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The Major In Classics

Photo of Greek vesselThe major in Classics is primarily a liberal arts major, with enormous potential for the pursuit of interdisciplinary interests. Students attain proficiency in Greek and Latin, and are trained to develop powers of critical analysis in studying the important periods and major authors of Greek and Roman literature. Ancient art, history, and culture are studied both as an end in themselves, and as a key to understanding later developments in Western history and civilization. Students are encouraged to take a wide range of courses in neighboring fields such as history, philosophy, and comparative literature.

Admission to the major

There are no formal prerequisite courses. Students interested in majoring in Classics may start both languages from scratch at Yale, or may enter the program at an appropriate level with prior experience from high school, etc. All students interested in majoring Classics should meet with the director of undergraduate studies as soon as possible to discuss a program of study, and no later than the beginning of the junior year.

The Standard Major

The requirements for the standard major are

A: The Standard Major in Greek and Latin

  • Students majoring in both literatures must take two surveys, one in Athenian culture (CLCV 256a) and the other in Roman culture (CLCV 257b).
  • The language courses must include GREK 390a or LATN 390a. At least five term courses at the level of 400 or above in Greek or Latin should also be taken, though this requirement may exceptionally be reduced by the director of undergraduate studies.
  • Two additional courses in related areas of history and art are required. One of the additional courses must be a term course in ancient history, and the other a term course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, or classical civilization.

B: The Standard Major in Greek or Latin

  • Students majoring in one literature must take two surveys, one in Athenian culture (CLCV 256a) and the other in Roman culture (CLCV 257b) and a total of six term courses in the language at the level of 390 or above.
  • The language courses must include GREK 390a or LATN 390a.
  • Two additional courses in related areas of history and art. One of the additional courses must be a term course in ancient history related to the chosen literature, and the other term course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, or classical civilization. Students are encouraged to do some work in the second language and may substitute two terms at the 131 level and above in the second language for two 400-level courses in the major language (for example, two terms of Latin at the 131 level and above if the student is majoring in Greek).

Senior requirement for the Standard Major

At the end of the senior year the student majoring in one literature takes a comprehensive examination in the history of the literature of the major and in translation of that literature. The student majoring in both literatures takes two comprehensive examinations in the history of Greek and Latin literature and in translation of both languages; the exams are usually taken at the end of the Junior and Senior years, in either order.

Combined BA/MA program in Classics

Yale allows students to complete simultaneously BA and MA degrees in the same department in 4 years, as long as the student meets certain requirements. In addition to all the regular requirements for the undergraduate major, the student must complete 8 credits in the graduate school (2 of these credits can count both towards undergraduate and graduate credits). For details, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Andrew Johnston (andrew.johnston@yale.edu).

The Intensive Major in Greek and Latin

The intensive major is designed for students who desire the opportunity for a larger measure of independence than the standard major offers. Besides fulfilling the requirements of the standard major (in both literatures, in Greek or in Latin), students in the intensive major devote one or two terms in the senior year to writing an essay (CLSS 490a and 491b for the two-term essay, 492 for the one-term essay, fall or spring) under the regular guidance of a faculty adviser. Please see departmental guidelines (opens as PDF for the senior essay (including a list of key deadlines).

Divisio​n of courses

  • Courses in Greek and Latin are divided by level:
  • Beginning language courses are numbered 110-120.
  • Intermediate (second year) language courses are numbered 131–141.
  • Advanced courses are numbered in the 400s: except that each year one 400 course is designated a “bridge” course, being intended as a bridge between the 300 and 400 (advanced) level. Students are advised to take this course before other 400-level courses.
  • Advanced seminars are numbered in the 600s: these require advance permission of the instructor, and are open only to Juniors and Seniors. If in doubt please consult the DUS.
  • Graduate level courses are numbered in the 800s: these may exceptionally be taken by qualified undergraduates, by permission of the DUS and DGS. They are never available on a Cr/D/F basis.