Classics
Director of undergraduate studies: Andrew Johnston [Spring 2024]; Jessica Lamont [Fall 2024/Spring 2025]; 311 Phelps Hall; classics.yale.edu
The Department of Classics offers a major in Classics, concentrating in either Greek or Latin literature, or in both literatures; 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. Programs for all majors must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUS).
Course numbering
All CLCV courses are taught in translation, with no knowledge of Greek or Latin required. CLCV courses numbered 001–099 are First-Year Seminars, with enrollment limited to eighteen. CLCV courses numbered at the 100-level and 200-level are primarily introductory, lecture-style courses, which may or may not include a discussion-section component. CLCV courses numbered at the 300-level are discussion-oriented seminars, with enrollment limited to fifteen.
For courses in Ancient Greek (GREK) and Latin language (LATN), those at the 100-level are introductory and intermediate courses (L1, L2, L3, and L4), while those at the 400-level are advanced seminar-style courses (L5).
Placement Procedures
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 possible.
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.
Requirements of the Major in Classics
The major in Classics is primarily a liberal arts major. It provides a rigorous interdisciplinary education in the literature, material culture, and history that underlie Western civilization and other humanities disciplines; it can also provide foundational disciplinary expertise for students 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 the linguistic, historical, and theoretical interpretative tools to analyze classical antiquity and its relevance in the modern world. All courses in the department emphasize a combination of precise analysis, original thought, creativity, and breadth of historical inquiry. Courses in other literatures, in history, in art history, and in philosophy are strongly recommended for students enrolled in the Classics major.
The department recognizes three concentrations for this major, one aiming at knowledge of both ancient literatures, Greek and Latin; one concentrating on Greek literature, and the third concentrating on Latin literature.
Students are held to the requirements that were in place when they declared their major. However, with approval from the director of undergraduate studies (DUS), the following requirements, updated for the academic year 2023-2024, may be fulfilled by students who declared the major in a prior term.
The concentration in two literatures requires no fewer than twelve term courses (including senior requirement). These include six language courses in both Greek and Latin at the level of 390 or above, of which no fewer than two must be taken in each language. These six courses must include GREK 403 or LATN 390. Also required are one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), one course in a related field in ancient history, and one course in a related field in ancient history, ancient philosophy, classical art and archaeology, or classical civilization.
Students concentrating in one literature (Greek or Latin) are required to take no fewer than twelve term courses (including the senior requirement). These include six language courses in that literature level of 390 or above, and must include GREK 403 or LATN 390. Also required are one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), a course in ancient history related to the chosen literature, and an additional course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, ancient philosophy, or classical civilization. Students are encouraged to do some work in the second language and may substitute two terms at the intermediate level (131 and 141) or higher in the second language for two 400-level courses in the major literature.
Credit/D/Fail Courses taken Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.
Senior Requirement
Students must enroll in one or two semesters of the Classics Senior Tutorial (CLSS 498, or CLSS 498 and CLSS 499). The Senior Tutorial is designed to accommodate a range of culminating experiences in the field of Classics: an original work of scholarly research, an intensive study of language and literature based on a customized reading list, or an alternative creative project. A faculty advisor should be selected and a brief proposal submitted for approval by the end of the junior year. Students who elect the one-term Senior Tutorial must take one additional course to fulfill the requirements of the major; this can be any course designated CLCV, CLSS, LATN, or GREK; or–with approval of the DUS–a relevant course in another field of study.
Combined B.A./M.A. degree Exceptionally able and well-prepared students may complete a course of study leading to the simultaneous award of the B.A. and M.A. degrees after eight terms of enrollment. See Academic Regulations, section L, Special Academic Arrangements, “Simultaneous Award of the Bachelor's and Master's Degrees.” Interested students should consult the DUS prior to the sixth term of enrollment for specific requirements in Classics.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites None
Number of courses 12 term courses (incl senior requirement)
Specific courses required GREK 403 or LATN 390
Distribution of courses All concentrations—1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece, and 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome; 1 addtl course in ancient hist, classical art and archaeology, ancient philosophy, or classical civ; Two literatures concentration—6 courses in both langs at level 390 or above, with one of those being GREK 403 or LATN 390; 1 course in ancient hist; One literature concentration—6 courses in lit at level 390 or above, with one of those being GREK 403 for the Greek major and LATN 390 for the Latin major; 1 course in ancient hist related to lit of major
Substitution permitted One literature—2 courses in the other literature numbered 131 or higher for 2 courses in the major literature at 400 level
Senior requirement Two terms of Senior Tutorial (CLSS 498 and CLSS 499) or one-term Senior Tutorial (CLSS 498) and an additional course
Requirements of 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 contemporary societies. Each year, the department offers courses that focus on ways that subsequent ages have used and made sense of classical antiquity. Ancient texts are studied primarily in translation, under the guidance of instructors who have expertise in Greek and Latin.
