Classical Civilization Major Requirements

The ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome have influenced all successive western societies, leaving a legacy that includes ideas about democracy, empire, myth, society, race, gender, and philosophy. For students who want to focus on the study of the history, culture, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, we suggest that you begin with the 100-level course that is of interest to you.

(1) Foundation / Introductory Course (1 course)

  • CLA 101: Introduction to Greek and Roman Antiquity

This course provides a general survey of the history, geography, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. In addition, it will introduce students to the various sub-disciplines used to study these cultures.

(2) Subject Courses (3 courses)

Three courses, one from each of the following three subject groups (some courses may overlap categories – e.g. Ancient Greek and Roman Historiography (CLA 220) may be used to satisfy either the History or the Literature requirement, but not both):

Literature

  • CLA 110: Classical Mythology
  • CLA 140: Classical and Scriptural Background
  • CLA 160: History of Ancient Philosophy
  • CLA 210: Ancient Drama
  • CLA 211: Ancient Epic
  • CLA 212: Theories of Myth
  • CLA 213: Hercules: Myth and Legacy
  • CLA 265: Selected Topics in Ancient Philosophy
  • Any LAT/CGR at the 200 level or above

History

  • CLA 120: History of the Ancient Greek World
  • CLA 121: History of the Ancient Roman World
  • CLA 123: Alexander the Great
  • CLA 124: Sacred Spaces in Greece
  • CLA 167a: Democracy: Past and Present
  • CLA 167b: Who Owns the Past?
  • CLA 220: Ancient Greek and Roman Historiography
  • CLA 221: Economy and Society in Classical Antiquity
  • CLA 222: Slavery in Classical Antiquity
  • CLA 223: War and Society in Classical Antiquity
  • CLA 224: The Greeks and the Persian Empire
  • CLA 225: Ethnic Identity in Classical Antiquity

Archaeology/Culture

  • CLA 130: Introduction to Archaeology
  • CLA 131: The Ancient City
  • CLA 132: Great Sites in Archaeology
  • CLA 208: Medicine, Magic, Miracles: Healing in Antiquity
  • CLA 230: Classical Archaeology: Greek Art and Archaeology
  • CLA 231: Classical Archaeology: Roman Art and Archaeology
  • CLA 232: Etruscan Art and Archaeology
  • CLA 233W: Building, Engineering, and Society in Classical Antiquity
  • CLA 234: Pompeii and the Bay of Naples
  • CLA 240: Ancient Roman Religion
  • CLA 241: Ancient Greek Religion
  • CLA 244: Jews, Pagans, and Christians
  • CLA 290: Field Methods in Archaeology
  • CLA 291: Advanced Field Methods in Archaeology
  • CLA 292: Monuments of Italy: History, Structure, Form

(3) Concentration Courses (2 courses)

Two additional courses, both drawn from one of the subject areas listed above, determined in consultation with the major advisor. At least one of these courses must be at the 200-level. Work completed in these two courses will ideally contribute to the Senior Capstone Experience.

(4) Electives (4 courses)

Four additional courses drawn from the department’s offerings in Classics (CLA), Greek (CGR), and Latin (LAT), which the student should select after consulting his or her major advisor.

(5) Senior Capstone Experience (1 course)

As part of the major, students are expected to propose and complete a capstone experience. This should be a culminating experience that builds on an area of strength already demonstrated through coursework. The capstone experience should include a four-credit course or equivalent, and it should also involve a significant writing component. In tandem with or subsequent to the capstone experience, students must enroll in the Senior Capstone Workshop (CLA 389), a one-credit course in which students will refine the write product of the capstone experience and make a public presentation of the work carried out.