Major & Minor Requirements

Major in Classics
Minor in Classics
Major in Ancient Studies
Minor in Ancient Studies

Major in Classics

The major in Greek or Latin requires a minimum of eight courses above the elementary level.

In Greek, this would be fulfilled by taking:

Greek W 4139, Elements of Greek Prose Style
Greek W 4105-6, History of Greek Literature

and also five other classes including Greek V 3996x Major Seminar.

In Latin, this would be fulfilled by taking:

Latin W 4139, Elements of Latin Prose Style
Latin W 4105-6, History of Latin Literature

and also five other classes including Latin V 3996x Major Seminar.

Greek or Latin V 3996 may be substituted for a semester of the survey or for elements of prose style, but students planning to go on to graduate study in classics are strongly urged to take both semesters of W 4105, W 4106.

In addition, two semesters of ancient history appropriate to the major are required. For one of these, however, a relevant course in ancient art, classical civilization or literature, ancient philosophy, or religion may be substituted.

Majors in Latin, especially thosewho have begun their study in high school, are strongly advised to take at least two semesters of Greek.

A student may elect to major in both Greek and Latin by completing the major requirements in one language and five courses above the elementary level in the other.

Minor in Classics

The minor in Greek, Latin, or Modern Greek requires five courses above the elementary level.

Major in Ancient Studies

Each student, after consultation with the Representative for Barnard, chooses an advisor whose field is closely related to her own and with whom she will do her senior reading. The programs of all the students are reviewed by the Ancient Studies Committee, in order to maintain control and a sense of collective enterprise.

A total of 36 points are required in the major, including at least four courses in one geographical area or period; courses in at least three departments to ensure proper interdisciplinary training and expertise; the elementary sequence of a relevant ancient language; the appropriate history course; and at least the first semester of Ancient Studies V 3990, V 3999.

In some cases, a senior seminar in one of the departments may be substituted for Ancient Studies V 3990, V 3999. Ancient language courses may be used toward the major requirement; however, where a second ancient language is offered, one second-year sequence must be offered for a student to gain credit for the first year.

Minor in Ancient Studies

There is no minor offered in Ancient Studies.


2007-2008 Barnard College Department of Classics and Ancient Studies
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