Classical Studies

Introduction 

The major in Classical Studies can be accomplished through a combination of courses in Latin and/or Ancient Greek, with courses in Classical Civilization, which require no ancient languages.  Courses in Classical Mythology, in Classical Literature in translation, in Classical Archaeology, and in Ancient History are listed under Classical Civilization. The foreign language requirement may be fulfilled in either Latin or Ancient Greek by completing a language course at the intermediate level (LATN 112, GREK 112) or above.  Because of the cumulative nature of language study, the department urges exposure as early as possible to the elementary languages and a continuation of high school studies as early as possible in the college career.  

Courses appropriate for prospective majors

Test scores and credits that may affect course selection  

 High School Latin Study 
A student who has taken Latin for at least three years, including the last two years in high school, should request Latin 111. A student with less or less recent Latin should request Latin 101, or else 102 (Spring only) on consultation with a member of the classics department. Students are urged to consult with a member of the department via email if they have any questions or concerns, or in person during the Placement Exam period of Orientation.

Advanced Placement scores: course credit and/or placement 
A student who has achieved a grade of 4 or 5 on an AP test in Latin will be granted credit for college work; he or she will also receive placement in the appropriate Latin course. A student who has scored a grade of 3 on the AP test will receive placement only, and should request Latin 111. 

SAT II Latin Subject Test 
A student who has achieved a score of 700-800 should request Latin 111. A student who has achieved a score of 600-699 should request Latin 102 (Spring only). A student who has achieved a score of less than 600 should request Latin 101.

To continue studying Ancient Greek 
Students who wish to continue studying Ancient Greek should confer with a member of the department via email or in person during the Placement Exam period of Orientation.

Language requirement: Students must successfully complete a language course at the intermediate level - GREK 112, LATN 112. 

Division Ia:  CLST 241, Ancient Philosophy

Division Ib:   CLST 110, Introduction to Greek Civilization 
LATN 233, Roman Historians 
LATN 234, Ovid 
GREK 233, Herodotus 
GREK 234, Greek Tragedy

Division Ic:  CLST 100, Greek and Roman Mythology
CLST 140, Ancient Worlds on Film

Division II:  CLST 253, Roman History.

Writing Intensive: LATN 234, Lucretius, and any 300 level Greek or Latin course

Note: If one of these courses is used for Division II, the student cannot use another History course to fulfill that requirement.  

For course descriptions and requirements for the major, refer to the Academic Bulletin: Classical Studies.

Opportunities for off-campus study

Many Classical Studies majors have taken advantage of the Intercollegiate Center in Rome, a special school for study of the classics and art history.  Here all instruction is carried on in English, by American professors and under the American system, surrounded by the monuments in Rome. Other students have taken part in the Advanced Studies in England program in Bath and Oxford. Majors who have strong interests in other humanities subjects in adddition to classics have benefited from this excellent program. Study in Greece is also available through the College Year in Athens program, for one or two semesters, and the Classics Advanced Semester Program (CASP), in Athens.  The department also supports through direct funding the DEPAS excavation project in Greece, led by Prof. Maggidis, and available to Dickinson archaeology students with the proper prerequisites.

Additional Remarks

Career opportunities: Our graduates are teachers, physicians, lawyers, business executives, computer experts, directors of museums, and actors, to mention only a few.  The careers of our graduates fully justify our commitment to an education in the classics as a promising road to future success. The department endeavors above all to provide a liberal arts education with the special skills that give its alumni powerful advantages in almost any career a person may choose. 

The department is especially pleased with its outstanding record of preparing teachers for America’s secondary schools, both public and private.  In addition, many of our graduates who have continued their professional training in graduate school are now professors of the classical languages in colleges and universities across the nation.

Flowchart for Placement Information