Students are held to the requirements that were in place when they declared their major. However, with approval from the director of undergraduate studies (DUS), the following requirements, updated for the academic year 2023-2024, may be fulfilled by students who declared the major in a prior term.
Candidates for the major complete at least twelve term courses (including the Senior Tutorial) 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 one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), and one term course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level). It is strongly recommended that candidates elect one course each in the general areas of ancient epic, drama, philosophy, Roman civilization, and the classical tradition. Candidates for the major are encouraged to take related courses in other departments.
Credit/D/Fail Courses taken Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.
Senior Requirement
Students must enroll in one or two semesters of the Classics Senior Tutorial (CLSS 498, or CLSS 498 and CLSS 499). The Senior Tutorial is designed to accommodate a range of culminating experiences in the field of Classics: an original work of scholarly research, an intensive study of language and literature based on a customized reading list, or an alternative creative project. A faculty advisor should be selected and a brief proposal submitted for approval by the end of the junior year. Students who elect the one-term Senior Tutorial must take one additional course to fulfill the requirements of the major; this can be any course designated CLCV, CLSS, LATN, or GREK; or–with approval of the DUS–a relevant course in another field of study.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites None
Number of courses 12 term courses (incl senior requirement)
Specific courses required None
Distribution of courses 2 courses in ancient history and/or classical art and archaeology; 2 courses in Greek or Latin, or both, numbered 131 or higher; 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece, and 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome
Senior requirement Two terms of Senior Tutorial (CLSS 498 and CLSS 499) or one-term Senior Tutorial (CLSS 498) and additional course
Requirements Of 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.
Students are held to the requirements that were in place when they declared their major. However, with approval from the director of undergraduate studies (DUS), the following requirements, updated for the academic year 2023-2024, may be fulfilled by students who declared the major in a prior term.
The major in Ancient and Modern Greek requires at least twelve term courses. These include four term courses at the level of 390 or above in ancient Greek, one of which should be GREK 403; and four term courses, to consist of: one term course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece (a course with the designation CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), one term course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome (a course with the designation CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), one term course in ancient Greek history, and 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. 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, MGRK 140), or above.
Credit/D/Fail Courses taken Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.
Senior Requirement
Students must enroll in one or two semesters of the Classics Senior Tutorial (CLSS 498, or CLSS 498 and CLSS 499). The Senior Tutorial is designed to accommodate a range of culminating experiences in the field of Classics: an original work of scholarly research, an intensive study of language and literature based on a customized reading list, or an alternative creative project. A faculty advisor should be selected and a brief proposal submitted for approval by the end of the junior year. Students who elect the one-term Senior Tutorial must take one additional course to fulfill the requirements of the major; this can be any course designated CLCV, CLSS, LATN, or GREK; or–with approval of the DUS–a relevant course in another field of study.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites None
Number of courses 12 term courses (incl senior requirement)
Specific courses required GREK 403
Distribution of courses 4 term courses in ancient Greek numbered 390 or higher, as indicated and incl GREK 403; 4 term courses in Greek and Roman history and lit, as indicated; 2 term courses in modern Greek at the intermediate level
Senior requirement Two terms of Senior Tutorial (CLSS 498 and CLSS 499) or one-term Senior Tutorial (CLSS 498) and additional course
Classics Major
12 courses (for 12 credits), including the senior requirement
Students chose to major in one of three concentrations
- Two literatures
- One literature: Greek
- One literature: Latin
Requirements for all the concentrations
- 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece
- 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome
- 1 additional course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, ancient philosophy, or classical civilization
- 2 terms of Senior Tutorial (CLSS 498 and CLSS 499) or one-term Senior Tutorial (CLSS 498) and an additional course
Requirements for Two Literatures concentration
- 6 courses in both Greek and Latin at level 390 or above, with one of those being GREK 403 or LATN 390
- 1 additional course in ancient history
Requirements for One Literature concentration (either Greek or Latin)
- 6 courses in literature at level 390 or above, with one of those being GREK 403 for the Greek major and LATN 390 for the Latin major
- 1 course in ancient history related to the literature of the major
Classical Civilization Major
12 courses (for 12 credits), including the senior requirement
Requirements
- 2 courses in ancient history and/or classical art and archaeology
- 2 courses in Greek or Latin, or both, numbered 131 or higher
- 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece
- 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome
- 2 terms of Senior Tutorial (CLSS 498 and CLSS 499) or one-term Senior Tutorial (CLSS 498) and additional course
Ancient and Modern Greek Major
12 term courses (for 12 credits), including the senior requirement
Requirements
The Classics department offers courses in the languages, literatures, and civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. Students may choose to major in Classics, with a focus on Latin, Greek, or Greek and Latin; in Classical Civilization; or in Ancient and Modern Greek.
