Ancient Greek

Cultural knowledge and the ability to use a foreign language are essential components of a liberal arts education. In addition to language courses, the faculty offer a wide variety of literature and culture courses, both in English and in foreign languages. Students who already know the languages may take advanced courses to enrich their understanding of the humanities in these traditions; sequences of such courses can become important components of interdisciplinary concentrations, minors, or double majors that complement a student’s primary field of study. The department’s “in-translation” courses give students an understanding of the ancient Western and Asian classics and of various modern Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cultures. These courses can serve as valuable supplements to work in such other departments as art, comparative literature, English, history, and philosophy. They can also complement coursework in fields where knowledge of Classical, Middle Eastern, and Asian cultures and languages can be an important component; these include anthropology, economics, linguistics, political science, urban studies, and women’s studies.

The department stresses the importance of critical thinking, research, and writing skills for all undergraduates; we work with students to develop interdisciplinary concentrations, minors, or double-majors linked to a diverse range of interests, fields of study, and professional orientations. In addition, we work closely with other departments and programs to sponsor visiting international writers and scholars in order to explore and emphasize a broad range of global issues.

Major programs are available in Ancient Greek, Latin, Classics, Chinese, and Hebrew as well as East Asian, Middle Eastern, and Religious Studies. East Asian Studies majors may choose one of three tracks (Chinese, Japanese, or Area Studies), and may focus on Korean within the Area Studies track. Hebrew and Classical Hebrew may be taken as part of the Jewish Studies major, as may Aramaic and Yiddish, usually in the form of an independent study. Students may enroll in minors in all areas of the department.

Department Awards

The department awards prizes for excellence in language and literature study. Upon the recommendation of the program coordinator, students will receive honors in one of the department’s major or minor programs if they maintain an average of 3.7 in courses above the elementary language level and take at least 24 credits in the program, including at least 14 credits of language and 6 credits of work in courses at or above the third-year level.

Classics, Ancient Greek, and Latin

Classics courses, offered in English, expose students to the literature and civilization of the ancient world as presented in the original writings of ancient poets, historians, orators, and philosophers. All reading is done in translation. Beginning and advanced courses in Latin and Ancient Greek provide students with a reading knowledge of the ancient languages. The first year in each case is largely devoted to forms, grammar, and short practice passages. Continuous reading is introduced in the second year.

Majors in Classics, Ancient Greek, and Latin, and the Minor in Classical Studies

To graduate with a major in Ancient Greek or Latin, students must attain a C average in the courses for their major.

Course Placement

Students who have had previous training in Latin or Ancient Greek should consult the department. Note that GREEK 251 has no prerequisites and is the beginner’s course for all students who have not had any formal instruction in Ancient Greek.