Classical Civilization courses
Classics courses
Greek courses
Latin courses
Director of undergraduate studies: Emily Greenwood, M04 PH, 432-9457, emily.greenwood@yale.edu
FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICS
Professors Egbert Bakker, Victor Bers, Susanne Bobzien, Kirk Freudenburg (Chair), Emily Greenwood, Verity Harte, Donald Kagan, Diana Kleiner, Christina Kraus, Joseph Manning, John Matthews, William Metcalf (Adjunct)
Associate Professor Milette Gaifman
Assistant Professors Joshua Billings, John Fisher, Pauline LeVen, Irene Peirano, Barbara Sattler
Lecturers Ann Ellis Hanson, Susan Matheson, Timothy Robinson, Joseph Solodow
The Department of Classics offers a major in Classics, a major in Classical Civilization, and (in conjunction with the Hellenic Studies program) a major in Ancient and Modern Greek. The diversity of subject matter covered by these majors makes classics an excellent partner in interdepartmental major programs.
Placement policy Students are encouraged to take courses as advanced as they can handle with profit and pleasure. The department, recognizing the great variety of preparation in ancient languages, wishes to accommodate incoming students in as flexible a manner as possible. Students who plan either to begin or to continue the study of Greek or Latin should consult members of the departmental faculty as soon as practicable.
Students who have had the equivalent of two years of college-level instruction may try a 400-level course. It is possible to take GREK 141 or LATN 141 after a 400-level course, or to be admitted to a 400-level course after completion of GREK 131 or LATN 131. Freshmen are encouraged to take advantage of the initial course selection period before course schedules are due to find the most appropriate course.
THE MAJOR IN CLASSICS
The major in Classics is primarily a liberal arts major. It provides an excellent general education in a comprehensive humanistic discipline; it can also give the background necessary for those who wish to do professional graduate work. Students develop a mastery of the classical languages, become acquainted with important periods and major authors in Greek and Roman literature, and develop powers of critical analysis, appreciation of literary values, and understanding of the ancient cultural traditions that constitute the foundation of Western civilization. Courses in other literatures, in history, and in philosophy are strongly recommended for students enrolled in the Classics major.
The candidate for the Classics major may elect either the standard or the intensive major. In both these majors the department recognizes two kinds of concentration, one aiming at knowledge of both ancient literatures, the other concentrating on either Greek or Latin literature. Courses taken Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.
The standard major A standard major in both literatures requires no fewer than ten term courses. These include six term courses in Greek and Latin at the level of 390 or above, surveys of the history of Greek and Latin literature in translation (CLCV 254 and 255), and two additional courses in related areas of history and art. The language courses must include GREK 390 or LATN 390 and five term courses at the level of 400 or above. One of the additional courses in a related field must be a term course in ancient history, and the other must be a term course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, or classical civilization.
Students majoring in one literature (Greek or Latin) are required to take no fewer than ten term courses. These include six term courses in that literature at the level of 390 or above, surveys of the history of Greek and Latin literature in translation (CLCV 254 and 255), a term course in ancient history related to the chosen literature, and an additional term course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, or classical civilization. The language courses must include GREK 390 or LATN 390 and at least five term courses at the level of 400 or above. Students are encouraged to do some work in the second language and may substitute two terms at the intermediate level (131 and 141) in the second language for two 400-level courses in the major literature.
Senior requirement At the end of the senior year the student majoring in both literatures takes a comprehensive examination in the history of Greek and Latin literature and in translation of both languages; the student majoring in one literature takes a senior departmental examination in the history of the literature of the major and in translation of that literature.
The intensive major Students who desire a larger measure of independence than the standard major offers may elect the intensive major. In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the standard major (in both literatures, in Greek, or in Latin), students in the intensive major devote two terms in the senior year to writing an essay (CLSS 490 and 491) under the regular guidance of a faculty adviser. A brief prospectus of the essay must be submitted preferably at the end of the junior year and in no case later than October 15 of the senior year. The candidate must submit two copies of the senior essay to the director of undergraduate studies no later than April 1 of the senior year.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR
Prerequisites None
Number of courses 10 term courses
Specific courses required GREK 390 or LATN 390; CLCV 254 and 255
Distribution of courses Two literatures—6 courses in both langs at level 390 or above, with at least 5 at 400 level or above; 1 course in ancient hist; 1 addtl course in ancient hist, classical art and archaeology, or classical civ; One literature—6 courses in lit at level 390 or above, with at least 5 at 400 level or above; 1 course in ancient hist related to lit of major; 1 addtl course in ancient hist, classical art and archaeology, or classical civ
Substitution permitted One literature—2 courses in the other lit numbered 131 or higher for 2 courses in major lit at 400 level
Senior requirement Senior dept exam in hist and translation of Greek and Latin lit (two lits) or major lit (one lit)
Intensive major Senior essay (CLSS 490, 491) in addition to above
THE MAJOR IN CLASSICAL CIVILIZATION
The major in Classical Civilization is designed to offer students an opportunity to study an entire Western civilization in its many diverse but related aspects. The literature, history, philosophy, religion, art, archaeology, and other aspects of Greek and Roman antiquity from the earliest beginnings in Greece to the Middle Ages are studied for their intrinsic artistic value, their historical significance, and their power to illuminate problems confronting members of contemporary society. Ancient texts are studied primarily in translation, though under the guidance of instructors who know ancient literature in the original languages.
