Modern Languages - Classical Studies
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One of two major Western classical languages, the Latin language, along with the associated Roman culture, provide the basis for much of the cultural, religious, and linguistic traditions that shape the way we live even today. Coming to know the Roman language and culture can help you to better understand how our modern American world works—and how, sometimes, it doesn't. Moreover, by learning Latin and discussing literature, you will develop your skills at critical thinking, reading, writing, and self-expression. Students can take Latin, Greek or Classics courses to count toward their language requirements for the B.A., pursue a minor in Classical Studies or a secondary major in International and Area Studies. |
| Spring 2026 Line Schedule | Fall 2026 Line Schedule |
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CLSCS105 - Latin and Greek for Scientists online asynchronous |
The course is designed specifically to provide students of the biological sciences a background in Latin and Greek roots of scientific terms. Emphasis on prefixes, suffixes, and word derivations. No prior knowledge of either Latin or Greek is required.
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CLSCS 309 - Introduction to Classical Literature in Translation: Greek and Roman Mythology |
An introduction to Greek and Roman mythology and modern retellings of these ancient narratives. Students will encounter gripping stories about war, power, class, family, duty, foreignness, love, and death. By completing thematic and creative reflections, students will have the opportunity to respond critically and constructively to primary texts and to produce their own original receptions of ancient Greece and Rome. Counts toward:
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CLSCS 501 - Topics in Classical Studies: Love in the Time of Pirates |
In this course, we will read the seven novels that survive (more or less) from antiquity. Five of these novels explore the boundaries of idealized, perfect love; perhaps not coincidentally, the other two explore the depths of human depravity. In our readings of the novel, we will discuss how the first novelists invented the genre as a useful tool for discussing not just love, but gender roles, cultural and ethnic identity, religion, and how best to lie to a pirate. Counts toward:
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| Spring 2026 Line Schedule | Fall 2026 Line Schedule |
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LATIN 101 - Latin I (4 credits) |
An introductory course to ancient Latin focused on developing the skills necessary to read authentic Latin texts from ancient Rome. Students will learn about Roman culture, myth, and history by reading (adapted) passages by authors from the 2nd c. BCE–1st c. CE. No prior knowledge of Latin is required. Counts toward:
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| LATIN 102 - Latin II (4 credits) |
Continuation of Latin 101. Students will continue developing their language skills by reading an (adapted) Roman play. Counts toward:
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| LATIN 301 - Latin III |
Continuation of Latin 102. In this intermediate level reading course, students will build familiarity with a specific author of Latin prose. In addition to building their skill with Latin, students will explore questions relating to authorship, genre, and cultural and historical context. Counts toward:
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| LATIN 302 - Latin IV |
Continuation of Latin 201. In this intermediate level reading course, students will build familiarity with a specific author of Latin poetry (e.g., Ovid, Plautus, Vergil). In addition to building their skill with Latin, students will explore questions relating to authorship, genre, and cultural and historical context. Counts toward:
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The Classical Studies Minor requires 6 courses (18 credits). Two Latin or Greek Intermediate courses, two core humanities courses, and two ancillary courses (English, History, Music, Political Sciences or Theatre) approved by the department of Modern Languages. Study Abroad and Retroactive Credit apply toward the Classical Studies Minor. Please see our list of courses below.
To declare a minor, please complete this form.
Language Requirement (6 credits)
Two courses of intermediate language in either Latin or Greek:
- Latin 301 (3) and Latin 302 (3)
- Greek 301 (3) and Greek 302 (3)
Core Humanities Courses (6 credit hours)
- CLSCS 309 - Introduction to Classical Literature in Translation Credits: 3
- CLSCS 310 - Introduction to Classical Mythology in Translation Credits: 3
- CLSCS 501 - Topics in Classical Literature in Translation Credits: 3
- CLSCS 502 - Topics in Classical Studies Credits: 3
- CLSCS 549 - Special Studies in Classics Credits: 1-5
Ancillary Courses with Classical Content (6 credit hours)
- ENGL 230 - Classical Cultures Credits: 3
- ENVD 250 - History of the Designed Environment I Credits: 3
- HIST 567 - Europe in the Middle Ages Credits: 3
- HIST 585 - Medieval Christianity Credits: 3
- MUSIC 530 - Music History I: Ancient Greece through 1700 Credits: 3
- POLSC 661 - Ancient and Medieval Political Thought Credits: 3
- THTRE 572 - History of Theatre I Credits: 3