selected Readings
- LATN 1012, Intensive Beginning Latin
General survey courses in classical civilization that are frequently offered include:
- CLCV 1711, Art & Myth in Greek Antiquity
- CLCV 1901, Introduction to Ancient Philosophy
- CLCV 2401, Introduction to Ancient Greek History
- CLCV 2402, Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic World
- CLCV 2501, The Roman Republic
- CLCV 2502, The Roman Empire
- CLCV 2685, The Ancient Economy
Certificates of Advanced Language Study
The Classics Department offers a Certificate of Advanced Language Study to non-majors in ancient Greek and in Latin. A certificate adviser, typically the director of undergraduate studies (DUS), advises students on the certification process. The Certificate of Advanced Language Study, once certified, is listed on the student transcript.
Requirements
Students seeking to earn the certificate are required to take four courses in ancient Greek or Latin beyond the L4 level (i.e., four L5 courses; 3000- or 4000-level Greek or 3000- or 4000-level Latin courses). All courses must be taken for a letter grade, and students must achieve a grade of B or above. With the approval of the certificate adviser, one course, such as an independent study course (graded pass/fail), a graduate seminar, or an advanced seminar, may count toward certification requirements.
The certificate adviser may allow one “language across the curriculum” (LxC) course taught in English to count toward the certification requirements, provided the course includes, at minimum, a weekly discussion section conducted entirely in the target language. The discussion section must enroll a minimum of three students and the course must be designated as LxC in the course description.
The adviser may also approve the substitution of up to two credits earned during study abroad and taught in the target language to count toward the certificate requirements. If the adviser approves courses taken outside of Yale for inclusion in the certificate requirements, students must take the necessary steps to ensure those courses appear on their transcripts.
Credit/D/Fail No courses taken Credit/D/Fail may be counted toward the requirements of the certificate.
Declaration of Candidacy
Students must declare their intention to earn a Certificate on the Declare Major, Concentration within the Major, Certificate page on Yale Hub, as early as possible, but at the very latest, by the 15th of January or September in their last semester at Yale. Once declared, Degree Audit tracks students' progress toward completion of the certificate.
FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICS
Professors Egbert Bakker, Kirk Freudenburg, Milette Gaifman, Verity Harte, Brad Inwood, Christina Kraus, Noel Lenski, Pauline LeVen, Joseph Manning, James Uden
Associate Professor Andrew Johnston
Assistant Professors Malina Buturović, Alexander Ekserdjian, Benedek Kruchió, Jessica Lamont, Erika Valdivieso
Lectors John Dillon, James Patterson, Timothy Robinson