Students majoring in Classics develop a mastery of classical languages and become acquainted with major authors and genres in Greek and Roman literature, as well as the appropriate cultural and historical contexts for interpreting this literature. During the course of their study, students learn how to interpret Greek and Latin texts from the perspective of audiences and readers in antiquity, and to understand the way in which these texts have circulated in subsequent periods. Courses in other literatures, in history, and in philosophy are strongly recommended for students enrolled in the Classics major.
The Classical Civilization major offers students an opportunity to study the ancient Mediterranean, with a focus on ancient Greece and Rome in its many diverse but related aspects. The major spans the literature, history, philosophy, religion, art, archaeology, and other aspects of Greek and Roman antiquity from early Greek history to the early Middle Ages. Each year the department also offers a number of courses that focus on the dialogue between antiquity and modernity, exploring ways in which Greek and Roman literature, art, and thought might illuminate questions and problems confronting contemporary society. Greek and Roman texts are studied primarily in translation, under the guidance of instructors who know these texts in the original languages.
The major in Ancient and Modern Greek, offered in conjunction with the Hellenic Studies program, allows students 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 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 in all three majors are encouraged to pursue interests in related fields, such as linguistics, art history, archaeology, history, or philosophy.
There are no placement examinations in Latin or ancient Greek. Students who want advice about what level of course to take should consult the director of undergraduate studies (DUS) prior to the start of the fall term.
The introductory courses in ancient Greek and Latin are:
- GREK 110, Beginning Greek: The Elements of Greek Grammar
- GREK 120, Beginning Greek: Review of Grammar and Selected Readings
- GREK 125, Intensive Beginning Greek
- LATN 110, Beginning Latin: The Elements of Latin Grammar
- LATN 120, Beginning Latin: Review of Grammar and Selected Readings
- LATN 125, Intensive Beginning Latin
General survey courses in classical civilization include:
Certificates of Advanced Language Study
The Classics Department offers a Certificate of Advanced Language Study to non-majors in ancient Greek and in Latin. A certificate adviser, typically the director of undergraduate studies (DUS), advises students on the certification process. The Certificate of Advanced Language Study, once certified, is listed on the student transcript.
Requirements
Students seeking to earn the certificate are required to take four courses in ancient Greek or Latin beyond the L4 level (four L5 courses; 400-level Greek or 400-level Latin courses), at least two of which must be Yale courses designated as L5. All courses must be taken for a letter grade, and students must achieve a grade of B or above. With the approval of the certificate adviser, one course, conducted in the target language, such as an independent study course, a graduate seminar, or an advanced seminar may count toward certification requirements.
The certificate adviser may allow one “language across the curriculum” (LxC) course taught in English to count toward the certification requirements, provided the course includes at minimum a weekly discussion section conducted entirely in the target language. The discussion section must enroll a minimum of three students and the course must be designated as LxC in the course description.
The adviser may also approve the substitution of up to two credits earned during study abroad and taught in the target language to count toward the certificate requirements. If the adviser approves courses taken outside of Yale for inclusion in the certificate requirements, students must take the necessary steps to ensure those courses appear on their transcripts.
Credit/D/Fail No courses taken Credit/D/Fail may be counted toward the requirements of the certificate.
Declaration of Candidacy
Students must submit a Declaration of Candidacy for a Certificate form, as early as possible, but at the very latest, before the start of the student’s last semester at Yale. The form can be found on the University Registrar’s Office website. Once declared, Degree Audit tracks students' progress toward completion of the certificate.
FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICS
Professors Egbert Bakker, Kirk Freudenburg, Milette Gaifman, Verity Harte, Brad Inwood, Christina Kraus, Noel Lenski, Pauline LeVen, Joseph Manning
Associate Professor Andrew Johnston
Assistant Professors Jessica Lamont, Erika Valdivieso
Lecturers Susan Matheson, James Patterson, Timothy Robinson, Joseph Solodow