The Classics Major

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The major in Classics is a liberal arts major with enormous potential for the pursuit of interdisciplinary interests. Students attain strong proficiency in Greek and/or Latin and are trained to develop powers of critical analysis through the study of ancient literature, history, art, archaeology, philosophy, and culture. At Yale, students may pursue a major concentration in both Greek and Latin, in Greek only, or in Latin only. Students should refer to the Yale College Programs of Study for detailed degree requirements.

Students interested in beginning or continuing the study of Greek and Latin should consult our placement procedures.

Pursuing a Classics 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 (dus.classics@yale.edu) as soon as possible to discuss a program of study, no later than the beginning of their junior year. Degree Audit—Yale’s software for tracking degree progress—will automatically track student progress in the major.

Requirements at a Glance

  • Six reading courses in ancient Greek and/or Latin appropriate to the student’s concentration, including one on ancient linguistics and composition.
  • One course on the literature and culture of ancient Greece.
  • One course on the literature and culture of ancient Rome.
  • One course on ancient history appropriate to the student’s concentration.
  • One course in history, classical art and archaeology, ancient philosophy, or classical civilization.
  • A one- or two-semester senior project. A one-semester project requires students to complete an additional reading course to bring the total number of courses in the major to 12.

Questions?

For questions, please reach out to the Director of Graduate Studies.

Email the DUS

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