Languages
CLASSICAL LANGUAGES
Greek and Latin are considered the traditional classical languages, although Hebrew has sometimes been included in that category. We accept Arabic in our classical languages track as well. Your choices should depend upon your long-term goals. Graduate programs like to see Latin and Greek taken to the advanced level, with multiple semesters of study in each. Typical is a minimum requirement of the equivalent of three years of college level Latin and two years of Greek. Some knowledge of history is recommended, as well as some experience of French or German, but these are secondary to the acquisition of the ancient languages of Latin and Greek. More flexibility is available to those less interested in continuing into graduate school in Classics. For example, Hebrew or Arabic might be substituted for either language, or more courses may be taken in translation instead of in the original, etc.
a) 101 The Classical Mediterranean and Middle East
b) Another 100-level course in the department that provides a comprehensive introduction to part of the Classical Mediterranean and Middle East. Good choices include:
- 121 Greek World
- 122 Roman World
- 127 Women, Gender & Sexuality in Ancient Greece & Rome
- 129 Greek Myths
- 130 Early Arab and Persian Empires
- 135 India & Rome
- 145 Pagans, Christians & Jews
c) Seven courses involving classical languages and literatures in the original language (Greek, Latin, Hebrew or Arabic). Courses must be taken in at least two different languages and involve at least one class at the advanced level. Arabic students may take seven courses in Arabic or six courses in Arabic and a third context course to meet these requirements.
d) 490 Senior Seminar.
Students must also take a course that includes a major research project prior to the Senior Seminar.
For those interested in graduate school, the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome is a particularly good choice for study away.
MIDDLE EASTERN LANGUAGES
If you are interested in pursuing Arabic or Hebrew at the graduate level, the more language courses you can take the better, and you should plan to study away where you can receive an immersion experience if possible.
a) 101 The Classical Mediterranean and Middle East
b) Another 100-level course in the department that provides a comprehensive introduction to part of the Classical Mediterranean and Middle East. We would particularly recommend:
- 130 Early Arab and Persian Empires
- 135 India & Rome
- 145 Pagans, Christians & Jews
c) Seven courses involving classical languages and literatures in the original language (Greek, Latin, Hebrew or Arabic). Courses must be taken in at least two different languages and involve at least one class at the advanced level. Arabic students may take seven courses in Arabic or six courses in Arabic and a third context course to meet these requirements.
d) 490 Senior Seminar.
For study away, we strongly recommend a semester in the modern Middle East. Classical Mediterranean and Middle East majors have studied in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Israel and other countries.