The Department of Classical Languages offers four different majors with an increasing level of emphasis on the ancient languages: Classical Studies, Latin, Greek, or Classical Languages.

Classical Studies

This is an excellent liberal arts major. The prototypical interdisciplinary field, Classical Studies combines work in language, history, culture, and literature of the ancient world. This major provides a very useful background for further work in philosophy, art history, ancient religion, medieval studies, or English. It is a good choice for pre-med and pre-law students, as well as students looking for a strong general education in the liberal arts. Students anticipating further work in Classics should supplement the requirements of this major with more courses in the ancient languages. Requirements: 30 credits of work in Greek and/or Latin, including at least 24 credits of language work beyond the 102 level; 36 additional credits in the general area of classical civilization, including Classics 110 and one Greek and one Roman history course. Further courses in the languages may be included in this group. Students must choose a particular focus within the general area of classical civilization and shape their program around it. Normally this will involve a concentration on either Greek or Roman civilization with work in the appropriate language. Students must register for six credits of Integrative Exercise during their senior year.

Greek

This major is intended for students who want a thorough introduction to the language and literaure of Greece. It is an excellent major for students who wish to go on in seminary or in philosophy. Students anticipating further work in Classics should supplement the requirements of this major with more courses in Latin. Requirements: 36 credits in Greek beyond Greek 102. In addition, students must take 30 additional credits in the general area of classical civilization including Classics 110 and Greek History. Students must also register for six credits of Integrative Exercise during their senior year.

Latin

This major is intended for students who want a thorough introduction to the language and literaure of Rome. It is an excellent major for students who wish to go on in English or Romance languages, or in medieval studies. Students anticipating further work in Classics should supplement the requirements of this major with more courses in Greek. Requirements: 36 credits in Latin beyond Latin 102. In addition, students must take 30 additional credits in the general area of classical civilization including Classics 110 and Roman History. Students must also register for six credits of Integrative Exercise during their senior year.

Classical Languages

This major is intended for students who plan to pursue graduate work in classics or who want a thorough introduction to the language and literature of both Greece and Rome. Requirements: 30 credits in Latin beyond Latin 102, plus 24 credits in Greek beyond Greek 102; or 30 credits in Greek beyond Greek 102, plus 24 credits in Latin beyond Latin 102. In addition, students must take the following in-translation courses: Classics 110 and one course dealing with Greek or Roman history, depending on the language emphasized. All students must register for a total of six credits of Integrative Exercise during their senior year.

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Opportunities for Off-Campus Study

Term, Semester, and Academic Year Programs

We encourage all of our students to do some form of study abroad. There are excellent programs available in both Italy and Greece, as well as archaeological digs around the Mediterranean. The ideal time to be away from Carleton is during the Fall Term of the junior year, so students should plan early and confer closely with the department chair when looking at their options. Our students have most commonly studied in Rome with the ICCS Program run by Duke University, and in Greece with the Beaver Program. There are other options, though, some of which are listed below, and some of which have brochures filed in the Classics Department Lounge.

ICCS: Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome

Arcadia Center for Education Abroad (formerly the Beaver Program in Greece)

College Year in Athens (one semester programs available)

Summer Programs

While Carleton does not ordinarily grant degree credit for work done elsewhere over the summer, students can advance their placement in the languages with summer study as well as enriching their knowledge of the ancient world. A comprehensive list of summer programs is available here, courtesy of earthlink and Wesleyan College.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some things lots of students have asked us about Classics. If you want to know the answer to a question not asked here, please feel free to e-mail Clara Hardy, chair, and she will tell you anything you'd like to know about the program.

Can I fulfill Carleton's Language Requirement with Latin or Greek?

Yes, you can! The language requirement is fulfilled by completing either Greek or Latin 204 with a grade of C- or better. You can also exempt from the language requirement by taking and passing our placement exam, given every year during New Student Week and by arrangement with the Department Chair.

Can I get Carleton credit for the Latin AP exam?

If you have a score of 5 on the Latin Literature AP, you can get 6 credits if you pass the Latin Placement Exam given during New Student Week, or if you place into and complete Latin 204 with a grade of C- or better.

Can I combine a minor in Classics with a major in another field?

Carleton does not offer minors. The language departments offer a close equivalent, however, in the Certificate of Advanced Study, on which see below.

What's the Certificate of Advanced Study?

The Certificate of Advanced Study in Foreign Language and Literature or Foreign Language and Area Studies is a credential that will appear on your transcript and diploma, signifying significant work in a language. It is the virtual equivalent of a minor in the field. To receive the certificate in Greek or Latin, a student must complete both a linguistic and a cultural component as follows:

1) To satisfy the linguistic component, a student must complete with a grade of B or better TWO courses in the language beyond 204.
2) To satisfy the cultural component, a student must complete with a grade of B or better THREE courses in literature or area studies. This includes all literature and culture courses in the language; and appropriate classics, history, political science, art history or philosophy courses in English
3) Complete the application process.

Can I get certified to teach Latin at the high school level?

Yes, Carleton offers a secondary teaching certificate. Students interested in obtaining certification in Latin should consult with Jackson Bryce, Professor of Classical Languages, and Deborah Appleman, Chair of Educational Studies.

To qualify for a secondary teaching certificate in Latin, students must complete the following requirements:

1) A major in Classical Languages, Latin, Greek, or Classical Studies.
2) Four Latin courses above Latin 204.
3) A methods course and supervised student teaching of the language.

What can I do with a Classics Major?

We have a whole page devoted to that one! Try the Why Classics link.

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Last modified 10 February 2000 by the Classics Department.