Candidates for the major complete at least twelve term courses (including the senior seminar) in Classics and related departments. Of these, two must be in ancient history and/or classical art and archaeology; and two must be in Greek or Latin, or both, numbered 131 or higher (the latter courses should be completed by the end of the junior year). Students must also take two survey courses, CLCV 254 and 255. It is strongly recommended that candidates elect one course each in the general areas of ancient epic, drama, philosophy, and Roman civilization. Candidates for the major are encouraged to take related courses in other departments. Courses taken Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.
Senior requirement Students devote both terms of the senior year to a significant project of original research, usually an essay, under the guidance of a faculty adviser (CLCV 450, 451). A brief prospectus of the project must be submitted to the director of undergraduate studies preferably at the end of the junior year and in no case later than October 15 of the senior year. The completed project must be submitted to the department no later than April 1 of the senior year. If the student has written an essay, two copies are required.
Programs for all majors must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR
Prerequisites None
Number of courses 12 term courses (incl two-term senior sem)
Specific courses required CLCV 254, 255
Distribution of courses 2 courses in ancient hist and/or classical art and archaeology; 2 courses in Greek or Latin (or both) numbered 131 or higher
Senior requirement Senior project (CLCV 450, 451)
THE MAJOR IN ANCIENT AND MODERN GREEK
The major in Ancient and Modern Greek offers students an opportunity to integrate the study of postclassical Greek language, history, and culture with the departmental program in ancient Greek and classical civilization. The major covers Hellenic civilization from the Bronze Age to the modern day, and traces the development of the language and the culture across traditionally drawn boundaries. The study of both ancient and modern Greek allows the student to appreciate how familiarity with one enriches understanding of the other, and to chart the development of a language which has one of the oldest continuous written traditions in the world. The literature, history, philosophy, religion, and art of the ancient Greek and Greco-Roman worlds are studied both as ends in themselves and also as a foundation for appreciating later (medieval, Ottoman, and modern) developments in these areas. Students are encouraged to develop a sense of the continuity of Greek language and culture, and an understanding of how Byzantine and modern forms relate to their ancient forebears.
The standard major The major in Ancient and Modern Greek requires at least ten term courses. These include four term courses at the level of 390 or above in ancient Greek, surveys of the history of Greek and Latin literature in translation (CLCV 254 and 255), and one term course in ancient Greek history. The language courses should include GREK 390. Candidates are encouraged to take a wide range of courses in the areas of ancient philosophy, religion, art, and architecture. In addition, no fewer than two term courses in modern Greek must be elected at the intermediate level (MGRK 130, 140) or above, as well as at least one additional term course in the history, art history, literature, or culture of the Greek-speaking Balkans or the Hellenic diaspora in the medieval, Ottoman, or modern period. Courses taken Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.
Senior requirement At the end of the senior year the student takes a comprehensive examination in the history of Greek literature.
The intensive major Students who desire a larger measure of independence than the standard major offers may elect the intensive major. In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the standard major, students in the intensive major devote two terms in the senior year to writing an essay (CLSS 490 and 491) under the regular guidance of a faculty member. A brief prospectus of the essay must be submitted preferably at the end of the junior year and in no case later than October 15 of the senior year. The candidate must submit two copies of the senior essay to the director of undergraduate studies no later than April 1 of the senior year.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR
Prerequisites None
Number of courses 10 term courses
Specific courses required GREK 390, CLCV 254, 255
Distribution of courses 4 term courses in ancient Greek numbered 390 or higher; 1 term course in ancient Greek hist; 2 term courses in modern Greek numbered 130 or higher; 1 term course in postclassical Greek hist or culture
Senior requirement Senior dept exam
Intensive major Senior essay (CLSS 490, 491) in addition to above
