Classics
Classics | Courses
| Faculty
524 Herter Hall
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Contact: Rex Wallace
Office: 520 Herter
Phone: 545-5779
Chair of Department:ÝAssociate Professor Keitel; Chief Undergraduate
Adviser: Professor Rex Wallace. Professors Grose, Kitchell, Philippides;
Assistant Professors Breed, Felton, Ramsby; Associated Faculty: Professors La
Follette (Art History); Moebius (Comparative Literature); Barton, (History);
Freeman (English); Matthews (Philosophy).
The Field
Classical studies is an interdisciplinary field, embracing every aspect of
the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome and the formidable influence of those
cultures on the subsequent development of western civilization. Classical studies
provides valuable insight into the ways in which the past has shaped the world's
present languages, literatures, religions, political and scientific thought,
and artistic traditions. The first requirement of a student in classics is a
knowledge of the original language. All Classics majors, therefore, are expected
to complete a four-semester sequence in one of the classical languages. Students
may take Greek (ancient or New Testament) or Latin (nonintensive or intensive
sequences). The intensive sequence of Latin is taught both during the academic
year and during the summer sessions. Modern Greek is also taught in the department.
The Major
Students who major or double-major in Classics must complete at least 10 courses
(30 credits) in classics, Greek, or Latin in addition to the University General
Education courses. Approved courses in other departments or in the Five Colleges
may be substituted. Only three of these credits may be taken Pass/Fail, and
normally a grade of C or better must be earned in each course.
Students interested in a Classics major should contact a member of the department,
or seek advice from the Chief Undergraduate Adviser, Professor Rex Wallace,
Herter 520, tel. 545-5779. Students may obtain a full descriptive brochure with
the exact requirements for the major from a rack on the fifth floor of Herter
Hall or from Arts and Sciences Advising or the Robsham Visitors Center. The
brochure describes the programs of the Classics Department, as well as career
opportunities for those majoring or double-majoring in Classical Studies.
Every student majoring in Classics, in consultation with the Chief Undergraduate
Adviser, chooses a faculty member for regular advice on course selection, career
choice, graduate level studies, internships, and study abroad.
Study abroad, especially in Greece or Italy, is strongly recommended for majors
in classics. The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome offers
a semester (either fall or spring) in residence in Rome, Italy. Valuable summer
programs are sponsored by the Vergilian Society in Cuma, Italy; the American
Academy in Rome; and the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. The
Department of Classics is affiliated with most of the above organizations.
Internships, both short-term and long-term, are available in a wide variety
of regional and national businesses, art and history museums, and archives.
Classics students also regularly participate in archaeological excavations,
both in the United States and abroad.
A separate major, Classics and Philosophy, is jointly administered by the Departments
of Classics and Philosophy.
Career Opportunities
A major in classics, the oldest discipline in the liberal arts, is excellent
preparation for any occupation or profession, including business, government,
law, politics, management, computing, publishing, seminary, medicine, teaching;
and is especially valuable for vocations requiring refined analytical and verbal
skills. The major also prepares a student for graduate work in all areas of
classical studies: archaeology, language and literature, ancient history, and
museum studies.
There is currently, throughout the United States, a critical shortage of qualified
teachers of Latin at the secondary level. Because teaching at the high school
level in public schools requires a teaching certificate, prospective teachers
of Latin should concentrate in the Greek and Latin Languages area (see above)
and continue their studies at the Master's level, either at the University or
elsewhere, in Latin and Education. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not
grant teaching certificates without an M.A. degree or its equivalent.
The Minors
The Classics Department offers minors in three areas: Greek Language, Latin
Language, and Classical Civilization. Each acquaints the student with an important
facet of Greek and/or Roman society. The minors are designed not only to be
useful and enjoyable, but also to furnish a sound foundation in each of the
three areas. They also offer an easy transition from the minor to the major.
Students interested in a classics minor should consult with the Chief Undergraduate
Adviser.
The Greek Minor: at least 18 credits, to include the completion of courses
in Greek through GREEK 320 and two classics courses at the 200-level or above.
The Latin Minor: at least 18 credits, to include the completion of two
courses in Latin at the 300-level, and two classics courses at the 200-level
or above.
The Classical Civilization Minor: at least 18 credits in classics courses
at the 200-level or above, in addition to CLSICS 100 or 102.
Students wishing to transfer credits from other institutions to meet the requirements
for a minor at the University, to substitute equivalent courses, to obtain an
authorizing signature, or simply to get information about a minor, should consult
the Chief Undergraduate Adviser, Professor Wallace, 520 Herter.
Classics | Courses
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